Controlling Pet Odor  

Pet odor can be a lingering problem. If you have a feline companion then you already know how potent and difficult it is to remove the smell of cat urine. People often think that all you have to do is fill up a litter box and the cat will always relieve itself in the right place but that isn't necessarily the case. Cats are clean pets but they are also very picky pets.

Cats are very particular animals and some are more particular than others, even right down to the type of litter you use. There are cats that don't like fine litter because it sticks in their paws. Some cats prefer that the littler box be cleaned after each use. If you have more than one cat in the household you may find that one cat won't use the same litter box as his roommate. Many cats won't use the litter box once the litter has become damp since they don't like the feel of it on their paws. Multiple litter boxes and frequent cleaning can help to keep cats from urinating and defecating in other areas of the home.

Thankfully there is no litter box problem to contend with if your pet is a dog. Most often if dogs are properly trained and housebroken there won't be a problem if the dog is let outside to go to the bathroom. But even so, accidents can and do occur from time to time.

 

The best way to clean a pet mess is with warm soapy water or a mixture of bleach and water. White vinegar mixed with an equal amount of water can help to eliminate the urine odor. Cats may find the odor of vinegar offensive so using a vinegar mixture can also act as a deterrent to keep the cat from returning to the same spot. Sprinkle the bottom of litter boxes with a layer of baking soda to help absorb wetness and to lessen the strength of urine odor.

There are many products on the market such as Urine Gone that helps to remove the odor of pet urine. You may want to try a few different pet urine cleaners to see what works best for your needs. Cats may also urinate outside of the litter box for various reasons including jealousy of another cat in the household. They may also behave in this manner to act against punishment or when not getting enough attention. Dogs tend to urinate when they are frightened, nervous or excited. Show your pet plenty of attention and affection.

Keep litter boxes as clean as possible and change them frequently. Wash the litter box thoroughly with warm, soapy water and a bit of bleach to eliminate odor. Be sure to rinse completely and wipe dry before filling with litter. Do this as often as needed. Remove feces and wet litter daily. This may be made easier by using the type of litter that forms clumps as long as your cat doesn't have an aversion to it.

Make sure that dogs have adequate access to relieve themselves outdoors. Sometimes a little extra time and effort can eliminate the problem. If improper elimination still occurs after taking the necessary steps to control the problem consult your veterinarian. The pet could have a health condition or behavior problem that may be treated with medication.