Can You Get High From Cat Urine – Myth Or Fact

If you notice that your cat has a strong aroma when they urinate, you may be worried about the health effects that may come with it or the risk of impairment. Can cat urine make you sick? Can cat urine get you high?

No, cat urine can not make you high when smelling it in your daily life. You can change the litter box and clean up any accidents that may have occurred without worrying about any impairment. However, due to the higher amount of ammonia in cat urine, there are certain health risks when inhaling large amounts of cat urine.

Now that your question has gotten answered, I am sure you have many more to ensure you and your household remain safe and clean while owning a pet cat. This article aims to provide you with all of the information you need to know about your cat’s urine. 

What happens if you inhale cat urine?

In high amounts of ammonia exposure from your cat urine, you can begin to experience respiratory problems like asthma and allergies. However, in typical day-to-day cleaning of cat urine, the likelihood of respiratory issues is very low. 

Is cat pee toxic?

Cat urine can cause respiratory problems. You are at a higher risk of having respiratory problems if your cat has a potent urine smell. Cats with a high ammonia smell in their urine normally don’t consume enough water in their diet. To help your cat become hydrated, try adding wet food into their diet. Another cause for pungent urine is a urinary tract infection or UTI. It is crucial to bring your cat to the vet for proper treatment if you suspect it has a UTI. 

Can cat pee make you nauseous?

Yes, cat urine can make you nauseous if high amounts of ammonia get inhaled. Inhalation of cat urine can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and in more significant cases, respiratory issues. 

How do you get cat urine smell out?

There are many different ways to get cat urine out, depending on what the urine is on.

The Best Products To Clean Cat Urine

First, let’s look into the products you should be using to clean cat urine.

Baking Soda and Vinegar 

Although vinegar is not the most pleasant thing to smell itself, mixing it with baking soda can neutralize the smell of urine. This mixture works well because the acid in the vinegar works to offset the urine smell while the baking soda helps lift it. The vinegar smell will subside in just a couple of days, and the urine smell will leave with it.

Enzyme-Based Cleansers

The enzymes in these cleaners break down the acid in cat urine while also removing the smell. It is best to use these cleaners on carpets, couch cushions, beds, and clothing. Consider the enzymes as good bacteria working towards getting rid of the dangerous bacteria from the urine causing the odors. It is crucial to take extra care while cleaning the spot and ensure that you can not smell it and your cat can not either. If a cat smells urine in an area from himself or another cat, he is likely to use that same spot again. Therefore, getting the stain out completely the first time is crucial.

Do Not Use Products Containing Ammonia

Since ammonia is one of the components in cat urine, cleaners containing ammonia will not expel the cat urine smell. 

How To Remove Cat Urine From Carpet

To get rid of the cat urine smell from a carpet, follow the steps below:

1. Absorb Cat Urine 

You’ll need to find the stain quickly and soak up as much urine as you can with a clean cloth or paper towel. 

1. Rinse and Vacuum

Rinse the area with clean water and vacuum the location with a wet/dry vacuum. Never use a steam cleaner as the steam can set the stain making it nearly impossible to remove the urine smell.

1. Use An Enzyme Cleaner

You’ll need to drench the stain in an enzyme cleaner as a light spray will not work. Take the top off of the spray bottle that contains your enzyme cleaner, and pour liberally. 

1. Allow It To Sit

Allow the cleanser to sit for about 10-15 minutes before blotting it up with a clean cloth or paper towel. 

1. Prevention

During the cleaning process, you’ll need to keep your cat away from the area so they don’t try to go there again before you can entirely remove the smell.

1. Reapplication 

For older or very concentrated urine smells, you may have to reapply the cleaner and allow for it to dry again. 

How To Remove Cat Urine From Clothing

If your cat urinates on your clothing or in your laundry hamper, you may be wondering how to remove the smell from your clothing and other linens. Follow the steps below to remove the odor from your clothing.

1. Rinse With Cool Water

If your clothing is machine washable, you’ll want to put the clothing through a rinse cycle using cool water.

1. Wash The Clothing 

Wash the clothing with laundry detergent and a cup of baking soda or a quarter cup of cider vinegar. 

1. Add Enzyme Cleaner

If the smell still has not been removed, you may add enzyme cleaner to the wash, be sure to follow the proper instructions for this provided on the spray bottle. 

1. Air-Dry

Air-dry the clothing to prevent the heat from locking in the smell before it is completely gone.

1. Rewash

Rewash as many times as needed to completely remove the smell from the clothing. 

What color is cat urine?

Typical cat urine will have a pale yellow appearance with the smell of ammonia.

Why is there blood in my cat’s urine?

The most common cause for blood in a cat’s urine is FLUTD or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. The reason cats become affected by this disease is unknown for the most part. Research has shown it may be caused by stress, poor diet, and obesity. However, it can also be an indicator of something much more severe. If your cat has blood in its urine, it is best to contact your vet immediately so your cat can receive the proper treatment. 

Conclusion

Although the everyday smell of the litter box will not make you high or impaired, it is possible for it to negatively impact your health, especially if your cat’s urine is potent. The inhalation of urine can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and may cause allergies. It is essential to keep your cat’s litter box clean and clean up any accidents made by your cat as soon as they occur and have had the chance to set.