How to Get Rid of Cat Odor In an Apartment

Are you wondering how to get rid of cat odor in an apartment? Read this article to learn how to get your apartment smelling good again. Pets quickly become part of the family and soon enough, you wouldn’t want to be without your furry companion. However, there’s one part of owning a pet that every pet owner wishes they could change- the smell. If you’re living in an apartment with your cat, the smells can seem even more compounded. So, here are a few simple tips on how to get rid of cat odor in an apartment.

1. Vacuum Regularly

The bad odors coming from your cat will also linger on your cat’s fur, even when it sheds. If your cat tends to shed a lot, there’ll be a lot of excess hair lying around your apartment. Hair will sink into your carpet and gather at the edges of other floorings. You may also find hair on your furniture, especially the places where your cat frequents. Vacuuming at least every other day will ensure you get rid of the hair that would otherwise stick around and enhance the bad smell.

2. Groom Your Cat

Cats are notoriously difficult to groom but if your cat is indoors often, it’s essential that your cat is groomed for everyone’s sake. Outdoor cats can bring in lots of harmful bacteria that you can get rid of simply by grooming your cat. A quick shampoo of your cat’s fur will ensure your cat is clean and won’t spread around horrid odors.

3. Maintain Your Cat’s Litter Box

If your cat spends a lot of time indoors, the litter box is likely used regularly. There’s nothing worse than a litter box that stinks out the whole apartment. Not only is it unpleasant for you but it’s also embarrassing when you have visitors. You should change your cat’s litter box every day, sometimes more than once. Of course, investing in the best litter box you can find will also make a huge difference. It’s something your cat will use all of the time, so having a durable one is important.

4. Fresh Air

You can spray as many air fresheners or light as many candles as you want but nothing will beat fresh air blowing through your apartment. While you’re at home, open your windows and let the fresh air waft in from outside.  Having removable furniture covers is also a great idea for cats. Wash your covers and hang them out to dry in the fresh air and sun. The sun is an excellent natural deodorizer. 

5. Find the Smell

Have you tried everything you can think of to get rid of the smell to no avail? Cats have a tendency to mark their territory or urinate elsewhere when their litter boxes are unclean. Perhaps your cat has urinated somewhere in your apartment and you just haven’t found it yet. Try and hunt down where the smell is coming from and use strong cleaning products, like bleach, to clean the spot. If you’re having difficulty finding the exact spot where your cat may have urinated. Try investing in a black-light and using it when the sun goes down to find it.

6. Wash the Walls

Cats can be quite mischevious and when it comes to urinating at home, there’s no truer statement. You may have difficulty in finding the source of the smell because your cat has urinated against the wall or up against corner floorboards.  It can be difficult to get rid of these smells, especially if they leak into the floorboards. Washing your walls and floors will go a long way towards deodorizing your partner. You may even need to re-paint if the smell isn’t easy to wash off.

Easy Smell Deodorizers

• Vinegar

Vinegar is a great way to get rid of unwanted smells. For many people, it’s a great option because it’s always in the cupboard in an emergency. Mix three cups of vinegar to one cup of water and scrub into in the area the smell is coming from.

• Essential Oils

There are many essential oils you can use to get rid of odor but some can be harmful to pets, so it’s important to find out which ones are safe first. Lemongrass is safe for your cat and it can clean away unwanted smells while leaving your apartment smelling clean and fresh.  It’s important to mix any essential oil with a carrier oil, like olive oil, before rubbing it into your floor or anywhere else. If you’re cleaning fabrics, you can add a few drops of essential oil to a regular fabric cleaner and scrub clean.

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is often used to get the last remnants of odor out of your apartment. You can sprinkle some baking soda directly onto the affected area and leave it there for twenty minutes.  If you wish, you can add a few drops of water to baking soda and rub the mixture into the area, then wait for it to dry. When the powder is dry again, use a brush or a vacuum to clean the area. Repeat as many times as necessary.

How to Get Rid of Cat Odor in an Apartment 101

If you’re wondering how to get rid of cat odor in an apartment, these tips will serve you well. However, a certain amount of odor should always be expected as a pet owner and the best way to ensure there are no unwanted smells is to maintain your pet properly. From regular vet visits to proper dental care at home, there are many things you can do to keep your pet healthy and odor-free. Take a look at some great tips for keeping your cat healthy.