Whether you own an outdoor cat or your yard is a stray sanctuary, you've likely got cat pee odors that have built up over time. This stench can linger long after the liquid has been absorbed unless you treat it appropriately.

Urine is usually around 95% water, with the other 5% a varying chemical cocktail including proteins, uric acid, salts, minerals, ammonia, and more.

When cat urine dries, the organic compound called urea in it is broken down by bacteria, which makes it smell like ammonia. As the urine continues to decompose, it releases thiols that make the foul odor stronger. Uric acid is an additional component that is not water-soluble and bonds tightly to whatever surface it touches.

To eliminate cat urine smell outside, you need to remove the urine odor, not just cover it up.

Although baking soda, white vinegar, soap, and hydrogen peroxide may neutralize odors temporarily, a humid day can cause uric acid to recrystallize and release foul odor in your outdoor area again. Other household remedies such as lime can be dangerous to your family and your cat's health.

Both orange peels and cayenne pepper are commonly used to deter cats from venturing into yards but do nothing to eliminate cat odors. Plus, cayenne pepper can be harmfully irritating to cats.

To remove cat urine smell outside, use an enzyme-based cleaner with live bacteria to break down and eliminate the source of the tough odors. Enzymes break uric acid into gases, and through natural drying, the gases evaporate. Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator uses safe, naturally-occurring bacterial microbes that eliminate odors at the source.

Directions for Getting Rid of Cat Urine Smell Outside:

For best results, use the product during cooler times of the day, such as dawn or dusk.

1. Clear the area. Shake the hose-end spray bottle of Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator well. Keep pets out of the area during application.
2. Connect your hose. Point the nozzle away from your face and attach a hose to the back end of the sprayer.
3. Apply the cleaner. Turn on the water slowly and use low to moderate pressure. Push the safety tab toward the hose and turn the nozzle counterclockwise to the "On" position. Spray down the affected area.
4. Let the cleaner soak into the surface. Let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes to penetrate the smelly areas. Avoid letting it dry during this time, as the longer it stays damp, the longer bacteria have to digest the organic soils. In windy or warmer conditions, you may need to lightly mist the area you're cleaning with more product to prevent quick evaporation.
5. Allow the area to dry. Repeat the process if necessary.

TIP: Applying this product at dusk allows it a longer time to stay damp and active. You can also lightly mist the treated area with water to reactivate and get additional deodorizing action.