Expert: Tomay - 9/11/2006

Question
My cat is a little bit over a year now and I have gotten him nuetered but he peed on my couch about two months ago and now he goes back to the same exact spot and keeps peeing. I do not know what to do to keep him off. I have used a steam cleaner every time to try to get out the smell but it won't come out completely. I don't know what to do and I do not want to replace my couch. It is only a year old. Help?

Answer
Hello Mary Kate,
When urine dries it crystalizes.  When water, in the form of steam, for example, is added, it reconstitutes the crystals and the urine smell is again apparent.  There are products specifically designed to help rid the crystals from the soiled area.  Enzymes break down and remove these crystals and will completely remove the odor from the couch.  Look for cleaners designated for removing pet stains and odors.  These usually have enzymes in them.
If he continues to urinate outside the litter box, you might have him checked out by his vet to be sure he doesn't have any kind of urinary tract problem.  Males are especially prone to urinary issues.  
Hope this has been helpful.  Thank you for your inquiry and your intrest in this site,
Tomay