How to Get Rid of Cat Pee Odors from Anywhere in Your Home

It’s bad enough that your cat left you a little accident, making you reach for your toughest handheld carpet cleaner or pet stain remover. But even worse? That cat pee smell sticks around even after the mess is gone—an odor that fills the air thanks to its potency.

One of the reasons cat pee odor is so pungent is because it contains uric acid, which can leave a strong lingering stench if not cleaned up right away. These accidents can be annoyingly easy to miss, says Jennifer Gregory, brand manager of Molly Maid, and might require the aid of a UV urine-detecting flashlight to find. “It can be difficult to spot cat urine on carpet unless you smell it, witness it, or step in it while wet,” she says. But if you don’t notice it until it’s dry, the odor has already taken root.

If you notice that undeniable pet odor in your home, don’t fret—act fast and use these expert-approved tricks for getting rid of cat pee smell in your house, from the carpet to the counter.