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How do I get the smell of cat urine out of car upholstery?

I always like to take my cat with me when I’m out running errands. Unfortunately, he pees all over the backseat and the smell is overwhelming. How can I get rid of the smell?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Cat urine is a pungent smell that can permeate fabrics such as your car upholstery. It can cling for days, weeks, or even months at a time without proper care. So if you’re dead set on bringing your cat with you everywhere, be sure to follow these steps.
  • Act fast: The longer
    cat urine and other pet odors
    stay on the upholstery, the harder the cleaning process becomes.
  • Blot up any pooled liquid: Using paper towels or an old towel.
  • Mix up a batch of homemade cleaner: Use two cups of water and a tablespoon of vinegar. A drop of dish soap may also lessen the vinegar smell and provide a better overall cleaning solution.
  • Dip a rag into the solution: Wring it out and gently blot the area. This should give the fabric a deep clean, and once it evaporates, the smell should be gone.
If you have leather seats, don’t be afraid to use straight vinegar. It won’t damage the seats, and it’s probably more effective at removing cat urine from heavily soiled areas.
As a failsafe, you can also bring your car to a detailer and get your interior shampooed and cleaned, which will effectively get rid of the smell.
Keep in mind that driving with an animal in the car is distracting, so you may want to consider proper
car insurance
coverage moving forward to protect yourself, your feline, and your car.
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