That distinctive odor can be an indication of a mold problem. Certain types of mold have a smell similar to cat urine, including dangerous toxic black mold, which should be remediated by a professional.
6 Tips to Control Litter Box Odor
- Scoop the box daily or more.
- Replace the litter twice a week.
- Replace the litter box once a year.
- Try litter deodorizers.
- Find a brand of litter that smells best to you (and your cat).
- Keep the litter box in a well-ventilated area.
Look for Stains
Puddles are obvious signs a cat is peeing in a certain area, and there might be some older stains there, too. You can also use a pet urine detector, a special UV black light flashlight. Turn off the lights and make sure the room is fairly dark for best results.Scientists have not studied this specific trait directly, but cats do seem to forget other cats once they have been separated for a long time, so the same probably applies to people as well. Dogs, for whom humans are much more important, can remember people by their scent for months, probably years.
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Urine Odor Removers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|
| Best Enzymatic Cat Urine Odor Remover | Bubbas Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Cat Urine Odor Remover | Nature's Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover | 4.5 |
| Best Cat Urine Odor Remover for Carpets | Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator | 4.3 |
Mold does not always have a strong smell but when it is present, it's often described as musty. Others have described mold smelling earthy, meaty or resembling the odor of wet socks or rotten wood. For many homeowners, the smell is unpleasant and pungent.
A musty smell in your basement is typically caused by mildew or mold, which both thrive in damp, dark locations. Mold and mildew don't just smell – they also cause decay and damage to your home, and their presence may lead to health problems like allergies or asthma.
A strong sewer smell coming from your basement is most often caused from a dried out floor drain, a bad ejector pit seal, improperly vented appliances or fixtures, or even a damaged sewer line. Floor Drains – Rarely-used floor drains in your basement are typically the source of the sewer stench.
If you're not sure if your musty basement smell is from a mold or mildew problem, check for signs of moisture. Even if your basement is finished, there could be high moisture levels in the area. This means water is getting into the basement somewhere, even if you don't currently see any water.
Simply pour a few gallons of water to re-establish the proper water barrier. You can add a small amount of vinegar to help remove any persistent odors. If you don't use basement toilets often, the water from the P-trap can evaporate just like with floor drains. Give the toilet a flush or two to remedy the problem.
If the urine smell sticks around, try rewashing with a cup of baking soda or a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar—or better yet, an enzyme-based cleaner, suggests PetMD. Let it air-dry, because the heat from the dryer could make the smell worse if the wash cycle didn't get rid of it completely.
For a DIY solution: Scrub the area throroughly with club soda, and let dry. Then sprinkle with ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda. Let it sit so the baking soda can soak up any lingering odors, and then vacuum.
A cat might also urinate in corners, on carpets, on a sofa or on beds. It's harder to find places where a cat sprays, however, since it can be a small amount and on vertical surfaces like walls and the backs of furniture. If you can pin the odor down to a rug or sofa cushion, that should be enough.
The high levels of ammonia found in cat urine may trigger your respiratory problems. It can also be very dangerous for people who are suffering from bronchitis and asthma. Red eyes, itchy skin, or a runny nose may be a sign that your feline friends are putting you at risk.
