Kitty potty smell in carpet?

[Tohru]

We have a rescued cat that had some litter box issues due to extreme nervousness and fear, but finally started to use it, however our downstairs smells awful.

 

I bought a new steam cleaner and used the Bissell Pet & Stain to get the smell out, but after 2 days it is starting to smell is in the same areas again. The door to that room has been closed so I know it isn't her going in the same spots.

 

Any suggestions other than replacing the carpet? She is a 7-8yo spayed female if that makes any difference.

[bolt.]

Disclaimer: If you think she will settle (a stress issue) keep cleaning. If you think this is a medical/ongoing issue, consult a vet.

 

Try "cat attract litter" -- clean as soon after each use as possible (like 3 or 4 times a day) for a short term.

 

Make sure food and water are considerably away from the litter area.

 

Build relationship through treats and wet food. Pet her while she eats.

 

For cleaning: look for one that has "enzymes" and instructs you to wet the area and keep it wet for a certain length of time... That's a real "enzyme" cleaner, because they are expected to take time to work. (Use your steam cleaner after the enzyme cleaner.)

 

Pet and stain cleaners from carpet companies are very visually oriented. Look at the pet store for cleansers that are oriented to pet health and chemistry.

[StephanieZ]

Nature's Miracle is a good enzyme cleaner I've used. Get the orange bottle (gallon size!), as it smells best. It takes a few days of leaving it sit, damp, covered with a damp towel, and then a week or so to really dry out. Then you'll know if it did the job.

 

If that doesn't do it, then ripping out the carpet and pad is the way to go. 

[zoobie]

Cat pee is nearly impossible to get out of stuff once it's saturated. We had to replace our hallway carpet and floorboard in one area. The steam cleaner won't get the padding or floorboards clean. You need an enzymatic cleaner to really saturate it, but again...

 

Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract litter is magic. Cheapest on Amazon IME.

[Tohru]

She IS using the litter box now, just trying to get the smell out of the carpets without replacing them. She was incredibly fearful before and wouldn't leave her hiding places. We've had her for 6 months before we actually started seeing her, even now she'll take off and hide if anyone gets within 10 feet of her, but at least she's using her own private litter box.