{
 "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1",
 "type": "situation",
 "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-pee-smell/",
 "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-pee-smell.json",
 "publisher": "What to Buy For",
 "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/",
 "pricesAsOf": "2026-09-29T07:19:39.897Z",
 "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.",
 "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.",
 "title": "What to buy for cat pee smell",
 "section": "pets",
 "answer": "Five things: a UV torch and kitchen roll to find and blot every patch, an enzyme spray or bio washing powder to clean it, and a spare tray this week. If your cat has suddenly stopped using the tray, see a vet first.",
 "published": "2026-09-29",
 "updated": "2026-09-29",
 "noindex": false,
 "whyThisBasket": [
  "Built from Cats Protection, Battersea and PDSA advice on cleaning up pee indoors, in the order they give: blot, clean, rinse and let it dry. A UV torch comes first, to find the patches you cannot see.",
  "Cats Protection says a cat's sensitive nose draws it back to a spot that was not cleaned properly, to top up the scent, so nothing here just perfumes over the smell.",
  "There are two ways to clean, so buy one: a spray made for cat urine, or the charities' cheaper home mix of biological washing powder and warm water.",
  "A sudden change in toilet habits goes to the vet first. Cats Protection and Battersea both say to rule out a medical reason before anything else."
 ],
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   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "A UV torch to find dried patches",
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     "quantity": "1",
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     "pick": {
      "asin": "B00GU55270",
      "name": "Lepro LE UV Torch",
      "amazonTitle": "Lepro LE UV Torch, 9 LED 395nm Ultraviolet Flashlight",
      "brand": "Lepro",
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       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
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      "amazon": {
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       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:26:31.860Z",
       "rating": 4.4,
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       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 1,
        "category": "Pet Urine Detectors"
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      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Bright for such a small torch",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Batteries come in the box, so it works straight away",
         "count": 2
        },
        {
         "text": "Light and compact enough for a drawer or pocket",
         "count": 3
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "The beam is modest, so hold it close; smeared pee on rugs is hard to see",
         "count": 2
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      },
      "ourName": "Lepro UV torch, 395nm",
      "ourTake": "Urine glows under ultraviolet light, which is why crime scene officers use UV, the Royal Society of Chemistry explains. In a dark room, sweep this 395nm torch over the carpet and mark each patch you find. The listing says it will not show wet puddles, so use it on dried patches and let your nose check the rest."
     },
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     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Royal Society of Chemistry, Education in Chemistry: fluorescence",
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       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
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    {
     "role": "Kitchen roll to blot fresh pee",
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     "quantity": "1 pack of 3 rolls",
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      "asin": "B0CR6BLD1L",
      "name": "by Amazon Super Absorbent Kitchen Towel",
      "amazonTitle": "by Amazon Super Absorbent Kitchen Towel, 3-ply, 3 Rolls (1 Pack of 3), 80 Sheets per Roll",
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      "amazon": {
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       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:34:38.548Z",
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        "position": 1,
        "category": "Kitchen Rolls"
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      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 8,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
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        {
         "text": "Thick sheets that soak up spills quickly",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "Strong enough to hold together when wet",
         "count": 4
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "by Amazon 3-ply kitchen roll (3)",
      "ourTake": "Cats Protection's first step on a carpet is to blot the pee with kitchen roll, and Battersea says to lift as much as you can with paper towels before any cleaner goes on. Press rather than scrub: Which? warns that rubbing a stain too hard can damage carpet fibres. These are 3-ply sheets, 80 to a roll, the listing says."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and toileting",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "Battersea: why is my cat going to the toilet around the house?",
       "url": "https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/why-my-cat-going-toilet-around-house",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
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      {
       "name": "Which?: how to deep clean a carpet by hand",
       "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/carpets-and-flooring/article/how-to-clean-a-carpet-ajwSx0s1d9ux",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "An enzyme cleaner made for cat urine",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-pee-smell/#role-enzyme-cleaner",
     "quantity": "1 bottle",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B01CZNPEZ0",
      "name": "Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain and Odour Remover",
      "amazonTitle": "Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain and Odour Remover Triple Strength 500ml",
      "brand": "Simple Solution",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31uSPATtxFL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CZNPEZ0",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B01CZNPEZ0.json",
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       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
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      },
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       "amount": 5.05,
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      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:27:20.126Z",
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       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 1,
        "category": "Cat Stain Removers"
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      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Clears set-in pee smells from carpets, sofas and beds",
         "count": 7
        },
        {
         "text": "The smell can get worse at first, then goes as it dries",
         "count": 2
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Old, soaked-in smells can take several applications",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "The spray head leaks on some bottles, mostly the 945 ml size",
         "count": 3
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "Simple Solution Extreme, 500ml",
      "ourTake": "Cats Protection says you can buy cleaners made for cat pee, and Which? explains that enzyme cleaners break down organic odours such as urine. The listing's directions: test a hidden area, soak twice the size of the patch down to the underlay, wait 10 minutes, blot, then leave it 24 to 48 hours to dry. Keep your cat out of the room meanwhile, as Cats Protection advises."
     },
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     "upgrade": {
      "asin": "B005GO2VX4",
      "name": "Simple Solution Pet Stain and Odour Remover for",
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      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005GO2VX4",
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       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
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      "amazon": {
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       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Gets cat pee smell out of carpets, rugs and even bags",
         "count": 7
        },
        {
         "text": "Easy to decant into a spray bottle or a carpet cleaner",
         "count": 2
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Large areas such as stairs get through a lot of it",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "Simple Solution cat stain remover, 4 litres"
     },
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and toileting",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "Which?: how to deep clean a carpet by hand",
       "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/carpets-and-flooring/article/how-to-clean-a-carpet-ajwSx0s1d9ux",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection blog: are cleaning products safe for cats?",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/are-cleaning-products-safe-for-cats",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "Biological washing powder, the cheaper route",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-pee-smell/#role-bio-powder",
     "quantity": "1 box",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0FLY6XW2W",
      "name": "Daz Cherry Blossom Washing Powder 120 Washes",
      "amazonTitle": "Daz Cherry Blossom Washing Powder 120 Washes, Bio Laundry Detergent",
      "brand": "Daz",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vjjnkgkmL._SL500_.jpg",
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      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0FLY6XW2W.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 18.12,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-29T07:19:39.897Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": {
       "amount": 17.21,
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      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T03:01:48.494Z",
       "rating": 4.8,
       "ratings": 1045,
       "boughtLastMonth": "2K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 4,
        "category": "Powder Detergent"
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      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 8,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Washing comes out smelling fresh without being overpowering",
         "count": 6
        },
        {
         "text": "Dissolves well and cleans on cool washes",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "The big box lasts a household for weeks",
         "count": 3
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "Daz bio washing powder, 120 washes",
      "ourTake": "Cats Protection, Battersea and PDSA all give a home method with biological washing powder and warm water; Battersea mixes one part powder to nine of water. Work it in with a soft brush without soaking the carpet, rinse with a little clean water and pat dry. Cats Protection then suggests surgical spirit, from a chemist, after a patch test."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and toileting",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "Battersea: why is my cat going to the toilet around the house?",
       "url": "https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/why-my-cat-going-toilet-around-house",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "PDSA: vet Q&A, how can I stop my cat spraying indoors?",
       "url": "https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/vet-qa-how-can-i-stop-my-cat-spraying-indoors",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "this-week",
   "label": "This week",
   "intro": null,
   "countsTowardTotal": true,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "One more tray than you have cats",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-pee-smell/#role-extra-tray",
     "quantity": "1 more tray",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B09B2JXLFR",
      "name": "CAT CENTRE Big Open Cat Litter Tray",
      "amazonTitle": "CAT CENTRE Big Open Cat Litter Tray, Grey, 56cm, Extra Deep, Detachable Rim",
      "brand": "Cat Centre",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31HpeTGRqvL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09B2JXLFR",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B09B2JXLFR.json",
      "price": {
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       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-09-29T07:19:39.897Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
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      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:44.929Z",
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       "ratings": 1578,
       "boughtLastMonth": "300+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 10,
        "category": "Cat Litter Boxes"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "High sides keep wee in the tray, even from cats that sit high",
         "count": 7
        },
        {
         "text": "Roomy enough for large and older cats to turn round",
         "count": 7
        },
        {
         "text": "The rim comes off so the tray is easy to clean",
         "count": 3
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Keen diggers still flick some litter out over the front",
         "count": 4
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "CAT CENTRE big open litter tray, 56cm",
      "ourTake": "Cats Protection's rule is one litter tray per cat, plus one, because some cats will not pee and poo in the same tray. Put it somewhere quiet, away from food, water, beds, doorways and the washing machine. This open tray is 56 by 39 cm with 23 cm sides, and the listing says it suits cats that pee high."
     },
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     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and toileting",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  }
 ],
 "totals": {
  "today": {
   "amount": 53.26,
   "currency": "GBP",
   "itemsPriced": 5,
   "itemsMissingPrice": 0
  },
  "monthlyRunningCost": null
 },
 "canWait": [
  {
   "what": "A carpet cleaner machine",
   "why": "Which? says you can rent one for bigger jobs from some DIY stores, tool hire shops, dry cleaners and supermarkets. Treat the patches by hand first."
  },
  {
   "what": "Professional cleaning for duvets and cushions",
   "why": "Battersea says duvets and cushions can be professionally cleaned, and that its washing powder method works on any absorbent fabric as well as carpet."
  }
 ],
 "skip": [
  {
   "what": "Cleaners that contain ammonia",
   "why": "Cats Protection says many household cleaners contain ammonia, which is also found in cat urine, so using them can make the problem worse."
  },
  {
   "what": "Plug-in air fresheners and scented candles",
   "why": "Battersea suggests removing them if your cat is sensitive to change or strange smells in the home."
  },
  {
   "what": "Scented litter and scented litter fresheners",
   "why": "Cats Protection says to avoid scented litter: cats have very sensitive noses, and strong scents could put them off the tray altogether."
  }
 ],
 "questions": [
  {
   "question": "How do I get cat pee smell out of carpet?",
   "answer": "Blot up as much as you can with kitchen roll, then clean the patch with an enzyme cleaner sold for urine, or with biological washing powder mixed one part to nine with warm water, Battersea says. Rinse with a little clean water, pat dry and let it dry fully. Cats Protection suggests surgical spirit afterwards to lift the last traces, after a patch test."
  },
  {
   "question": "What is the best cat pee smell remover?",
   "answer": "One that breaks the urine down rather than perfuming over it. Which? says enzyme cleaners break down organic odours such as urine, and Cats Protection's cheaper option is a warm 10% mix of biological washing powder. Avoid anything containing ammonia: Cats Protection says it is also found in cat urine and can make the problem worse."
  },
  {
   "question": "Why does my cat keep peeing in the same spot?",
   "answer": "Usually because it still smells like a toilet to them. Once a spot has been used, Cats Protection says, a cat's nose leads it back to top up the scent unless the spot is cleaned properly. Clean it with enzymes or bio powder and give one tray per cat, plus one. For a spot that keeps being sprayed, PDSA suggests putting the cat's food there, as cats tend not to spray where they eat."
  },
  {
   "question": "My cat has suddenly started peeing outside the tray. What should I do?",
   "answer": "Take your cat to the vet first. Cats Protection says a sudden change, such as peeing where they should not, may have a medical reason, and Battersea says the same about spraying. Once the vet has ruled that out, clean every spot properly and look again at how many trays you have and where they are."
  },
  {
   "question": "Is spraying the same as peeing outside the tray?",
   "answer": "No. Cats Protection says cats usually pee squatting and leave a puddle in a quiet spot, while spraying is a squirt of pee from a standing position onto an upright surface. Clean both the same way. Battersea says an enzymatic cleaner sold for urine stains suits sprayed curtains and upholstery."
  }
 ],
 "sources": [
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection: cats and toileting",
   "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection blog: behaviour focus, spraying",
   "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/behaviour-focus-spraying",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection: cats and spraying",
   "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/spraying",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection blog: are cleaning products safe for cats?",
   "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/are-cleaning-products-safe-for-cats",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Battersea: why is my cat going to the toilet around the house?",
   "url": "https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/why-my-cat-going-toilet-around-house",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Battersea: cat spraying",
   "url": "https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/cat-spraying",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "PDSA: vet Q&A, how can I stop my cat spraying indoors?",
   "url": "https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/vet-qa-how-can-i-stop-my-cat-spraying-indoors",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Which?: how to deep clean a carpet by hand",
   "url": "https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/carpets-and-flooring/article/how-to-clean-a-carpet-ajwSx0s1d9ux",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Royal Society of Chemistry, Education in Chemistry: fluorescence",
   "url": "https://edu.rsc.org/exhibition-chemistry/fluorescence/2020056.article",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  }
 ],
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