When rainy weather arrives, most look forward to cozy indoor days. However, for some homeowners, rain brings an unexpected and unpleasant problem: a lingering smell of pee permeating their homes and carpets. This issue can be perplexing and frustrating, leaving you wondering why your house smells like pee mainly, why the house smells like cat pee.
Combining moisture and various substances can lead to an unpleasant scent like pee and an ammonia smell like urine. However, identifying the source of the odor is crucial in effectively addressing the things that smell like cat pee or even a dog smell. Several factors contribute to the unpleasant smells; one possibility is leaking in your home, particularly in the roof or walls. Water intrusion through damaged areas can lead to mold growth and mildew, which produce distinct odors that resemble urine. Additionally, leaks in plumbing systems can release sewer gases, which the smell may mean.
A multi-step approach is recommended to address the issue. First, identify and repair any leaks or areas of water intrusion in your home. This may involve hiring a professional to assess and fix the source of the problem. Addressing any mold or mildew growth is essential. Mold remediation experts can help remove the existing decay and prevent its recurrence. Improving ventilation in your home is another crucial step in eliminating household odors. Proper airflow helps prevent moisture buildup and reduces the chances you can smell mold.
Open doors and windows during dry periods or use fans and dehumidifiers to maintain a dry and well-ventilated environment. In our guide, you can learn more about why your home smells like pee, and if you have pets, why does your home smell like cat urine? By the end, you’ll better understand why your house has a urine, fishy, or egg smell without blaming your cat for urine stains. (Read Smoke Alarm 3 Beeps Then Stops)
Spoiling Food Can Smell Like Cat Pee
When food starts to rot, the bacteria that causes the decomposition process breaks down the amino acids in the food, releasing an ammonia odor. This gas gives spoiled food its smell and could mean you smell an unpleasant cat urine-like scent.
Some common foods that cause the odor, like the cat pee smell when they spoil, include garlic, fish, blue cheese, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, grapefruit, lima beans, and yeast extract.
Sewer Gases Often Smell Like Cat Urine
If your home smells like cat urine, but you can’t find any evidence of a mess, it could be that sewage gases are to blame. A variety of things can cause these gases to enter your home after a period of rain:
- Dry traps: All the drains in your home, like the shower or sink, have a “trap” designed to hold a small amount of water at all times. This water forms a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If a trap dries out, it could be the source of the odor that smells like urine. The gases can come up through the drain and into your home.
- Leaky seals: The seals around your drains can wear out over time, allowing sewer gases to escape.
- Ventilation problems: Your home has a ventilation system designed to allow sewer gases to escape before they have a chance to enter your home. The smell could mean this system isn’t working correctly, and gases build up to let this odor in your home.
An Air Conditioner Leak Could Cause Cat Urine Smell
Freon is a gas used in air conditioners, heat pumps, and refrigerators to keep things cool. If it leaks, the refrigerant can cause a cat pee smell throughout your home. If you’re smelling cat pee but know the cat doesn’t render it, a freon leak detector can rule out this potential source of the stink. If a leak is detected, contact an HVAC or refrigerator specialist to repair it immediately. Freon can be highly toxic to both people and pets.
Mold, Including Black Mold, Smells Like Cat Pee
Mold is a type of fungi that thrives in damp, dark environments. When mold grows, it releases spores into the air that can cause respiratory problems in both people and pets. In addition to causing health problems, mold also gives off a musty, cat pee-like odor. If you suspect mold might be the source of the smell, it’s essential to have it removed by a professional as soon as possible.
Some of the most common places mold is found in homes include basements, crawl spaces, under sinks, attics, and around leaky windows. A tub of DampRid or another moisture absorber can keep excess mold-causing moisture at bay. (Read What Is Burning The Clutch)
A Dead Rodent
If you’ve ruled out all of the above potential sources of the cat pee stench and you’re still stumped, there’s a chance there might be a dead animal somewhere in your home. Rats or mice often crawl into small spaces to die, like in between walls or under floors, making them hard to find.
If you think a dead animal might be in your home, call a professional to help locate and remove it. As you can see, several potential causes of that cat pee smell in your home exist. If you’ve ruled out the cat as the source of the stink, it’s essential to take a closer look at your house to try and find the culprit. (Read Majesty Palm Vs. Cat Palm)
Alternative Smells Besides Cat Pee Odor Inside Your Home
Rotten Eggs
About half of the homes in the United States use natural gas for heating, hot water, cooking, or drying clothes. An undiscovered gas leak could cause a fire or explosion. However, natural gas is colorless and odorless under normal circumstances, which could make gas leaks practically undetectable.
As a safety measure, gas companies add a foul-smelling odorant to natural gas to produce a characteristic “rotten egg” smell. If there’s a rotten egg smell in your house, immediately vacate the premises—do not use the landline or turn on or off any lights or appliances—and call the gas company. It may take professional help to determine the cause or find the source of the leak.
A Fishy Smell
If something smells fishy, the smell could be caused by overheating in your electrics. The scent can be a sign of loose wires or overloaded circuits. Such things can be behind wood and drywall, so your home might be at risk.
Bathroom Odor
You may want to call the plumber if the bathroom smells like sewers. Your plumbing system, vent pipe, or broken sewer pipe may all cause the odor. If the stench comes from a drain that hasn’t been used in a while, a dried-up P-trap may also be to blame. To keep the house from smelling, run water through all drains at least once a month to stop this sewage smell.
Decomposition
The sickly-sweet smell of rotting food warns our animal minds to keep as far away as possible. To get rid of the dead intruder, call a professional to remove it immediately.
Musty and Dusty
It can be harmful, particularly in humid or moisture-prone areas like the basement, laundry room, kitchen, or even mold and mildew in the bathroom. Both mildew and mold problems can aggravate allergies and asthma. Mold needs to be removed as soon as possible. Small patches of mold or mildew can be released using bleach and water or ammonia-like solutions. If you use ammonia, wear a mask and goggles.
Certain types of mold are hard to kill, and mold spores fly to other damp areas when disturbed. Mold digests materials in a short period of days, so if you find mold growing or see walls with water stains, call a professional. (Read What Does Lemon Juice Taste Like)
New Paint Smell
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are regular elements of numerous paints and produce aromas like strong urine as the paint dries. The Environmental Protection Agency advises people to paint the interior of their homes with low- or no-VOC colors.
Always leave windows and doors open when painting for ventilation. Place bowls of baking soda, fresh lemons, or crushed charcoal where the house smells like urine and paint. (Read Does Mulch Have Manure In It)
FAQs
Can the smell of cat pee be harmful?
While the smell itself is unpleasant, it is not typically harmful. However, if the odor is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms like respiratory issues or allergies, it’s advisable to consult a professional to assess the situation.
How can I remove the smell of cat urine from furniture?
Use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically formulated for pet urine for fabric-covered furniture. Follow the product instructions and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Are there any natural remedies to eliminate the odor of cat urine?
You can use white vinegar and water to neutralize cat urine odor. Apply the solution to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel. (Read Why Is There A Dead Possum In My Yard)
Is the smell of cat pee an indication of a litter box problem?
A persistent cat pee smell in the house can show litter box issues. Ensure the litter box is clean, quickly accessible, and suitable for your cat’s preferences.
