Dealing with cat pee outside the litter box is frustrating. Not only is it unpleasant to find, but the lingering odor can be tough to eliminate and may encourage repeat offenses from your feline friend. To truly tackle cat pee stains and smells, you need a powerful solution that works at a molecular level: a Cat Pee Enzyme Remover. These specialized cleaners break down the complex components of cat urine, eliminating both the visible stain and the deeply embedded odor, ensuring your home stays fresh and your cat doesn’t return to the scene of the crime.
We’ve rigorously tested numerous stain and odor removers in our lab and at home with real cats to bring you the best cat pee enzyme removers on the market. Our top picks effectively eliminate both fresh and set-in stains from various surfaces, leaving your home clean and odor-free.
Our Top Picks for Cat Pee Enzyme Removers:
- Best Overall: Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator
- Best for Urine: Nature’s Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover Spray
- Best Budget Enzymatic Cleaner: Biokleen Bac-Out Carpet Stain + Odor Remover
- Best for Odors: Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover & Odor Eliminator
- Best Eco-Friendly: Skout’s Honor Pet Stain & Odor Remover
- Best Scent: Angry Orange Ready-to-Use Citrus Pet Odor Eliminator Spray
- Best for Carpets: Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner
- We Also Like: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover
Best Overall
Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator
PHOTO: Amazon
Price: $20 at Amazon, $39 $36 at Walmart, View on Bubbasrowdyfriends.com
What We Like:
- Completely eliminates both new and old cat urine stains and odors.
- Subtle, refreshing mint and eucalyptus scent.
- Safe for use on a wide range of surfaces including rugs, upholstery, wood, and even artificial turf.
- Certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute, ensuring cleaning efficacy and colorfastness.
- Refills available in gallon jugs for economical and environmentally conscious use.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited availability in physical retail stores.
Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator stands out as the best overall cat pee enzyme remover due to its exceptional performance on both fresh and set-in stains. In our tests, it effectively tackled a weeks-old cat urine stain on a faux fur rug, completely eliminating both the stain and the persistent odor. Following the instructions, we saturated the stain with the undiluted cleaner for an hour, rinsed it with water, and air-dried the rug. The result was remarkable – no trace of stain or smell remained, replaced by a light, pleasant mint and eucalyptus fragrance.
This enzymatic cleaner harnesses the power of beneficial bacteria-produced enzymes to accelerate chemical reactions. Specifically, it targets and breaks down the ammonia crystals and other organic compounds present in cat urine, feces, and vomit. Enzymatic cleaners are generally considered safer for your home and more environmentally friendly compared to harsh chemical-based cleaners.
We were impressed by Bubba’s Rowdy Friends versatility. It’s not limited to carpets and upholstery; it can be safely used on wood floors, concrete, plastic surfaces, laundry, and even artificial grass, making it ideal for homes with indoor cat potties or outdoor cat areas. The Carpet and Rug Institute certification provides further assurance of its quality and safety for various carpet types. The availability of gallon refills also makes it a cost-effective and sustainable choice for regular use.
Cleaner Type: Enzymatic spray | Scent: Mint, eucalyptus | Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Ingredients: Water, advanced biological blend, non-ionic surfactant, odor counteractant | Sizes: 32, 64, and 128 ounces
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Danielle Directo-Meston
A hand applies Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator, a top-rated cat pee enzyme remover, to effectively treat a stain on a rug.
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Danielle Directo-Meston
The back of a rug shows no stain after being treated with Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator, highlighting the enzyme cleaner’s effectiveness in cat pee stain removal.
Best for Urine
Nature’s Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover Spray
PHOTO: Chewy
Price: $13 $11 at Amazon, $11 at Chewy, $14 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Highly effective at removing both fresh and old cat urine stains.
- Convenient spray bottle for easy and targeted application.
- Very light and pleasant citrus scent.
- Safe for use on various surfaces like carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery.
- Cruelty-free, with no animal testing.
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for untreated hardwood, leather, suede, silk, or wool.
Nature’s Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover Spray is our top pick as the best cat pee enzyme remover specifically for urine due to its targeted formula and impressive results. Designed specifically for feline messes, this enzymatic cleaner effectively dissolves both new and old urine stains and odors. Upon contact, the enzymes immediately begin to break down organic matter like urine, feces, and vomit, eliminating the mess and leaving behind a subtle citrus fragrance.
The robust spray bottle allows for easy saturation of stains and lingering odor spots. In our testing, applying Nature’s Miracle to a cat urine stain on beige carpeting for just 15 minutes visibly lifted the yellow urine tinge onto a paper towel as we blotted the area. This demonstrates the product’s fast-acting and efficient stain removal capabilities.
This reasonably priced enzyme cleaner for cat pee is versatile enough for water-safe surfaces such as hardwood floors and upholstery. It’s important to keep pets away from treated areas during application and saturation for their safety, but once dried, and the stain and odor are gone, your pets can safely return to the cleaned area. Nature’s Miracle offers a reliable and effective solution for common cat urine accidents around the home.
Cleaner Type: Enzymatic spray | Scent: Citrus | Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Ingredients: Water, isopropyl alcohol, surfactants, citrus fragrance, enzymatic blend, odor counteractant | Sizes: 32 ounces
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Jodi Espinosa
A person uses Nature’s Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover spray, a highly effective enzymatic solution, to treat a cat urine stain on carpeting.
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Jodi Espinosa
A close-up shows a fluffy carpet completely free of stains after using Nature’s Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover, illustrating its powerful cat urine stain removal capabilities.
Best Budget Enzymatic Cleaner
Biokleen Bac-Out Carpet Stain + Odor Remover
PHOTO: Vitacost
Price: $25 at Amazon, $10 at Target, View on Biokleenhome.com
What We Like:
- Formulated without phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, artificial fragrances, or dyes.
- Cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
- Effectively removes stains and odors from water-safe surfaces, including fabrics, laundry, carpets, and furniture.
What We Don’t Like:
- Squeeze bottle dispenser may be less efficient for covering large stain areas compared to spray bottles.
For budget-conscious pet owners, Biokleen Bac-Out Carpet Stain + Odor Remover is the best budget-friendly cat pee enzyme remover that doesn’t compromise on cleaning power. Enzymatic cleaners are ideal for tackling cat pee due to their ability to break down the fats, proteins, and other complex compounds in organic matter. Biokleen Bac-Out performs on par with other top-rated enzymatic cleaners in stain and odor removal effectiveness.
This plant-based formula is free from harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and ammonia, and it contains no artificial fragrances or dyes, making it a gentler option for your home. It is safe to use on most water-safe surfaces, including carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Users often describe its scent as reminiscent of lemonade, providing a light and natural freshness after cleaning.
Biokleen Bac-Out is not only affordable upfront but also frequently available in two-packs, offering even greater savings. While the squeeze bottle dispenser may require more effort to cover larger stains compared to a spray bottle, its effectiveness and budget-friendly price point make it an excellent choice for regular cat pee stain and odor management.
Cleaner Type: Enzymatic spray | Scent: Lemon | Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Ingredients: Water, glycerin, viable bacteria culture, phenoxyethanol, C12-16 pareth-7, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, disodium citrate, citrus species leaf oil | Sizes: 16, 32 ounces
Best for Odors
Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover & Odor Eliminator
PHOTO: Amazon
Price: $17 at Amazon, $17 at Chewy, $22 $17 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Non-toxic and biodegradable formula.
- Safe for use on various surfaces including upholstery, carpets, kennels, and pet carriers.
- Includes a tracer fragrance to help identify areas that have been cleaned.
What We Don’t Like:
- Tracer fragrance has a slight chlorine-like scent that dissipates quickly.
Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover & Odor Eliminator is the best cat pee enzyme remover for odor elimination, living up to its name by effectively neutralizing even the strongest cat urine smells. This product is designed to eliminate odors in the air or directly at the source of the stain.
In our tests, Zero Odor quickly and effectively erased both the stain and the smell of cat pee from carpeting in a single application. While the formula itself is fragrance-free in the long term, it contains a temporary tracer fragrance, often described as faintly chlorine-like, that helps users identify areas that are being treated. This scent disappears within minutes, leaving behind truly zero odor.
This cat urine odor eliminator is safe for use around humans and pets, but as with any cleaning product, it’s advisable to keep children and pets away from freshly treated areas until dry. The manufacturer claims its powerful formula is even capable of neutralizing skunk spray odors, although we did not test this specific application. Zero Odor provides a reliable and potent solution for completely removing cat pee odors from your home.
Cleaner Type: Enzymatic spray | Scent: Chlorine tracer fragrance | Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Ingredients: Water, stabilized hydrated active complex, alcohol, pH balancer, tracer fragrance, surface tension agent | Sizes: 16 ounces
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Giaco Furino
A hand applies Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover & Odor Eliminator, a top choice for eliminating cat pee odors, to a patterned rug to neutralize unwanted smells.
Best Eco-Friendly
Skout’s Honor Pet Stain & Odor Remover
PHOTO: Chewy
Price: $15 at Amazon, $15 at Chewy, $28 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Adjustable spray nozzle for targeted or wider application.
- Effectively neutralized odors in a multi-cat litter box area in our real-world testing.
- A portion of profits supports animal rescue organizations.
- Manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee with readily available contact information.
- Cruelty-free, with no animal testing.
What We Don’t Like:
- May require multiple applications for complete stain removal, especially on set-in stains.
- Not recommended for use on natural surfaces like wool and leather.
Skout’s Honor Pet Stain & Odor Remover is the best eco-friendly cat pee enzyme remover, combining plant-based cleaning power with a commitment to animal welfare. This cleaner uses a plant-based surfactant to dissolve stains and a mineral-based deodorizer to neutralize organic odors from pets. The adjustable spray nozzle allows for both targeted spot treatment and broader area coverage.
In our real-world tests, Skout’s Honor proved highly effective at neutralizing odors in a litter box area used by three cats. It eliminated strong urine and feces odors, leaving behind a light floral fragrance that quickly dissipated. Its pet-safe formula makes it suitable for regular cleaning around pets.
While exceptionally effective at odor neutralization, we found Skout’s Honor to be more effective on fresh stains than set-in ones, requiring multiple applications for noticeable improvement on older stains on rugs and sofas. It is more efficient on fresh stains and can also handle other common household stains like mud, grease, and wine. However, it is not recommended for natural materials like wool, unsealed wood, and leather. Beyond its cleaning capabilities, Skout’s Honor donates a portion of every purchase to animal rescue organizations and offers a satisfaction guarantee, making it a responsible and effective choice.
Cleaner Type: Enzymatic spray | Scent: Fresh | Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Ingredients: Deionized water, biokore, biodegradable molecular complex, plant-based fragrance | Sizes: 35, 128 ounces
Best Scent
Angry Orange Ready-to-Use Citrus Pet Odor Eliminator Spray
PHOTO: Amazon
Price: $18 at Amazon, $20 at Chewy, $30 $25 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Pleasant and natural light citrus scent derived from orange oil.
- Formulated without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
- Completely eliminates detectable odors overnight.
- Safe for use on a variety of surfaces including carpets, furniture, tile, and artificial turf.
- Available in both ready-to-use spray and concentrated formulas.
What We Don’t Like:
- Spray nozzle may occasionally jam after prolonged use.
- Set-in stains may require more than one application for complete removal.
Angry Orange Ready-to-Use Citrus Pet Odor Eliminator Spray is the best scented cat pee enzyme remover, prized for its natural orange fragrance and effective odor elimination. This cleaner uses natural orange oil as its primary active ingredient to combat tough pet odors. In our tests, treating a cat urine stain on a couch with Angry Orange not only eliminated the stubborn stench but left behind a refreshing, natural orange aroma. While the stain outline was still faintly visible, the odor was completely neutralized.
Originally developed for use in kennels and feedlots, this cat urine enzyme cleaner is safe for homes with both pets and children. It’s available as a ready-to-use spray and a concentrated formula that can be diluted with water for larger areas or more economical use. Angry Orange is versatile enough for hardwood floors, tile, upholstery, car interiors, and more. While the spray nozzle may occasionally experience jamming and set-in stains might need repeat applications, its exceptional scent and odor-eliminating power make it a popular choice.
Cleaner Type: Enzymatic spray | Scent: Citrus | Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Ingredients: Water, orange fragrance, proprietary encapsulated 5-strain bacillus blend, nonionic surfactant, sodium citrate, benzylisothiazolinone, d-limonene, linalool | Sizes: 2, 24, and 128 ounces
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PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Danielle Directo-Meston
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator Spray, recognized as the best scented cat pee enzyme remover, is showcased on a wooden table, highlighting its natural citrus fragrance.
Best for Carpets
Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner
PHOTO: Amazon
Price: $39 $18 at Amazon, $6 at Walmart, $9 at Ace Hardware
What We Like:
- Integrated brush applicator for enhanced stain removal.
- Highly effective on fresh stains, lifting them quickly and easily.
- Fragrance-free formula.
What We Don’t Like:
- May require multiple applications for set-in stains to achieve complete removal.
Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner is the best cat pee enzyme remover for carpets, featuring a unique built-in brush applicator to improve stain removal. This cleaner uses the power of oxygen to lift stains effectively. In our testing, Carbona excelled at quickly removing fresh stains. However, we found that blotting stains before applying the foam spray was crucial for optimal results. Wet stains were removed in as little as six minutes, while set-in stains took around 12 minutes and sometimes required re-application.
While Carbona effectively removes visible stains and is fragrance-free, it doesn’t completely eliminate cat urine odor on its own. Therefore, after using Carbona to remove the stain, we recommend following up with an additional enzymatic cleaner to fully address the odor and prevent re-marking by your cat. Despite this, its ease of use and effectiveness on fresh carpet stains make it a valuable tool in your cleaning arsenal.
Cleaner Type: Liquid foam | Scent: Fragrance-free | Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Ingredients: Aqua. sodium ethylhexylsulfate, alcohols (c13 and branched), ethoxylated, hydrogen peroxide, parfum, ethylhexanol, diethylenetriamine, pentamethylene phoshonic acid, magnesium chloride, sodium gluconate, sodium hydroxide, benzisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone | Sizes: 27.5 ounces
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Henry Wortock
A person wipes a stain from a rug after applying Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner, demonstrating the initial step in using this cat pee stain remover for carpets.
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Henry Wortock
Carbona Oxy Powered 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner, the best choice for carpets, is displayed on a blue and white patterned rug, emphasizing its carpet-cleaning specialization.
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Henry Wortock
A person uses the built-in brush of Carbona 2-in-1 Oxy Powered No Scent Carpet Cleaner to scrub a stain on a rug, showcasing the tool’s role in cat pee stain removal.
We Also Like
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover
PHOTO: Amazon
Price: $20 at Amazon, View on Chewy, $20 at Walmart
What We Like:
- Appealing sweet mint scent.
- Effective on older, set-in stains.
- Versatile cleaner for a wide range of stains beyond pet messes.
- Cruelty-free, with no animal testing.
What We Don’t Like:
- Darker, heavily set stains may require multiple treatments.
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover is a highly recommended cat pee enzyme remover and versatile stain cleaner for various household messes. This reliable spray cleaner is designed for effective stain and odor removal from a multitude of surfaces.
In our tests focusing on pet-related stains and odors, Rocco & Roxie effectively removed both fresh and dried cat urine stains and smells from rugs and upholstery. However, its capabilities extend beyond pet messes; it’s also suitable for cleaning pet kennels, carriers, litter boxes, clothing, and bedding, and can tackle common household stains like red wine and mud. While heavier stains might require a second application, we successfully removed set-in urine, red wine, and mud stains in our tests.
Chlorine-free and certified color-safe by the Carpet and Rug Institute, Rocco & Roxie ensures it won’t damage or discolor treated surfaces. All Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. products, including this pet stain and odor remover, are made in the USA and are safe for use around pets and children. It’s a robust and reliable option for tackling cat pee and general stain removal needs.
Cleaner Type: Enzymatic spray | Scent: Fragrance-free | Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Ingredients: Water, hydrogen peroxide, sodium laurel ether sulfate, proprietary ethoxylated alcohol, d-limonene, potassium pyrophosphate | Sizes: 32 ounces
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Henry Wortock
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover, a highly recommended cat pee enzyme remover, is presented on a blue patterned rug, emphasizing its effectiveness and versatility.
Final Verdict
For the best overall solution to cat pee stains and odors, Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Stain & Odor Terminator is our top recommendation. Its effectiveness across various surfaces, combined with a moderate price and pleasant scent, makes it a standout choice. If you prioritize a refreshing scent alongside stain and odor removal, Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator Spray effectively eliminates cat pee and replaces the unpleasant smell with a natural orange aroma.
Other Products We Considered
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Skout’s Honor Litter Box Deodorizer: This mineral-based formula quickly neutralizes odors on contact, eliminating feline pheromones and urine/feces smells. Suitable for litter boxes and soft surfaces like cat beds and carpets, leaving no residue.
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Kids ‘N’ Pets Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover: This non-toxic formula deters repeat marking by eliminating residual urine odors. Safe for water-safe surfaces like fabric, carpets, and upholstery.
How We Tested Cat Pee, Stain, and Odor Removal Products
We rigorously tested 27 stain and odor removal products in our Des Moines Lab, evaluating their performance on both fresh and set-in stains on carpeted rugs and upholstery fabric pillow covers. Our testing methodology included objective scoring and subjective impressions of each product’s effectiveness.
From these, we selected 17 top-performing products for real-world testing in homes with cats. Over two weeks, testers documented each product’s efficacy on fresh and old stains, scoring ease of use, stain and odor removal effectiveness, and scent.
After the trial, we analyzed and categorized our findings, ranking and categorizing our top picks based on firsthand data to help consumers find the best cat pee enzyme remover for their needs.
PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Henry Wortock
During testing, a person utilizes the built-in brush of Carbona 2-in-1 Oxy Powered No Scent Carpet Cleaner to assess its stain removal capabilities on a rug.
What to Look for in a Cat Pee, Odor, and Stain Removal Product
Active Ingredients
Our recommended products utilize various active ingredients, from relatively safe chemicals to non-toxic, plant-based options. Always check product labels for safety information, especially when using around children and pets. While most are safe once dried, enzymatic cleaners are preferable for deterring re-marking by cats.
Color-Safe Test
While many cleaners claim to be “color safe,” always perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area before full application to check for dye or fabric fiber reactions.
FAQ
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What is an enzymatic cleaner? Enzymatic cleaners use beneficial bacteria that produce enzymes to break down organic molecules in pet urine. These enzymes reduce molecules into smaller pieces, which the bacteria then consume.
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How do I remove old or set-in pet stains from carpet? Select a quality carpet cleaner, like those reviewed, and follow instructions carefully. Set-in stains may require multiple applications and manual agitation with a brush or cloth to aid removal.
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Can dry cleaning remove cat urine odors? No, dry cleaning alone won’t eliminate cat urine odors. It may remove the stain and temporarily mask the smell, but cat urine contains uric acid that persists. Enzyme cleaners are necessary to destroy uric acid and permanently remove the odor.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This article was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets with firsthand experience in pet mess cleanup. Previously, this article was written by Anne Fritz, a home content specialist and experienced editor. The Spruce Pets team is committed to providing reliable, expert-backed information to help pet owners make the best choices for their animals.
