Thank you to our guest writer Nomi Berger!
Inquiring minds want to know: What is spraying and how do you keep your place smelling springtime fresh?
Quite simply, spraying is when your kitty leaves a small amount of urine on any surface in your home. Not always noticeable to the naked eye, these tiny spots are certainly detectable by their odor. Cat urine is extremely potent, and after repeated sprayings can travel deep into your carpets, upholstery or bedding, even penetrating hardwood floors.
When faced with persistent cat spraying, tackling the odor effectively requires more than just a surface clean. Even the strongest store-bought cleaners may not completely remove the deep-set urine particles, leaving behind lingering smells that encourage your kitty to mark the same spot again. Shine On Cleaning uses advanced techniques to extract deeply embedded urine from carpets, upholstery, and even hardwood floors, ensuring that your home is fresh, hygienic, and free from unwanted pet odors.
Their thorough approach not only removes visible stains but also neutralizes the bacteria that cause persistent smells, helping to prevent future incidents. With expert cleaners on your side, you can restore your living space to a clean and odor-free environment, making it more comfortable for both you and your furry friend.
Removing the smell is crucial since lingering odors often encourage pets to return to the same spot, creating a frustrating cycle. Professional techniques that target both the stain and the bacteria responsible for the odor are key to breaking this pattern. A thorough cleaning not only restores the freshness of your home but also improves the overall air quality, making your living space more pleasant for everyone.
For those seeking a similarly effective cleaning solution, We Clean Baltimore offers expert services designed to tackle even the most challenging messes. Their team specializes in deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces, ensuring that every inch of your home is left spotless and refreshed. Whether you’re dealing with pet-related issues or simply need a thorough refresh, their professional approach ensures long-lasting results.
Although spraying is most often associated with intact males, ALL cats can spray, and it’s mainly because they’re trying to “mark” their territory. It’s also their way of dealing with stress. Cats are creatures of habit and many react badly to even the slightest change in their environment — a new pet or a baby in the family, a cat guardian’s abrupt absence, a strange cat in the backyard, or environmental factors people simply don’t notice. Because they feel anxious, they attempt to relieve that anxiety by leaving behind their scent as their non-verbal way of meowing, “I’m feeling stressed.”
Medical problems, such as urinary tract infections or blockages, may also be the culprits, and any new or suspicious behavior on the part of your kitty should immediately be brought to the attention of your vet.
As for cleaning up after your kitty’s spraying, some experts suggest the following:
1) Locate the stains. Often the most difficult part of the process due to the small size of each stain, darken every room in your home, one by one, and use a black light (usually found in pet supply stores) to find all of the offending spots.
2) Spray each stain with an enzymatic cleaner. Using biological enzymes, these specially formulated cleaners work to break down the odor-causing phenomes in your cat’s urine and help to eliminate the smell altogether.
3) Use a vinegar solution. Once most of the urine from each stain has been cleaned, apply a solution of half-vinegar, half-water to the area. The vinegar will further mask any remaining odor and help prevent future spraying in the same spot.
4) Apply baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on each affected area to draw out any remaining moisture and/or urine that’s soaked deep into the fibers of your carpets or furniture.
5) Vacuum each treated spot. Wait about 15 minutes, then use a wet vac to vacuum everything up. If, however, you don’t have a wet vac, allow the baking soda to sit for a day or two before vacuuming. The baking soda will absorb any residual odors.
While these steps can go a long way in eliminating stubborn odors, cleaning up after your kitty can be a labor-intensive process. If you’re finding it difficult to handle the task or simply don’t have the time, Crystal Clean Services can help. Their expert team specializes in deep cleaning and odor removal, using advanced techniques and high-quality products to ensure your home is not only fresh but also hygienic. With their professional assistance, you can enjoy a clean and odor-free space, free from the stress of handling tough pet messes on your own.