4 Simple Steps To Remove Cat Poop Stains

Having a cat comes with numerous joys but we also commit to the less pleasant aspects, like dealing with their pee and poop. Cats are very clean creatures and tend to keep their “business” confined to the litter box.

However, as we all know, accidents can occasionally happen. Maybe you have a young kitten who hasn’t quite yet got the hang of litter training. Or an elderly cat who is struggling to use their litter box.

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How to Remove Cat Poop Stains & Smells Out Of The Couch And Rugs

It can be frustrating to discover a poop “present” that has been left in an inappropriate place. Read on to find out how to remove these pesky poop stains and smells.

1. Remove The Poop

You’ve come into the room and to your horror, you’ve found that your cat has graced your couch or rug with some poop. It’s important to act quickly and remove the poop as soon as you can.

The longer the mess stays where it is, the more difficult it will be to remove the stain and odor. Make sure you wear a pair of gloves. Cat poop can contain germs and parasites that can make you sick, so avoid any direct contact. Dispose of the poop appropriately in a plastic bag.

Also Read: Why Is My Cat Pooping On The Floor?

2. Clean The Soiled Area With Paper Towels

Using paper towels to clean the soiled area helps to remove the liquid parts of the feces. Do so with a gentle dabbing or blotting motion. You might be tempted to rub the paper against your couch or rug but this will only make the stain worse as you drive it further into the fabric.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Pee On Bathroom Rugs?

3. Vacuum

Consider running your vacuum cleaner over the soiled area to pick up any stray pieces. If your cat chose your couch as their temporary toilet, make sure you vacuum carefully between the cushions for any bits that have fallen in there.

Also Read: Best Vacuum Cleaners For Cat Litter

4. Tackle The Stain And Odor

Use a specially formulated, enzymatic cleaners to clean up pet messes. They are specifically produced for use after pet toileting accidents, so you can rest assured that they are nontoxic and safe to use around your cat. If your cat has never had any accidents in the house before, it might not be something you have at hand. You should certainly consider adding one to your line-up of cleaning tools.

These cleaners contain effective ingredients that combat stains and neutralize odors. Their two-in-one function means that as well as getting rid of unsightly stains, they also fully remove the smell that has been left behind by your cat’s poop.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Cat Pee Smell?

The lingering odor of cat poo is not only unpleasant for you but will also tempt your cat to continue defecating in that same spot. So, it is important that both stain and smell are dealt with as quickly as possible.

Don’t forget to spot test first. Spray some of the cleaning solution onto a more discrete part of your couch or rug. Follow the instructions on the label. Allow time for it to dry and then check for any discoloration.

Once you are satisfied that the enzymatic cleaner won’t interfere with the fabric, go ahead and saturate the soiled area with the solution. Usually, you need to wait for at least 10 minutes to let the enzymes do their job. Then use paper towels to soak up as much excess moisture as possible. Leave to dry completely. This can take 24 to 48 hours.

Also Read: Best Pet Stain And Odor Removers

Alternative DIY Cleaning Solution

Don’t worry if you don’t have a specially formulated cleaning solution at hand. You might already have the necessary products at home to make your own DIY stain and odor remover: baking soda and white vinegar. Again, remember to spot test first.

After you’ve removed the poop and cleaned the soiled area as much as possible with paper towels, liberally sprinkle baking soda on top.
Leave this for 10 to 20 minutes to let it absorb the moisture.
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water together. Either transfer the solution into a spray bottle or pour it carefully onto the soiled area. There will be a fizzing reaction as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda.
Let this sit for a few minutes.
Then use paper towels to gently blot, just as you did previously.
You might need to repeat this step a few times by adding more solution to get rid of the stain completely. Stop once the paper towels come away clean.

To make sure the soiled area is cleaned as thoroughly as possible or for more stubborn stains, you can use the homemade solution first, then follow up with an enzymatic cleaner.

Also Read: How Many Litter Boxes Should You Have Per Cat?

In Summary

Pee and poop are part and parcel of living with cats. There will be times when accidents happen. When they do, follow the steps outlined above to get rid of the stains and smells.

Be sure to act quickly as soon as you find that your cat has defecated inappropriately. Reach for a store-bought enzymatic cleaner or grab some baking soda and vinegar. With some effort and patience on your part, any evidence that your cat pooped on your couch and rug can be removed.

Also Read: The 8 Best Automatic Self Cleaning Litter Boxes