Leather is an animal product that has been used to make clothing, shoes, furniture, and other goods for many centuries. There are many benefits of using leather – it’s durable, water-resistant, and softens with age.
However, one downside of this material is the way it smells, sometimes like the smell of cat urine. If you’re wondering why this happens, keep reading to find out.
Here are some of the main reasons why leather sometimes smells like cat pee;
- Probably Smells Due To Actual Cat Or Pet Pee
- Leather Is Made Of Faux Leather Can Smell Like Cat Pee
- When Leather Gets Wet It May Smell Like Cat Pee
- Leather Items With Polyurethane Parts Can Smell Like Cat Pee
- Mold or Mildew Buildup Can Cause Leather To Smell Like Cat Pee
- Leather May Begin To Smell Like Cat Pee If It’s Old
- Usuing Harsh Chemical Cleaners Can Make The Leather Smell Like Cat Pee
- Leather May Smell Like Cat Pee If It’s Not Properly Cared For
To learn the details on why leather sometimes smells like cat pee, continue reading this article.
1. Your Leather Probably Smells Due To Actual Cat Or Pet Pee
One of the most likely reasons why leather sometimes smells like cat pee is because you have actually gotten some pee on them.
It could be that you probably stepped or your cat or neighbors cat decided to use your leather shoe as a litter box.
Pets often mark their territory by urinating on objects that they think are theirs.
Leather is a perfect target for this type of behavior because it’s strong, durable, and since leather is made from animal skin, it is porous and can absorb the smell – so the smell will linger for quite some time.
If you or a neighbor have a feline friend, make sure to avoid keeping your leather items near where the cat sleeps or eats, otherwise it might end up getting peed on.
But if you’re certain there aren’t any cats in your house, you might want to check out some of the other ways leather can smell like cat pee below.
2. Leather Is Made Of Faux Leather Can Smell Like Cat Pee
Another possible reason why leather sometimes smells like cat pee is that it’s made of faux leather.
Faux leather, also known as pleather, is a type of synthetic leather that is made to look and feel like the real thing.
However, even though it shares some similarities with animal-based leather, there are some key differences too.
One of which is that faux leather can sometimes smell like cat pee due to the plastic materials used in their production.
When this type of leather gets wet, the smell can become even stronger and more noticeable. This is because some of the chemicals used to make the faux leather material gets released when it gets wet.
The odor can also occur when the faux leather begins to break down or become old thus giving off a foul ammonia smell.
Unfortunately, the smell can only be removed by replacing or getting rid of the leather item entirely – so if you have a faux leather purse, shoes, or jacket that smells like cat pee, it might not be worth saving.
3. When Leather Gets Wet It May Smell Like Cat Pee
Another reason why leather sometimes smells like cat pee is when it gets wet.
Leather is an absorbent material and when it comes into contact with liquids, the pores in the skin open up and can trap the smell of whatever was spilled on it.
If you’ve ever gotten your leather shoes wet and then brought them inside, you might have noticed the strong smell similar to that of cat pee.
The same thing can happen to furniture, belts, or any other type of leather item. When leather is allowed to be damp for a long time it can also begin to give off an unpleasant smell.
If you do get your leather item wet, be sure that it is completely dry before storing or wearing them again.
If this is a problem that you’re experiencing, make sure to keep all your leather items away from liquids as much as possible.
4. Leather Items With Polyurethane Parts Can Smell Like Cat Pee
If you have a leather item with any polyurethane parts, it may also smell like cat pee.
This will often happen when the polyurethane parts begin to deteriorate or break down over time. This can simply be due to old age, exposure to too much heat, or water.
For example, if you have leather shoes with polyurethane parts like soles or heels, the smell can become very noticeable if they begin to break down.
This is especially true when these parts emit a musty or moldy scent – which will also make them more likely to attract pests like moths and mice who love these types of smells.
The same thing can happen with leather furniture that has polyurethane parts – the smell of cat pee can become very strong over time.
If you’re experiencing this problem, it’s best to try and replace the polyurethane parts with new ones so that the leather item doesn’t continue to smell like cat pee.
5. Mold or Mildew Buildup Can Cause Leather To Smell Like Cat Pee
In some cases, leather can simply start to smell like cat pee because there is a buildup of mold, mildew, or other types of bacteria on the leather surface.
Mold can be very tricky in emitting smells or odors – and one of them can actually be very strong, similar to cat pee.
If you notice that your leather items are emitting an unpleasant odor and it smells like wet dog or ammonia, mold could be the culprit.
Mold loves moist environments with low oxygen levels such as those found in leather upholstery or furniture.
The good news is that mold can be removed by using a mixture of water, mild dish soap, and rubbing alcohol. Be sure to test this mixture in an inconspicuous place before you start spraying it all over your leather item.
6. Leather May Begin To Smell Like Cat Pee If It’s Old
One other reason why leather may start to smell like cat pee is that it’s old.
Leather is a material that can last for many years when it’s taken care of properly, but over time the oils and chemicals used in the tanning process will start to break down.
This can cause the leather to become dry, brittle, and cracked – which will also make it more susceptible to bacteria, mold, and other types of damage.
If you have a leather item that’s starting to smell like cat pee because it is a very old leather item, it might be time to consider getting rid of it.
The smell can usually only be removed by replacing or getting rid of the leather item entirely – so if you have a leather couch, chair, or any other furniture that’s starting to smell like cat pee, it might be time for a new one.
7. Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners Can Make The Leather Smell Like Cat Pee
If you’re trying to remove the smell of cat pee from your leather items, it’s important to use the right type of cleaner.
Using harsh chemical cleaners can actually make the leather smell worse and may also damage the surface.
In some cases, using harsh chemical cleaners may be able to remove stubborn stains or mold that may be on the leather, but it can also react with the tanning agents and oils in the leather causing it to have smells that might be similar to that of cat pee.
It is best to go for leather cleaners that are appropriate for leather or cleaners that are specifically made for leather items.
You can use mild dish soap or a diluted vinegar and water mixture as a safe cleaner for leather. Be sure to test this in an inconspicuous place before you start spraying it all over your leather item.
8. Leather Can Smell Like Cat Pee If It’s Extremely Dirty
In some cases, the leather may start to smell like cat pee because it’s extremely dirty.
If you’ve never cleaned your leather item or if it’s been a long time since it was last cleaned, dirt, dust, sweat or body oils, together with other types of stains can easily build up and cause the leather to lose its natural smell.
When this happens, the leather will start to smell like a mixture of all the things that have been building up on it over time.
It is best to clean your leather item at least once or twice every year with a safe and gentle leather cleaner. Be sure to test this in an inconspicuous place before you start spraying it all over your leather item.
How To Remove The Smell of Cat Pee From Leather
If you’ve determined that the smell of cat pee is coming from your leather item, there are several ways to remove it.
The best way to remove the smell of cat pee from leather will vary depending on what type of leather it is and how severe the smell is.
In some cases, it may be best to leave the cleaning and deodorizing of your leather item up to a professional.
However, there are several natural ways that you can use at home to remove the smell from your leather items so they no longer have an unpleasant odor.
- If you’re using any type of cleaner on your leather item or if you’re trying to remove a stain, it is important to test this in an inconspicuous place before you start spraying it all over your leather item.
Using Vinegar To Remove Cat Pee Smell From Leather
- One way to remove the smell of cat pee from leather is by using a mixture of vinegar and water.
- You can make a diluted mixture of white vinegar and water and use a soft cloth to clean the leather.
- Be sure to test this in an inconspicuous place before you start spraying it all over your leather item.
Using Baking Soda To Remove Cat Pee Smell From Leather
- Another way to remove the smell of cat pee from leather is by using a baking soda paste.
- To make the paste, mix together three parts baking soda with one part water.
- Apply the paste to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
- Again, be sure to test this in an inconspicuous place before you start spraying it all over your leather item.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Cat Pee Smell From Leather
- You can also use a hydrogen peroxide mixture to remove the smell of cat pee from leather.
- To make the mixture, mix together one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water.
- Apply the mixture to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
- Once again, be sure to test this in an inconspicuous place before you start spraying it all over your leather item.
Commercial Leather Cleaning Products
- You can also find commercial products that are specifically made to remove smells from leather items and other surfaces as well.
- There are several brands available, but be sure to pick out one that is safe to use on leather.
- When using any type of cleaner or deodorizer on your leather item, it is important to test this in an inconspicuous place before you start spraying it all over your leather item.
- Also, make sure to follow carefully the instructions on the product’s label when applying the cleaner, as this will vary depending on what kind of product you’re using.
Final Thoughts
I have always been a fan of helping people find answers to their questions, and this post is no different.
I hope that through the information provided in this article, you will be able to successfully diagnose the cause of the cat pee smell you’re having on your leather items and more importantly, how to remove the smell of cat pee from your leather items.
Please remember to always test any type of cleaner or deodorizer in an inconspicuous place before spraying it all over your leather item, as this could damage the surface of the leather.
Feel free to share this post with your friends and family, as I am sure they will find it helpful, too. Thanks for reading!
