Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Get Cat Urine Smell & Stains Out of Leather – 6 Simple Steps

cat sitting with pee on couch

If you have a nice leather couch or jacket, you know it must be taken care of. Leather can last a lifetime if your cat doesn’t destroy it! If your cat has an accident that gets on your leather, you might be tempted to throw it out. However, with proper cleaning, you can get the urine smell and stains out of leather without any trouble so that no one can tell that an accident even happened.

divider 3 paws

Supplies Needed

  • Cleaning cloths
  • Gloves
  • Spray bottle
  • Enzyme Cleaner
  • Plastic container
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Liquid Soap
  • Baking Soda
  • Leather conditioner, olive oil, or coconut oil
  • Vinegar (optional)
  • Charcoal (optional)

Our Favorite Enzyme Cleaner

The Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray is our favorite enzyme cleaner out there. It permanently removes even the very worst kitty stains and smells, leaving your home fresh and clean! Click here to learn more about this amazing product and get yourself a bottle.

Hepper Cat Pee Remover Spray Product

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool cat company!

divider 2 cats

The 6 Steps to Remove Cat Urine Smells & Stains from Leather

1. Blot Any Pooled Urine

Before you can clean the couch, you’ll want to clean up any urine that hasn’t soaked into the leather and figure out what’s been stained. If you are cleaning a leather couch, we suggest removing any removable cushions and putting aside the clean cushions. Using a cleaning cloth or paper towel, blot any remaining urine and pat the stains dry as much as possible.

cleaning-leather-sofa-at-home_Freer_shutterstock
Image Credit: Freer, Shutterstock

2. Enzyme or Homemade Cleaner

Although you can buy leather-safe commercial enzyme cleaners, a homemade solution may be more available. Mix four cups of hydrogen peroxide in a plastic container with one tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Add a quarter cup of baking soda to the mix and stir gently. The mixture will fizz and let off oxygen. Don’t stir it too thoroughly, but stir it enough to dampen the baking soda.


3. Mist The Stained Area

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it liberally over the stained area. Cover the entire stained area.

cleaning leather couch
Image Credit: Lion Day, Shutterstock

4. Soak Up Cleaner

Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, and wipe off any remaining cleaner. Let the area dry completely overnight. At this point, your stain might be gone, in which case you can skip the next step.


5. Neutralize Any Leftover Scents with Vinegar or Charcoal

If scents linger, you’ll want to neutralize them. You can spray a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water over the area and let it dry. You can also put a bowl of activated charcoal near the stain overnight to soak up odors.

natural destilled white vinegar in spray bottle to remove stains
Image Credit: FotoHelin, Shutterstock

6. Recondition Leather

Once you are finished cleaning, you’ll want to recondition your leather. This works moisture into the leather to keep it smooth and supple. Wait 24-48 hours before reconditioning the leather to ensure it is completely dry. You can buy a commercial leather conditioner or use a few teaspoons of olive or coconut oil. Work the conditioner into the leather slowly until the leather is smooth and supple.

divider 3 paws

Know When to Use an Enzyme Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners are perfect for breaking down tough stains. They are designed to destroy the proteins in bodily fluids like urine, making them a good choice for old or stubborn stains. However, some enzyme cleaners will damage the leather, so test your cleaner on an inconspicuous spot before you clean it.

Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
  • ADVANCED ENZYMATIC CLEANER - Penetrates the most stubborn smells and stains at the deepest molecular...
  • FOR ANY MESS, ON ANY SURFACE - This pet odor eliminator cleans your carpets, floors, furniture,...
  • FRESH, NATURAL ODOR - Our unique formulation doesn't rely on dangerous or unpleasant chemical...

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool cat company!

divider 1 paws

Final Thoughts

Removing urine stains, especially old ones, from a couch is challenging if you don’t have the proper cleaners. We hope these steps will help you get the smell of urine out of leather. So many cat owners have fallen “victim” to cat urine stains and smells on furniture and clothing. However, with a bit of elbow grease, you can reduce the odors and stains!


Featured Image: cunaplus, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

We Talk to the Artist Behind “The Adventures of Business Cat”

Do you ever take a look over at your cat — who, for the basis of this scenario, is happily dozing away on...

Taste of the Wild Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Taste of the Wild is a brand of Diamond Pet Food, which is a pet food company based in the USA....

Can Cats Eat Honey? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you love eating honey yourself, you probably know that it has antibacterial properties and is packed full of antioxidants and vitamins. It’s...

7 Cat Haircut Styles for Inspiration (With Pictures)

While most cats don’t need a haircut, sometimes you might still need to book a trip to the groomer. Getting your cat’s hair...

More related

Raise Your Paws – One More State Bans Declawing

In an enormous victory for cats and cat lovers in America, California is set to become the 7th US State to officially ban...

Bird Watching for Cats: Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats (Vet-Reviewed)

Felines are predators, and although your indoor kitty might not be doing much hunting these days, predators like to locate and catch prey,...

9 Best Shampoos for Sphynx Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Bathing your Sphinx is probably not on your list of favorite activities, but it helps keep your cat’s skin hydrated and healthy. Without...

Can Cats Eat Shrimp? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

So, you know your cat loves fish, but she seems to be drawn to that shrimp you’re enjoying. Naturally, this will lead to...

Keep reading

Solid Gold Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Solid Gold pet food was launched in 1974 by Sissy Harrington McGill. As a Great Dane aficionado, she noticed that European Great Danes were healthier and living longer than those in America. She determined that European dogs were...

Solid Gold Cat Food Review

Do Cats Eat Christmas Trees? Vet-Reviewed Risks & Tips

Christmas is a magical time that fills our homes with warm smells and sparkly lights. Only, cat owners have to deal with the constant chaos of owning a Christmas tree with a pet. Christmas trees, both live and artificial, can...

cat hiding in the Christmas tree

How to Feed Cats Properly: Vet-Verified Methods & Tips

Feeding your cat is simply a part of your daily routine, but did you know that some of us maybe aren’t doing it in the best way possible? If you’re confused about the different ways to feed a cat, you’re...

cat eating from feeding bowl

How Often Should You Wash a Cat’s Bed: Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks

Just like you should wash your bedding every week or two, the same is true for your cat’s bedding. Ideally, you’ll want to wash it once a week, but if they don’t spend all that much time using it, you...

Cat near a Washing Machine

Can Cats Eat Garlic? Vet-Reviewed Risks & FAQ

Few foods are as popular and as potent as garlic. We use garlic to imbue its delicious, savory flavor into our foods, and millions love the bulbous, flowering plant. However, if you’re a cat owner, you might wonder if your...

Can Cats Eat Garlic

Arm and Hammer Cat Litter Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Introduction Cat litter is an essential item on any cat owner’s shopping list, and most of us have heard of Arm & Hammer, a brand that has been on shelves for over 170 years. All Arm & Hammer...

Arm & Hammer Cat Litter Review

Why Is My Cat’s Poop Watery? 8 Vet-Approved Reasons

Changes in bathroom habits are one of cat parents’ biggest causes of worry. Though diarrhea in cats isn’t the most unusual phenomenon, it’s crucial to figure out what may be causing it, especially if it’s regularly affecting your cat. Watery...

orange cat pooping on the grass

10 Best Cat Foods Made in the USA in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing high-quality cat food is a hugely important decision when it comes to the health of your beloved pet. You might have been trying to shop more locally for food supplies for your own family, and it makes total sense...

Wet vs Dry Cat Food