These Are the Best Enzyme Cleaners for Cat Urine — Ranked

Written by Joan W.
Updated: March 12, 2023
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Key Points

  • The #1 Best Overall enzyme cleaner for cat urine is the Simple Solution Pet Urine Destroyer.
  • Enzyme cleaners are a type of cleaning solution that uses enzymes to break down the mess and smell associated with pet urine. Dealing with the smell of cat urine throughout the house doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem with the right enzyme cleaner in your cleaning arsenal. They are also a pet-safe option that is more environmentally friendly. 
  • Throughout our research on the top-rated enzyme cleaners, we’ve come up with a ranked list of the very best ones. Our guide will help you determine which enzyme cleaner will do best for your specific needs.

Unlike dogs, cats don’t have to be potty trained. If you make a clean litter box available, even kittens will use it. Cats are often called fastidious, and they are. A healthy, happy cat who is not marking its territory and is not under stress will use the litter box or go outside pretty much 100% of the time.

Unfortunately, there are still many reasons your cat might pee inside the house. They may be telling you they are sick, under stress, or that the litter box is inconvenient to use or too dirty. They may also be marking their territory. Regardless, once your cat has peed, the best thing you can do is get rid of the smell so they don’t make a habit of using that spot. As you probably know, cat pee has an intense odor that is made to last.

Fortunately, enzyme cleaners break down the molecules of cat urine and remove the smell — even for your cat’s super-sensitive nose. Here, we have our ranked review to bring you information on the most effective products available in today’s market.

  1. Simple Solution Pet Urine Destroyer
  2. Simple Solution Pet Urine Destroyer
    • Approved by the Carpets and Rug Institute
    • Do not cause discoloration
    • Comes with an easy-pour cap
    • Safe for pets
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Emmy's Best Pet Products Enzyme-Based Pet Odor & Stain Eraser
  4. Emmy's Best Pet Products Enzyme-Based Pet Odor & Stain Eraser
    • Safe on carpet, tile, wood, leather, and fabric
    • Recommended for small animal cages
    • Lavender scent
    • Money-back guarantee
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Nature's Miracle Cat Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover
  6. Nature's Miracle Cat Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover
    • Specifically designed for cats
    • Light citrus scent
    • Remove cat urine stains
    • Multi-surface cleaner
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  7. Urine Off Cat & Kitten Formula Stain & Odor Remover
  8. Urine Off Cat & Kitten Formula Stain & Odor Remover
    • Non-toxic formula
    • Safe to use around people and pets
    • USDA Certified Biobased Product
    • Remove urine odor and stains
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  9. Nature's Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
  10. Nature's Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
    • For use with steam cleaner or carpet cleaning machine
    • Lift even deep-set stains
    • Professional strength formula
    • Restore original color
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Enzyme Cleaners for Cat Urine Today

#1. Best Overall: Simple Solution Pet Urine Destroyer 

In our review, the overall best enzyme cleaner for cat urine is the Simple Solution Pet Urine Destroyer for its effectiveness on tough urine stains. Approved by the Carpets and Rug Institute, Simple Solution is designed for use on carpets, upholstery, bedding, fabric toys, clothing, and any water-safe surface without causing discoloration.

Enzyme solutions include bacteria that produce enzymes that break down the urine or vomit molecules enough that the bacteria can eat them. By removing the odor at a molecular level rather than covering it up, you discourage your pet from marking the same spot repeatedly. This solution features an easy-pour cap for direct application on your carpet or furniture or refilling spray bottles. It is safe to use around your pets as long as you follow the directions.

As far as downsides go, the biggest complaint we saw mentioned was that this cleaner isn’t capable of removing old stains. This is a cleaner that is meant for stains that have immediately happened.

Pros and Cons of the Simple Solution Pet Urine Destroyer

ProsCons
Approved by the Carpets and Rug Institute.The solution doesn’t work great on old stains.
The cleaner is designed to be used on a variety of surfaces such as carpets, bedding, and clothing.
Features an easy-pour cap that allows you to apply the solution directly.
Overall Best
Simple Solution Pet Urine Destroyer
  • Approved by the Carpets and Rug Institute
  • Do not cause discoloration
  • Comes with an easy-pour cap
  • Safe for pets
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Scented Cleaner: Emmy’s Best Pet Products Enzyme-Based Pet Odor & Stain Eraser

Since cat urine has such a strong, off-putting smell, Emmy’s Best Pet Products Enzyme-Based Pet Odor & Stain Remover is a great way to combat that. Emmy’s Best Pet Products are made in the USA and are safe on carpet, tile, wood, leather, and fabric. It also works as a laundry additive when cleaning towels and bedding.

The cleaner leaves behind a gentle and calming lavender scent to neutralize the scent of cat urine. However, some reviewers mentioned that they didn’t enjoy the scent. Still, considering that it is a gentle more natural scent it is often a better choice than cleaners that leave behind a more chemical scent. 

In addition to eliminating cat urine smells, the enzymes fight odor from feces, vomit, or any organic odors. It’s also recommended for small animal cages, crates, and kennels. Use it on carpets, flooring, laundry, closets, or anywhere your cats or other pets hang out. The solution uses enzymes to remove odors and leaves behind a lavender scent. It also comes with a money-back guarantee.

Pros and Cons of Emmy’s Best Pet Products Enzyme-Based Pet Odor & Stain Eraser

ProsCons
It comes with a money-back guarantee.Not all customers enjoyed the lavender scent.
Leaves behind a gentle lavender scent.
It can be added to laundry to help clean items.
The cleaner can be used on almost any surface.
Best Scented Cleaner
Emmy's Best Pet Products Enzyme-Based Pet Odor & Stain Eraser
  • Safe on carpet, tile, wood, leather, and fabric
  • Recommended for small animal cages
  • Lavender scent
  • Money-back guarantee
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Cleaner Targeted for Cats: Nature’s Miracle Cat Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover

Nature’s Miracle Cat Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remove is designed to be safe specifically for cats while removing cat urine odors. Nature’s Miracle has been around for 35 years and makes several enzyme cleaner products, but the Cat Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover is specifically for cats. It’s designed to be safe to use around your cats and features a light citrus scent. You can use it to remove cat urine stains on carpets, hard floors, furniture, and fabrics. It also works on feces, vomit, drool, and other organic odors and stains.

The formula is also fast-drying. This means that you won’t have to worry about your furniture and fabrics staying damp for long. Overall, this is a great cleaner that was made with cats in mind. When it comes to negative reviews, the biggest complaint we came across was the fact that it is not always consistent with stain removal. Although it works great for removing bad scents, there are times when it doesn’t always remove stains as efficiently.

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Miracle Cat Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover

ProsCons
This cleaner is made specifically for cats.The formula is not always as consistent with stain remover.
Features a light citrus scent.
Works on a variety of stains and odors including feces, vomit, and other organic substances.
The formula is fast-drying.
Best Cleaner Targeted for Cats
Nature's Miracle Cat Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover
  • Specifically designed for cats
  • Light citrus scent
  • Remove cat urine stains
  • Multi-surface cleaner
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Biobased Product: Urine Off Cat & Kitten Formula Stain & Odor Remover

Urine Off Cat & Kitten Formula Stain & Odor Remover is a unique non-toxic formula that uses a non-traditional bio-enzymatic cleaning technology. This cleaner is a non-toxic formula that directly targets cat and kitten urine. Use it to remove stains and odors from carpets, rugs, and household surfaces. It’s safe to use around people and pets when used as directed. Made in the USA, Urine Off is a USDA Certified Biobased Product (74% biobased) that is approved by Carpet Rug Institute. It is designed to completely and permanently remove urine stains and smells.

Another factor that makes this a popular choice with pet owners is the fact that it is used by groomers, trainers, kennels, and veterinarians. You can rest assured that this product is safe to use around the house since it is made without any bleach or chlorine. It is environmentally friendly and safe for your pets. Some reviewers, however, mentioned that they did not like the smell left behind by this spray.

Pros and Cons of the Urine Off Cat & Kitten Formula Stain & Odor Remover

ProsCons
The non-toxic formula is made with bio-enzymatic cleaning technology.Some reviewers mentioned that they did not like the scent this spray leaves behind.
It has the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval, which means you can safely use it on rugs and carpets.
The cleaner is a USDA Certified Biobased Product.
It is made in the USA.
Best Biobased Product
Urine Off Cat & Kitten Formula Stain & Odor Remover
  • Non-toxic formula
  • Safe to use around people and pets
  • USDA Certified Biobased Product
  • Remove urine odor and stains
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best for Carpet Cleaning Machines: Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo

Get rid of unsightly carpet stains thanks to Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo. Use Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo with a steam cleaner or carpet cleaning machine. It is designed to help you clean the deep urine or other organic pet stains, odors, and allergens to restore and brighten your carpet and furniture. This formula penetrates deep into the carpet and upholstery fibers to lift even deep-set stains. The low-foaming formula can be used with any steam cleaner or carpet cleaning machine.

However, it is important to keep in mind that this carpet cleaner cannot be used as a disinfectant. It is solely good for removing tough stains and giving your carpet a clean new look. Overall, it is definitely a great product if you need to remove tough urine stains from your carpets.

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo

ProsCons
It can be used with any carpet cleaning machine.The shampoo is not meant to be used as a disinfectant.
The formula is designed to penetrate deeply into the carpet to remove even the toughest of stains.
It has a low-foaming formula.
Best for Carpet Cleaning Machines
Nature's Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
  • For use with steam cleaner or carpet cleaning machine
  • Lift even deep-set stains
  • Professional strength formula
  • Restore original color
Check Chewy Check Amazon

What to Look For in the Best Enzyme Cleaners for Cat Urine

Cat owners know that cat urine has a very strong and long-lasting odor. When you’re dealing with this type of stain and odor it is important to use products that actually work. Without the right cleaning product, you’ll be stuck with both stains and odors that may never come out. That’s why enzyme cleaners have become such a popular option as they work specifically to penetrate through odors and stains while still being safe to use with your pets. However, choosing the right enzyme cleaner is not the easiest task. 

When it comes to choosing the best enzyme cleaner, it is important to look for these three factors: 

  • Surface use 
  • Active ingredients 
  • Scent 

Each of these factors will be explored in more detail in the following section:

Surface Use

One of the first factors to look out for is surface use. It is important to take into account the type of surface you’ll need to use the cleaner on. Is your home covered in a wall-to-wall carpet? Then you’ll want a cleaner that works well on carpeted areas without damaging them. In comparison, this type of cleaner would not be best for those looking to clean tiles or hardwood floors. That is why it is important to consider how well they work on the specific surface areas you need to be cleaned.

Active Ingredients

This is another very important factor to consider. Enzyme cleaners are made to have active ingredients that work well on tough stains and odors. However, it is also important to make sure that the active ingredients are safe for your pets and kids. So it is important to make sure that the cleaner has the right active ingredients that are also safe to use around the house.

Scent

Finally, the scent of the cleaner is another important factor to keep in mind. There are some cleaners on the market that have a terrible scent associated with them. On the other hand, there are others that are lavender or citrus scented that are meant to leave behind a good smell that also prevents cats from peeing in that area again. Still, this might not be the best option for you if you have a sensitive nose or have allergies.

About the Author

Joan Weisman is an experienced freelance marketing strategist and copywriter who helps small businesses expand their audience and stay top of mind with customers. She loves animals and dotes on her cat and dog.

These Are the Best Enzyme Cleaners for Cat Urine — Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How do I remove old or set-in cat urine stains?

The best way to remove old or set-in urine stains is with an enzyme cleaner. Many enzyme cleaners are made to break down the proteins in the odor and stains to remove them. It is important to note that you may need to use it more than once, however, to really get a tough stain out.

What is the difference between an enzyme cleaner and a regular cleaner?

The main difference between an enzyme cleaner and a regular cleaner is in the active ingredients. As the name implies, an enzyme cleaner will contain enzymes that specifically break down the proteins in urine, which is what leaves behind odor and stains. Regular cleaners do not contain these enzymes and that’s why they are usually not as effective at removing urine stains and smells.

Why does cat pee smell so bad?

Those who own a cat or who have been around cats know that their urine has a distinctly strong and off-putting scent. The reason for this is that their urine contains a plethora of compounds such as urea, uric acid, and pheromones. As the pee decomposes this causes bacteria to break down in the urea and then this releases ammonia into the air. Ammonia has a very pungent smell and that’s why cat pee smells so bad.

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