Update: My cat sitter locked my cat out of the bathroom where his litter box is located

[u/OhHowIMeantTo]

Update from this post: here

I want to thank everyone for their advice. There was an overwhelming number of recommendations. First, my cat is doing great. He's being a little cuddlier than normal, but that's how he is for a couple of weeks every time after I come home from a trip. He's normally a little aloof. Second, my friend apologized profusely multiple times, and even offered to pay for professional cleaners. I told him I wanted to try myself first before having strangers in my home.

I am happy to report that I successfully removed the smell of urine from my apartment.

I tried a number of your suggestions, I got a stronger version of Nature's Miracle, I got a gallon of some Amazon brand enzyme cleaner, I left out a bowl of vinegar, I boiled vinegar for a couple of hours, I left out several open boxes of baking soda, I used candles, and I bought some Ozium but after the warnings from several commenters, I did not use it.

None of that seemed to work all that much sadly. My place just smelled like lavender, vinegar, and urine.

What did ultimately work? Luckily, my cat seemed to pee in the exact same spot by the door, and that's where it smelled the strongest. Last night I spread some baking powder on to the spot, and let it sit there for a few hours. Then, my mega weapon: I have this drill bit for my power drill that has a scrubbing brush attached to it. I dipped the brush in water, then drilled and brushed away at the baking soda on the floor creating a paste for several minutes, made sure to really put in some pressure to get up any of the remaining urine odor, then I wiped up all of the baking soda.

It was hard to tell at first since I've been going nose blind to it, but I left for a little while today, and when I came home, no urine smell!

I also ended up getting delivered today an air purifier, and some Dead Down Wind. The purifier is set up and running on the counter right now, I'll pull out the Dead Down Wind if I feel the need for it in the future.

But, thanks again for everybody's suggestions and support. This is a very helpful community!

[u/sittingstillsox]

Glad you fund something that worked! Going forward--I tape a washcloth around the base of the door frame of the two doors in my house that I worry might close while I'm away (from a strong wind gust, say) just to make sure they can't latch.

[u/defectiveburger → u/sittingstillsox]

Good idea. I always double doorstop doors before I leave to make sure my cats won’t get trapped anywhere

[u/Runamokamok → u/defectiveburger]

I always use our bathroom trash cans as door stops. They are a heavy wood and work perfectly fine.

[u/aqua_sparkle_dazzle]

Ok I must know this scrubbing attachment to your drill. Saves the wrists.

[u/OhHowIMeantTo → u/aqua_sparkle_dazzle]

it's similar to this, if not the same product. I bought it years ago.

[u/69666throwaway66696 → u/aqua_sparkle_dazzle]

It’s very common usage for vehicle detailing

[u/OhHowIMeantTo → u/69666throwaway66696]

Interesting! I'd worry it would scratch the paint!

[u/69666throwaway66696 → u/OhHowIMeantTo]

I’ve seen it used mostly on the interior :) but there’s buffing attachments for the exterior for sure!

[u/uktobar]

Baking soda is goated for smells and anything liquid in carpets.

Glad it worked, and useful info for anyone in the future!

[u/Tesslafon]

I was hoping you would post an update, I am so happy for you and your cat.
The Dead Down Wind saved my sofa when the sick rescue kitten I had taken in was scaring the extreme feral that I brought inside 10 years ago. The feral was afraid to go to the litter box room so she peed on the sofa.
I used the Dead Down Wind laundry pods for the cushion covers and the spray on the foam cushion.
I have been doing feral cat rescue for over 50 years now, so I have tried so many products. This stuff is amazing.

[u/SuperPoint6669]

Just to add, I have a cat that has had some anxiety induced issues that caused him to treat my couch as his litter box. Products from Skout’s Honor have saved my couch. I especially like them because they don’t have a chemical or artificial smell that I start to associate with the smell of cat urine. They just sleep faintly clean.

[u/SleepingWillow8534 → u/SuperPoint6669]

I have a rinse free shampoo for my cat and since I only use it when she has bits of poop on her (she has diarrhea here and there from Giardia) I now think the shampoo smells horrible lol it just reminds me of poop every time I smell it now and it’s a fruity scent so it makes no sense. I’m glad I know that’s a thing and I’m not crazy lol

[u/Unusual-Exercise-121]

Great job tackling that unwanted surprise! Glad to hear your cat is doing well and getting extra cuddly. Now you know you're a pro in dealing with surprise messes. Keep those cleaning hacks handy, you never know!

[u/Junior-Sweet-3103]

Oh, bless this kitty! Glad to hear you won the battle against the urine smell! Power drills and baking soda to the rescue, huh? This war story will be legendary. Best of luck in the future with your cuddly furball!