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.

Will KILZ Cover Cat Urine Smell? Facts & FAQ

Share

woman with smelly cat

KILZ Original is a paint primer that is designed to block heavy stains and odors within the home. It’s designed to adhere to surfaces easily and dry quickly. It can be used on various surfaces, including drywall, wood, plaster, masonry, brick, and even wallpaper. You may have heard that KILZ can also help cover up the cat urine smell that has seemingly seeped into the walls of your home.

Even if you deep clean the hardwood, remove the carpeting, and scrub the subflooring as much as possible, the odor is probably going to linger. So, it makes sense to check out additional treatment options. But can a product like KILZ help you eliminate the cat urine smell? The answer is maybe! Read on to learn more about this interesting topic.

divider 3 paws

KILZ May Be Able to Rid Your Home of Cat Urine Odors

There is no scientific evidence that proves KILZ’s effectiveness in covering up unwanted cat urine smells. However, some people have reported that the product works well and quickly.1 You may have to apply more than one coat of KILZ to get the results you’re looking for, and the results might not last forever because the product does not neutralize or get rid of the odor—it simply covers it up.

Therefore, you might consider using an enzyme cleaner before applying KILZ to your flooring. It can ensure that the urine odor doesn’t seep back into the air. There are a few effective brands, but some might work better than others, depending on your situation.

Kilz Original Interior Oil Based Sealer-Primer-Stainblocker

divider cat paws 2 oct 2024

Cat Urine Odor-Neutralizing Options

If you want to eliminate the urine odor before covering it with KILZ primer paint, you may find one or both of the following options effective throughout your house. They can be used on furniture, too.

Vinegar & Baking Soda

Vinegar neutralizes the dried alkaline salts in urine stains, and baking soda helps scrub the salts out of flooring, furniture, and other surfaces. You can create a neutralizing solution by mixing one part baking soda and one part vinegar to create a loose paste.

Then, scrub the paste into the affected areas and let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping the areas clean. The vinegar smell might linger for a couple of days but will subside on its own or get covered up by the KILZ paint if you apply it.

Urine Enzyme Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners are designed to neutralize cat urine stains and odors. They can typically be used on multiple surfaces, including furniture.

They can even be used on mattresses and clothing when necessary. The enzymes in the cleaners work by breaking down the acid in urine and eliminating the “skunky” smell.

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 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 cat paws 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

It seems that KILZ can help cover up the smell of cat urine in your home. However, it does not neutralize the odor, so it’s a good idea to consider treating the affected areas throughout your house with a neutralizing treatment first.


Featured Image Credit: Jihan Nafiaa Zahri, 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

2 Responses

  1. Can you apply the Hepper product on areas that have already been painted with Kilz. The cat urine is still bleeding through the Kilz.

    1. Hi Michael, although we haven't tested that combination specifically, there's no reason why the Hepper product can't work. We recommend only doing it in a small area, to begin with, and testing the effect before expanding.

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

Your Cat Ghosted Your Bed: Here’s What Changed

Cats are particular about where they sleep. Not just a little particular, but obsessively, methodically particular. They’ll test seventeen surfaces, circle a spot...

Figure Skater’s Secret: Land Like a Cat – About That Viral Photo Though…

Even if you’re not into sports, you’d have to be keeping well clear of the headlines to have not heard about the 2026...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Chews on Wires! (February 23, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Why Cats Pee on Furniture (And How to Make Them Stop)

Cats peeing on furniture isn’t a behavior problem. It’s a communication problem. Your cat can’t tell you their litter box hurts to use,...

More related

The Battle of the Sexes – Which One Makes A Better Pet?

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and...

Is Rabies Common in Cats? Vet Approved Facts & Stats

Just reading or hearing the word rabies is enough to strike terror into the hearts of most cat lovers. It’s a horrible disease...

Preparing for a Kitten’s Arrival: How I Prepped for Ivy

Welcome to the Wednesday Cats of Catster! Every week, we share a story from one of our cat-loving Catsters. This week is about...

300 Majestic Cat Names: Great Ideas for Your Elegant Cat

Cats are among the most beloved creatures in existence. They are mysterious, independent, and luxurious. Choosing a majestic cat name is a great...

Keep reading

How To Tell Which Cat is Dominant? 5 Vet Approved Signs To Look For

Contrary to the aloof and standoffish stereotype that’s been given to cats, cats have a wide range of personalities and temperaments. Some may have the independent personality that they’re known for, but many domesticated cats are very social and love...

two cats playing on a hammock at home

Are Elevated Cat Bowls a Good Idea? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Reduced back pain, better digestion, healthier eating—when owners see these big benefits claimed, it’s no wonder they turn towards elevated food and water bowls for their cats. These bowls are usually raised so their bottoms are between 4 and 6...

cat eating on elevated feeding

How to Tell the Sex of a Kitten: Vet-Reviewed Guide (With Infographic)

While it’s exciting to meet a litter of newborn kittens, it can be tricky to tell which of your fluffy new friends are male or female. Despite knowing how to tell the gender of a kitten, even experts can have...

Domestic kittens

Do Cats Have Eyelashes? Vet-Reviewed Anatomy Facts & Conditions

Cat eyes are fascinating animals to observe, but have you ever wondered if your cat has eyelashes? If you ask this question, you’re likely going to get mixed answers. Some people say yes, and others are adamant that the answer...

Blue-eyed ragdoll close up

Are Raid Fly Ribbons Poisonous to Cats? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

It can be tricky to care for our pets while attempting to get rid of pests. If you have many bugs intruding on your home, finding the right way to repel or kill them without endangering your cats can be...

flies caught in a flycatcher tape

Cat Splashes Water Out of the Bowl: 5 Vet-Verified Reasons & How to Stop It

While the behavior can be frustrating due to the mess, your cat splashing their water out of their water bowl and all over the floor is normal and usually no reason for concern. Despite having a reputation for being afraid...

a cat dipping its paws on a bowl of water

When Should Cats Stop Eating & Drinking Before Spaying or Neutering? Vet Approved Advice

Before most surgeries, it is generally recommended that you stop feeding and giving water to your feline. When under anesthesia, there is always a chance that the cat may vomit while asleep and then aspirate. However, the chance is lower...

orange cat eating wet food

6 Cat Litter Box Mistakes To Avoid

Dr. Meghan Herron, professor of veterinary behavioral medicine at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (DACVB), says there are three common offenses cats would post on a blog site if they could: The 6 Cat Litter Box Mistakes...

siamese cat sitting next to enclosed litter box

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.