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Cat odor is an entirely unnecessary part of living with a cat. Cats are fastidiously clean animals, and with proper care of their environment, there is no odor associated with them.

If the cat does urinate somewhere in the home, or if an unaltered male cat has sprayed in or on the home, skunk odor remover (Skunk Off) or skunk shampoo for dogs (Skunked)works extremely well to eliminate the odor. It can be used to clean floors, carpets, walls, and in the laundry with clothing or blankets. There are also specialized odor eliminating products available at vet clinics and pet stores.

Vinegar is also effective for neutralizing urine odors, and discourages the cat from urinating in that sport again.

The cat will keep itself clean. Its environment, however, is up to the people who share the home. An indoor cat needs at least one litter-box; having two or more boxes available is advisable in multi-cat homes. Cats who go outdoors may also want a litter-box inside, for a place to go during unpleasant weather or at night. Litter-boxes need to be kept very clean. Scoopable litter is a wonderful way to prevent odors. Urine clumps and solid waste should be scooped out daily, and when the litter is running low in the box, empty it completely and give the box a good cleaning. If regular litter is used, scooping out the solid waste daily and a weekly cleaning will keep the box fresh. A sprinkle of baking soda on the surface of the litter will absorb odor and keep the area even fresher.

When cleaning the empty litter-box, do not use heavily scented products. Many cats dislike strong scents, and may refuse to use the box. Vinegar is not a good choice for cleaning a litter-box. Though it does neutralize the ammonia odor of urine, cats do not like the smell of vinegar and may refuse the box. Many cats are also sensitive to scented litter. It is best to simply keep the litter-box clean rather than try to mask odor with scent.

Cat urine is very strong smelling, especially that of an intact (not neutered) male cat. The vast majority of cats, however, are careful to urinate only in their litter-boxes or outside. Intact males do mark their territory, (which is their home, inside and out!), by spraying strong urine. Neutering a male cat will not only avoid or stop this undesirable behavior, but will also keep him safer by reducing his instinct to roam away from home.

If your cat is urinating inappropriately, it should be checked by a vet right away. This behavior is often a sign of a bladder infection, an uncomfortable and dangerous build up of crystals in the urinary system, diabetes, or many other medical problems. Your cat is not being spiteful, nor doing it on purpose. Cats like to be clean, and inappropriate urination is a serious flag for a medical problem. If, after a thorough medical examination no physical problems are diagnosed and it is deemed to be a behavioral problem, help is available through your vet and other cat experts with whom they can connect you.

Basically, if you take care of a cat's environment, which means its home, bedding, and litter-box area, the cat will take care of itself, and there will be no odor to worry about. If an accident does happen, look for skunk odor products, specialty cleaners and odor removers, or vinegar. Regular household cleaners can not deal with cat urine, but any produst formulated to deal with skunks can certainly handle the smell from a cat!

Learn more about this author, Sheri Bertaux.
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