I want to get a cat but I’m worried about old cat urine in the carpet
I’m 20 years old, still living with my parents and unlikely to be moving out for at least 3 years, but most likely more. I lost my first cat to cancer a few months ago - she was a lovely cat but we got her from a shelter and she had a few behavioural issues. Namely, she peed on the carpet numerous times in both the living room and in my parents’ room.
Naturally, it drove my parents crazy and caused a lot of problems and tension. We treated the carpet so many times, and the smell is pretty much gone, especially as she’s obviously not peeing there anymore. However you can still smell it if you put your nose right over it. It’s almost definitely gone through to the padding and subfloor. However, it is not a problem anymore as the smell is essentially gone, at least to the human nose.
Now, I would love to get a new cat, and my parents have actually given me the go ahead. But I am terrified that if I do so, the new kitty will be able to smell the old urine in the carpet and start peeing there, and we will end up going through the same ordeal again. I really don’t want to do that to my parents.
Does anyone have any insight or similar experiences? Should I get a cat or wait until I move out in a few years?
Posted Aug 26, 2020, 11:32 AM UTC
Have you tried an enzymatic cleaner, like Nature's Miracle? Enzymatic cleaners break down urine odor differently than (say) rug cleaners.
Whether you have a problem will depend on the individual cat. They have different tolerances for perceived territory markings.
Lots of positive reinforcement and distraction might help new cat accept and ignore the old scent.
Thanks for your reply!
We have used Nature’s Miracle and it did help but the smell is still slightly there.
As for your point about it depending on the cat I will definitely keep that in mind.
I've only once had a territorial problem like you might be facing. In that case, the new cat just took over the spot. It became HIS place to lie and sleep and generally rule the roost.
Do you mean took over the spot in terms of urinating or just generally hanging out there all the time? Also do you think the gender of the cat plays a role at all?
No to gender. Probably more to cat's innate confidence and coolness.
The second cat took over the space but never marked (urine or spray). It was much more like manspreading. This is his turf now by right of ownership.
He was so confident in that that he didn't need to pee to prove it. Does that make sense? It was hysterical to watch.