The odor of cat urine is one of the most repulsive smells that we humans endure. There are worse, of course, but cat urine not only ranks near the top, it is also difficult to eliminate. This article intends to impart knowledge and deterrents, and it reviews the components of the stench of cat urine.

Cat urine contains five major strains of bacteria. Two of the strains are related to a cat's territorial marks. The other components are found in cat spray, its urine, as well as uric acid.

The first two elements are easily cleaned, and the sticky, gummy elements called urea are left to linger. The pigment is known as Urochrome, and contains uric acid with crystals and salts. It's these crystals and salts that linger, and we see and smell them after we have cleaned and re-cleaned the urine spot. These are insoluble crystals, thus they bind to any surface. This is the reason many household cleaners are not adequate, in addition to the fact that moisture on these odoriferous crystals reactivates them. Notice how much more prominent the odor becomes in humid weather.

Whatever you do, never put ammonia on the urine spot. Ammonia is a component of cat urine, and acts as an invitation for the kitty to return and reclaim his territory.

Everyday household cleaners are not effective because they don't have enzymes. The exceptions are those who have enough enzymes to clean blood, not stench. The only way to permanently clean and eliminate the odor is to use an enzyme cleaner, such as specific pet cleaners and stain removers. These are formulated to actually eat the crystals and bacteria in cat urine.

This explanation may be more information on a nasty subject than you want to know, but now you're armed with facts to share with a cat-loving friend who has the problem of a foul smell in their home.