How to Remove Cat Urine Smell from Leather Shoes: Quick, Safe, Home Remedies

Leather is a natural, porous fiber that tends to absorb stains and odors. If your cat has urinated in or on your leather shoes or boots, you can remove the stains and odor using supplies found in the home or online. The quicker you can tend to the urine-stained shoes, the less time the urine will be able to absorb into the leather.

Wipe the area on the shoe with a clean, damp cloth. Wipe the shoes with another clean, dry cloth and allow the shoes to finish drying in a well-ventilated location. Leave them outside for an hour or two if possible assuming they aren't in a location where they'll attract more unwanted attention from cats.

Using cat urine enzyme cleaner

Water alone will not clean cat urine, or at least it won't remove the odor. Uric acid in urine causes the smell, and it's not water soluble. Enzymatic cleaners designed specifically to clean cat urine might be the best option for urine-soiled leather footwear because these cleaners break down uric acid, removing rather than covering the urine odor.

Spray leather shoes with enzymatic cleaner and follow the instructions on the label. Often, the cleaner must sit for at least 15 minutes to be effective. Note that enzymes in the cleaner can change the color of leather, so opt for a natural enzymatic cleaner if possible and first test any cleaner on a small patch of leather, especially on boots.

Using leather shoe conditioner

Finally, whether you clean your shoes using cat urine enzyme cleaner, baking soda, and/or vinegar, condition your shoes using a leather conditioner. Follow the directions on the package or bottle. Once you've cleaned your shoes, place aluminum foil over them. Cats usually don't like the smell or feel of foil and will not bother your shoes again.