There are a number of reasons that cats, who are fastidious creatures, may choose to urinate outside their litterbox. The primary causes are a box that is dirty, and hasn't been kept scooped or cleaned, and urinary tract infection. If your cat's litterbox is pristine, then you may want to take them to the vet for a urinalysis, and then a discussion of possible behavioral causes.

But when a cat urinates indoors, particularly if they have done it more than once in the same spot, the smell can be pretty pervasive. The worst is from unaltered tom cats, whose hormones are announcing that he's ready for romance. Neutering will not only cure the odor, but the behavior as well. However, you'll still need to find a cure for the smells and/ or stains.

Urine stains that have dried, can be treated the same way as fresh spots, with the exception that they should be sprayed with warm water first, to soften the fibers and allow for easier removal of the odor and urine.

Take several folded paper towels and place them over the urine spot. Step on it with your shoe and press down. Do not "work" it in, just lend your weight to blotting. Take away the wet towel and put down dry ones. Repeat until no more liquid comes up.

Apply a stain and odor remover that has an enzyme base. Remember that cat urine is a biological product, and chemical based solutions are not usually the answer, because odor can remain afterwards, which will attract the cat back to the same spot. Use the remover as directed on the container. When done, shampoo that section of carpet, and dry. Ideally, a steam clean is best, in order to bring out any remover and urine that is deep into the nap or pile.

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Brenda H. Murphy