Function

• Cats urinate to remove excess waste from their bloodstream that is the product of normal protein and nucleic acid breakdown. Healthy urine is comprised of water, salt and the waste products filtered by the kidneys. Healthy urine is also sterile, and was actually once used as a cleaning agent. That said, cat urine smells strongly of ammonia, an extremely unpleasant odor.
  
  

Time Frame

• Immediate action is key in preventing the urine from absorbing deep into any fibers such as carpet padding or furniture cushions. Sop up all excess urine with paper towels or rags. Liberally apply an equal solution of white vinegar and warm water because white vinegar binds with the ammonia in the cat's urine and absorbs the odor. Allow the solution to saturate the area until it's almost dry. Sop up the vinegar solution with paper towels, rags or a water-extracting vacuum.
  
  

Deodorize

• Hydrogen peroxide kills any remaining odor-causing bacteria, and baking soda is an effective deodorizer. Mix 1 tsp. of liquid dish washing detergent with 1/4 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Sprinkle baking soda over the area just washed with the vinegar solution, then pour the dish washing/peroxide mixture on top. Using a brush or cloth, work the solution deep into the carpet or piece of furniture and vacuum up once dry.
  
  

Prevention

• Avoid cleaners with ammonia in them because ammonia encourages cats to continue to spray. Determine the cause behind the urine marking and address it, particularly if the feline is ill. Most importantly, make sure male cats are neutered before they turn 6 months old--90 percent of cats never learn to spray if they're neutered that young.