Introduction: Cleaning Isn’t Just Hygienic—It’s Behavioral, Too
If your cat has peed on your bed, you might assume it’s just an accident—or that your cat is misbehaving. But here at SnuggleSouls, we’ve seen time and time again: if you don’t clean it properly, the problem can stick around—literally and behaviorally. Cats have a powerful sense of smell, and even a trace of urine can invite repeat accidents. What seems like a one-off event often becomes a learned pattern, not because your cat is stubborn—but because the scent says, “this is the bathroom.”
And while most cat parents jump into behavioral or medical fixes (which are crucial), they sometimes overlook the most basic foundation of success: thorough, scent-neutralizing cleanup.
Looking for a Complete Guide?
If you’re still working through the reasons why your cat is peeing on the bed—whether it’s stress, litter box issues, or something medical—check out our full behavioral guide:
👉Why Is My Cat Peeing on Bed? Causes & Proven Fixes
But if you’re past the “why” and ready to fix the mess (for good), this article walks you step-by-step through how to clean it the right way—with enzyme cleaners that actually work.
Why Cleaning Cat Urine Is More Than Just a Chore
Even as you work on the medical, stress, or litter box issues, one thing is certain: you need to clean that pee out of your bed thoroughly. Proper cleaning is not just about hygiene and your own comfort (though that’s important too!) – it’s actually a critical part of the training process.
Cats have a sense of smell far superior to ours, and the scent of old urine can draw them back to the same spot to pee again. If any odor remains, your cat will think the bed is an appropriate place to go. So, let’s talk cleanup strategy.
Ordinary household cleaners often won’t do the trick. Cat urine has a very pungent ammonia-like smell, and as it breaks down it releases compounds (like mercaptans) that make the odor even skunkier over time. Simply washing sheets or spraying air freshener might mask it to your nose, but not to your cat’s.
Also, avoid cleaners that contain ammonia or ammonia-based compounds – since urine itself has ammonia, using those can actually make the spot more attractive to the cat (in other words, it still smells like “pee here” to them).
The gold standard for cleaning cat urine is enzyme-based cleaners. These are special cleaners (available in pet stores or online) that contain enzymes which break down the urine at a molecular level. The enzymes digest the uric acid, salts, and odor-causing molecules in cat pee, truly neutralizing the smell. Many veterinarians and behaviorists insist on using enzymatic cleaners for any pet accident areas, because nothing else works quite as well.
How to Clean Cat Pee from Your Bed？
Here’s how to clean your bedding and mattress effectively after a cat pee incident:
1. Strip the Bedding Immediately
Remove all sheets, blankets, mattress covers, and pillowcases that got wet. Do not toss them straight into the washer without treating the stain first – you might set the stain/odor. First, blot up as much urine as possible from fabrics using paper towels or old rags. Press firmly to absorb – don’t rub, as that just spreads it around.
2. Soak with Enzymatic Cleaner
Liberally apply an enzymatic pet urine cleaner to the affected areas of your bedding and the mattress (if the urine soaked through). Follow the instructions on the product – usually, you’ll saturate the area and let it sit for a certain amount of time (often 10-15 minutes) so the enzymes can work. Make sure the cleaner reaches all layers where urine did; for a mattress, you may need to inject or really soak it to penetrate deep. It might feel excessive, but it’s worth it. Enzymatic cleaners actually break down the odor so your cat won’t recognize the spot.
3. Launder the Bedding Properly
After treating with enzyme cleaner, wash your linens in the washing machine. Use the hottest water safe for the fabric. Adding a cup of vinegar to the wash can help neutralize any remaining odor (vinegar is an acid that neutralizes alkaline components of urine). Baking soda can also help – some people sprinkle it on the bedding or add half a cup to the wash cycle to absorb smells.
Avoid bleach or ammonia-based detergents as these can react with urine and worsen the smell or stain. If the first wash doesn’t completely remove the odor, do not put items in the dryer (heat can set any lingering odor); instead, retreat with enzymatic cleaner and wash again. Repeat until you cannot smell any trace of urine – then you can dry the items.
4. Clean the Mattress (Thoroughly)
Mattresses are tricky since you can’t just throw them in a washer. After enzymatic treatment, use clean towels to blot up as much of the cleaning solution (and dissolved urine) as possible. You may need to repeat enzyme treatments multiple times over a day or two for a deep mattress stain. Once you’ve done all you can, allow the mattress to air dry completely. Using a fan pointed at the spot can help. Pro tip: use a black light in a darkened room to check for any remaining urine spots on the mattress – cat urine glows under black light, so you can see if you missed any area. Treat any glowing spots again. When fully dry and clean, consider using a waterproof mattress protector going forward. This won’t solve the problem behavior, but if another accident occurs, it will save your mattress and make clean-up much easier.
5. Avoid Allowing the Cat Near Wet Cleaner
While you’re cleaning, keep your cat away from the area. Enzyme cleaners aren’t harmful once dry, but you don’t want your cat walking on a wet, cleaning-solution-soaked bed and then grooming their paws. Also, some cats might be tempted to pee again on the damp spot because it’s a “reaction” spot – so it’s best to keep the door closed until everything is dry and odor-free.
6. Double-Check Other Spots
If your cat peed on your bed, it’s possible they have peed elsewhere (like carpet or laundry) that you might not have noticed yet. It’s a good idea to inspect your home for any hidden accidents – that black light can be handy to sweep the house for glowing urine traces. Clean those with enzyme cleaner as well. Removing all urine odors from the environment sets you up for success; your cat should only be able to smell their litter box as the proper place to go.
Using enzyme cleaners and diligent cleaning methods may take a bit of effort, but it’s essential. Cats have an incredible sense of smell and a strong instinct to return to the same spot to pee if it still smells like urine. Breaking that cycle means complete odor elimination. Once you’ve done this and the other steps (medical, stress, litter box improvements), you’re well on your way to a pee-free bed.
Conclusion
It’s easy to think that cleaning up cat pee is just about removing the mess. But for your cat, it’s more than that—it’s about whether their environment tells them the litter box is the only right place to go.
When you clean thoroughly with enzyme-based products, you’re not just saving your sheets—you’re breaking the cycle of repeat accidents and helping your cat reset their instincts.
If your cat keeps peeing on the bed, don’t underestimate how much scent matters. That lingering odor—unnoticeable to you—might be screaming “pee here” to your cat. Eliminating that scent is a behavior fix in itself.
Want to understand the full picture, including the emotional and behavioral reasons cats do this in the first place? Don’t miss our complete guide:
👉Why Is My Cat Peeing on Bed? Causes & Proven Fixes
Your cat isn’t trying to be difficult—they’re communicating in the only way they know how. By learning to clean right, you’re learning to listen.
FAQ
1. Why is it important to use an enzyme cleaner for cat pee?
Because enzyme cleaners break down uric acid and odor-causing molecules at the molecular level, they completely eliminate the scent your cat might return to. Regular cleaners simply mask the smell for humans.
2. Can I just use vinegar or baking soda instead?
Vinegar and baking soda help neutralize odor but don’t fully eliminate the uric acid crystals in cat urine. Enzyme cleaners are far more effective for permanent odor removal.
3. How long should I let the enzyme cleaner sit?
Most enzyme cleaners need to sit for 10–15 minutes or longer depending on the product and depth of the stain. For mattresses, deep saturation is crucial.
4. Is it safe to let my cat back on the bed right after cleaning?
Only once the area is completely dry and odor-free. Letting your cat back too soon—especially on damp spots—can trigger re-soiling behavior.
5. What if my cat keeps peeing in the same spot?
Check for lingering odor, add a waterproof cover, and consider re-training with food or play on the bed to change your cat’s association. Don’t forget to rule out stress or medical issues.
References
Horwitz, D., & Neilson, J. (2007). Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior. Wiley-Blackwell.
Grzyb, K. (2024, March 20). How to get rid of cat pee smell. PetMD. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/how-to-get-rid-of-cat-pee-smell
Cornell University Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Feline behavior problems: House soiling. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-house-soiling