Remove cat urine from shoes and boots – the right way

Even though shoes and boots are usually not a cat’s preferred “toilet”, it can still happen. If your shoes smell like cat urine, it’s a very unpleasant experience — but don’t worry: with the right cleaning method you can remove cat urine from shoes and boots.

Why does cat urine smell so bad?

Before we get into the actual cleaning, it helps to understand the odor. Cat urine contains compounds (often referred to as MMB) that are responsible for the strong smell. Depending on how long the urine has been in the material, the odor may not always be removable 100% — but you can take effective steps to significantly reduce it.

Preparation

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and cleaners available:

Paper towels/kitchen roll: to soak up fresh urine as much as possible.
Bio Urin Attacke (or another cat urine cleaner): choose a cleaner specifically designed to remove pet urine odors and stains. Bio Urin Attacke is a good option because it’s effective and uses an enzymatic formula to combat odors.
Water and a clean cloth: to wipe down the shoes/boots after treatment.

Cleaning cat urine from shoes and boots

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Act immediately: If you notice a cat has urinated in your shoes or boots, act fast. Use paper towels to absorb as much fresh urine as possible. Press the towels firmly onto the affected area. The more you remove right away, the better.
Apply the cleaner: After absorbing fresh urine, apply a cat urine cleaner such as Bio Urin Attacke. Spray generously onto the affected area so it penetrates well. Let it sit for a few minutes so it can break down odor and contamination.
Let it dry: After the cleaner has worked, let your shoes or boots air dry. Keep them in a well-ventilated place, but avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can damage the material. Let them dry completely before wearing again.
Check and repeat: Once dry, check for remaining odor and stains. If the smell is still there or the stain isn’t fully gone, repeat the cleaning process.

Note: For certain materials (e.g., leather or delicate fabrics), professional cleaning may be safer to avoid damage. In these cases, consider consulting a specialist.

Conclusion

Removing cat urine from shoes and boots takes a bit of time, but it’s doable. Acting quickly, using a suitable cat urine cleaner, and allowing thorough drying are the key steps to get your footwear smelling fresh again.

For more details, read our in-depth post about removing cat urine.