Can I steam clean the carpet on a cat tree?

The Refined Feline says: We do not recommend steam cleaning carpet that is attached to the units, nor do we recommend harsh chemical or oils to clean veneers. For carpet, the Carpet and Rug Institute says: Don't use a steam cleaner when dealing with urine spots because the heat will set the stain and the smell.

Why does my cat pee on the cat tree?

Cornell Feline Health Center says: Cats may spray when they perceive a threat to their territory, such as when a new cat enters the home or when outside cats are nearby. The ASPCA says: Cat-to-cat conflict is one of the most common reasons for urine marking, and it's usually anxiety based rather than intolerance based.

Where should I put a scratching post?

Cats Protection says: Cats often scratch and stretch when they wake up, so you can try placing their scratching post near their bed. It also says: Every cat should have their own scratching post, positioned in a different place to avoid conflict.

Cat Urine on a Cat Tree or Scratching Post

Q: What should I do first when my cat pees on the cat tree?

For carpet, the Carpet and Rug Institute says: The key is to act quickly! It says: Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels (no prints or colors). Then check your cat tree maker's care instructions.

Q: Can I wash a cat tree?

It depends on the maker. The Refined Feline says: Cushions can be machine washed in cold, delicate cycle. Note, color may bleed. Petlibro says for its Infinity Cat Tree: Do not wash with water or a washing machine.

Your cat peed on the cat tree, condo or scratching post. How to blot it, what makers say about carpet, cushions and sisal, and why cats pee on cat furniture.

First: act fast and blot

Cornell Feline Health Center says: "Cleaning is most effective when it's done soon after an item was soiled, and odors must be neutralized, not just deodorized, to escape a cat's keen sense of smell." It warns: "Avoid cleaning products containing ammonia or vinegar as they smell like urine and can be irritating."

For carpet, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) says: "The key is to act quickly!" And: "Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels (no prints or colors)." That is carpet advice; CRI does not mention cat trees.

Sources: Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling; Carpet and Rug Institute, Cleaning and Maintenance.

Check your cat tree maker's care instructions

Start with the care guide for your model. Two makers' pages show how much the advice can differ.

The Refined Feline says: "A light dilution of soap and water can be used to clean wood veneers. Berber carpet may be cleaned with handheld vacuums and carpet-safe cleaners. We do not recommend steam cleaning carpet that is attached to the units, nor do we recommend harsh chemical or oils to clean veneers." On cushions: "Cushions can be machine washed in cold, delicate cycle. Note, color may bleed."

Petlibro says for its Infinity Cat Tree: "Dampen a soft cloth with soapy water." Then: "Spot-clean the stains and soiled areas with the cloth." And: "Air-dry the wet areas completely." It also says: "Do not wash with water or a washing machine."

Neither maker's page mentions urine. If your cat tree came with no care guide, contact the maker before soaking or machine washing any part.

Sources: The Refined Feline, Frequently Asked Questions; Petlibro, How to clean the Infinity Cat Tree.

Carpet-covered posts and platforms

No carpet source we checked covers carpet glued to a cat tree. The steps below are carpet and upholstery advice.

Humane World for Animals says for carpeted areas and upholstery: "For pet urine removal, soak up as much of the urine as possible." Then: "Rinse the "accident zone" thoroughly with clean, cool water and blot dry." It warns: "Avoid using steam cleaners to clean urine odors from carpet or upholstery. The heat will permanently set the stain and the odor by bonding the protein into any man-made fibers."

CRI says the same about heat: "Don't use a steam cleaner when dealing with urine spots because the heat will set the stain and the smell. Instead, extract the spill with a wet vacuum and rinse with cool water to reduce the odor." On technique: "Blot; don't scrub."

For an older spot you find later, see old, dried pet urine stains.

Sources: Humane World for Animals, Get urine smell and pet stains out of carpet; Carpet and Rug Institute, Cleaning and Maintenance.

Removable cushions and covers

If your cat tree has removable cushions, check whether the covers come off. The Refined Feline says: "All of our cushions come with durable fabric covers that can be removed and washed." For its Metropolitan Cat Condo: "The platform coverings can be easily removed and spot cleaned or replaced if needed."

Wash only what your maker's guide says is washable. If your cat has also soiled shoes, see cat peed in my shoes.

Sources: The Refined Feline, Frequently Asked Questions; The Refined Feline, Metropolitan Cat Condo.

Sisal rope and scratch pads

No source we checked covers cleaning urine out of sisal rope. What makers do cover is replacement. The Refined Feline says: "All wearable parts on our cat furniture is replaceable." On its Metropolitan Cat Condo page: "If the cushion is beyond repair we do offer replacement parts for all wearable parts including the sisal."

Ask your own maker whether replacement posts, sisal or carpet are sold for your model.

Sources: The Refined Feline, Frequently Asked Questions; The Refined Feline, Metropolitan Cat Condo.

When a soaked part may need replacing

No source we checked covers urine soaked into particle board or MDF. For floor carpet, Humane World for Animals says: "Your job will be more difficult if urine has soaked down into the padding underneath your carpet. In some cases, you may need to replace portions of carpet and padding."

On wood, it says: "If the wood on your furniture, walls, baseboard or floor is discolored, the varnish or paint has reacted to the acid in the urine. You may need to remove and replace the layer of varnish or paint. (If you do so, make sure the new product is safe for pets.)" For more on wood, see pet urine on wood furniture. If the smell keeps coming back, see pet urine smell came back after cleaning.

Source: Humane World for Animals, Get urine smell and pet stains out of carpet.

Why cats pee on cat furniture

Cornell says: "When your cat rubs against your leg with his face, or scratches his scratching post, he is also depositing his scent from the glands in his cheeks and paws." On spraying: "Cats may spray when they perceive a threat to their territory, such as when a new cat enters the home or when outside cats are nearby." They may also spray "in response to the smell of new furniture and carpet."

International Cat Care says: "Your cat isn't seeking revenge or making a point; something has gone wrong in their world", and "Whatever the cause, punishment is not the answer".

The ASPCA says: "The more cats who live in a home, the more likely it is that at least one of them will urine mark." And: "When things change, cats can become stressed." It also says: "Cat-to-cat conflict is one of the most common reasons for urine marking, and it's usually anxiety based rather than intolerance based."

Cornell says cleaning matters for this reason: "Cats will re-soil and spray areas they have marked with their scent, so cleaning cat-soiled items is crucial for breaking the cycle of elimination." Humane World for Animals says: "If your pet is having regular accidents, have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out medical causes." See also why dogs and cats keep peeing in the same spot, and for spraying on walls and furniture, Pet Cleanup Kit's cat spraying cleanup guide.

Sources: Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling; International Cat Care, Soiling indoors; ASPCA, Urine Marking in Cats; Humane World for Animals, Get urine smell and pet stains out of carpet.

Keep your cat scratching the tree

Cats Protection says: "Scent glands between the paw pads produce a unique smell which is left on surfaces when cats scratch." On placement: "Cats often scratch and stretch when they wake up, so you can try placing their scratching post near their bed." And: "Every cat should have their own scratching post, positioned in a different place to avoid conflict."

It recommends "choosing a scratching post with a heavy, stable base so it doesn't wobble or topple during use."

Source: Cats Protection, Scratching.

Litter box basics

Cornell says: "Provide as many boxes as there are cats in the house, plus one. This decreases competition and gives each cat a box of his or her own."

For the full routine, see cat peeing or pooping outside the litter box. If it is a young cat, see kitten accidents.

Sources: Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling.

Accident on the carpet or couch too?

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Works on carpets, upholstery, tile, and more." It is not described for cat trees or scratching posts; for those, follow the maker's care guidance above. Follow the directions on the product label.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.