Why is pet urine so difficult to clean?
Urine has several components that can be washed away with ordinary cleaners, but it is the insoluble urine (uric acid) crystals that are the source of most of urine's stain and odor. These crystals cling to any surface, including smooth, hard surfaces like tile and porcelain. Many household chemicals like bleach can't remove them effectively.
Many products on the market attempt to mask the urine odor with another fragrance, or seal in the urine. Other products dry out the urine salt crystal with alcohol or solvents. These are short-term solutions only and leave the insoluble urine salt crystals in place. Have you ever tried such products and thought they worked, only to have the urine smell return when the product wears off or when high humidity reactivates the crystals?
Why do cats display urine-marking behavior?
Cats are territorial animals. They may urinate or defecate to mark a particular area as their own. Try to monitor your cat's movements. If he sniffs in an area he has previously marked, interrupt him with a loud noise or squirt him with water. It's best if you can do this without him seeing you. That way, he'll associate the unpleasantness with his intent to mark, rather than with you.
Why do dogs display urine-marking behavior?
Dogs are territorial animals. They may urinate or defecate to mark a particular area as their own. Watch your dog when he is indoors for signs that he is thinking about urinating. When he begins to urinate, interrupt him with a loud noise and take him outside. If he urinates outside, praise him and give him a treat. When you're unable to watch him, put your dog in confinement .