# Oh, cool. My friend's cat(s) peed in my shoes. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 22, 2012, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860 "2012-12-22T19:33:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/1 "2012-12-22T19:33:01Z")
Little fuckers… Fact: My friend’s cats are assholes. Fact: These cats have hated me since day one. One of the first times I ever went over, they splashed their litter box contents all over in some territorial show of assholery. Fact: My sneakers this morning were damp and smelly. Conclusion: My sneakers have been pissed in by one or more of the asshole cats. Question: How do I stop my sneakers from smelling like pee? ☹ The internet says I might be able to throw them in the washer, depending on the sneaker. The shoe is mainly canvas with some of that leathery/rubbery sneaker material thrown in. [Pic here](http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/WryOnRye/catpiss.jpg). If not washer safe, I’m reading about vinegar solutions? I really like these sneakers and would like to wear them without smelling like a homeless person, but don’t like them enough to go through any laborious process to remove the smell. I like them just enough to do work to remove the odor that is not very hard. Hoping I can just throw them in the washer? I’ve got a few days to let them dry out. Halp! Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Enkel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/df705f/32.png) [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/2 "2012-12-22T19:38:29Z")
Get enzyme based animal pee smell stuff and follow the directions. You usually have to saturate the object and let it dry naturally. I’ve seen different versions even at Walmart… but be sure that it is enzyme based and not just something that covers odors. They enzymes actually destroy the bacteria that makes the smell. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/3 "2012-12-22T19:39:59Z")
The way I cleaned my running shoes. Sink of warm(not hot) water. Tbs of laundry detergent. Stiff nylon brush. Sprinkle detergent and scrub each shoe in a fresh sink of water. Rinse and stuff with newspaper. Remove paper after an hour and place in front of fan. They should be dry in a few hours. Username/topic combo. ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/4 "2012-12-22T19:42:35Z")
Yeah, that’s a cat for you! First step: Pour baking soda in the shoes and rub it in, so it goes deep into the toes and you get a thick layer over the innersoles. Throw them in the washer with a couple of towels. If you’ve got any OxyClean or clones, use that with the detergent. If your washer has a rinse dispenser, fill that with a couple of glugs of white vinegar. Give them a good sniff when the cycle is done. Wet, you’ll definitely be able to detect if there is any “Eau de Latrine” still present. If they still REALLY stink, repeat the wash. Dry them in the dryer with the towels. Check frequently, you don’t want them to get too hot. Besides, the thumpety thumpety thump will drive you NUTZ, and you’ll be glad to get them out of the dryer! Fill an old pair of socks with baking soda, and place them in the shoes, and set them aside to finish drying. Preferably in a place where no animals can get to them! Good luck! ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/5 "2012-12-22T19:44:42Z")
The pee is most likely on the outside, too. Cats who will pee in your shoes aren’t likely to be so discriminating about their aim that all the pee goes in, ya know? The whole shoe will need to cleaned. Luckily, those shoes look washer safe, being primarily canvas and that smooth leather. (I would be somewhat hesitant to toss them in the washer if they were partly suede, but it’s not like getting suede waterlogged is going to ruin the shoe any more than cat piss will.) I’d use a gentle cycle with a decent bit of detergent, a healthy slug of vinegar, and a shot of borax if you have some handy. If you don’t want to go the washer route, you can always try Nature’s Miracle on the bits you don’t mind getting waterlogged. It’s some pretty good shit. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/6 "2012-12-22T19:53:08Z")
> [@Enkel](#): > > Get enzyme based animal pee smell stuff and follow the directions. You usually have to saturate the object and let it dry naturally. I’ve seen different versions even at Walmart… but be sure that it is enzyme based and not just something that covers odors. They enzymes actually destroy the bacteria that makes the smell. Stupid question: how will I know it’s enzyme based and not just a cover-up? Will it say so on the bottle? > [@runner pat](#): > > Username/topic combo. _I’m_ mean? It/they peed in my sneakers! Okay, so I think for now I’m taking the easy, lazy route and will throw them in the washer with some detergent, vinegar, and OxiClean. If that doesn’t work, I’ll try one of the hand washing methods. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/7 "2012-12-22T19:54:06Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > My friend’s cats are assholes. Why are you complaining about cats? My friend’s dog once _ATE_ my shoes. I kicked off my shoes at the door, we watched the football game on TV,and when I got up to leave, the damn dog had chewed both shoes entirely in half. I suddenly had four shoe-pieces. I went home barefoot. > [@](#): > > My sneakers **THIS MORNING** were damp and smelly. ummmmm…did you, like, ya know, well, err, umm…spend the night with your friend?And maybe the cats got jealous because the bedroom door was closed and you were taking up space normally reserved for them? 'Cause that can make some cats really,really jealous…and then they resort to trickery and revenge. (don’t ask me how I know this 🙂 ) ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/8 "2012-12-22T20:06:04Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > Why are you complaining about cats? > My friend’s dog once _ATE_ my shoes. I kicked off my shoes at the door, we watched the football game on TV,and when I got up to leave, the damn dog had chewed both shoes entirely in half. I suddenly had four shoe-pieces. I went home barefoot. Ha! I laugh with you, my friend – with! This makes me feel a little better, but really, shoes that reek of urine may as well be shoes that do not exist. At least I had something to keep my feet warm on the way home. > [@](#): > > ummmmm…did you, like, ya know, well, err, umm…spend the night with your friend?And maybe the cats got jealous because the bedroom door was closed and you were taking up space normally reserved for them? > 'Cause that can make some cats really,really jealous…and then they resort to trickery and revenge. > > (don’t ask me how I know this 🙂 ) Oh yes, I am very aware of a jealous cat’s bloodthirst for trickery and revenge. I have many stories about the kind of crap these cats have pulled out of spite. Remember that thread asking if animals felt emotion? Yes. Cats feel hate. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/9 "2012-12-22T20:08:52Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Stupid question: how will I know it’s enzyme based and not just a cover-up? Will it say so on the bottle? Go to a pet store. They should be something called [Nature’s Miracle](http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Miracle-Products-DNAP5727-Destroyer/dp/B003I5VTRW/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_7). You want something like that. There should be a few brands of it around–just ask an employee to help you. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/10 "2012-12-22T20:14:56Z")
Show these cats you’re not going to be pushed around: poop in their litter box. That will send a clear message. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/11 "2012-12-22T20:15:18Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Ha! I laugh with you, my friend aww…shucks. thanks. And maybe you should change your username to NiceYoungLady] 🙂 > [@](#): > > Cats feel hate. They also feel love. Try it! The cat is the only animal which speaks in a special language when they feel love and contentment–the [purr.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiwoa1XcHXQ) ---
**Author:** ![Enkel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/df705f/32.png) [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/12 "2012-12-22T20:20:30Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Stupid question: how will I know it’s enzyme based and not just a cover-up? Will it say so on the bottle? Yes, it actually will say enzyme or a name that sounds bio-zymish on the bottle. They usually stock it in the animal section and it will always require that you wet the area thoroughly with the solution (to basically coat the bacteria with the enzymes). Right now, I have one called “Nature’s Miracle” and about mid label it says “Nature’s Enzyme Formula” ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/13 "2012-12-22T23:15:09Z")
Nobody mentioned vinegar? If the other methods fail: soak shoes in vinegar. Let dry. In sunshine, if you have it. As a frequent puppy/dog foster person, I am here to tell you that vinegar - plain, cheap white vinegar - is _amazing_ for neutralizing pee smell. A kitten I took in a few years back had a very bad UTI and pissed extravagantly, profusely and deeply on my mattress. A crazy cat rescue lady friend of mine suggested vinegar and by doG it worked. Google [white vinegar cat urine](https://www.google.com/search?q=white+vinegar+cat+urine&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a) or similar if you don’t believe me. 🙂 I have since replaced the mattress but once I soaked it in vinegar, let it dry and then steam-cleaned the surface it really came out like new. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/14 "2012-12-22T23:31:22Z")
Yeah, the vinegar solution [is a common one.](http://voices.yahoo.com/eliminating-dog-urine-odor-natures-miracle-vs-white-8885469.html?cat=6) Forgot about that. Our vet was pretty adamant that it doesn’t work well for marking dogs–that they could still pick up on the scent and will remark–but, anecdotally, I’ve heard it works well for a lot of people, and, besides, this is just odor removal for a human, not a marking dog. I would definitely give it a go first. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/15 "2012-12-22T23:45:16Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Yeah, the vinegar solution [is a common one.](http://voices.yahoo.com/eliminating-dog-urine-odor-natures-miracle-vs-white-8885469.html?cat=6) Forgot about that. Our vet was pretty adamant that it doesn’t work well for marking dogs–that they could still pick up on the scent and will remark–but, anecdotally, I’ve heard it works well for a lot of people, and, besides, this is just odor removal for a human, not a marking dog. I would definitely give it a go first. Seriously it works as well as, or better, than Odormute and other enzymatic cleaners. At least for animal pee. In over a decade of having foster dogs/puppies and the occasional cat or kitten in and out of my house, I’ve settled on plain old white vinegar as being the most effective. It is what is in the tank of my old Hoover carpet cleaning machine for “oops” moments. Edit: I’m not sure how a marking dog’s urine is different to “I gotta pee _now_” urine. or even worse and most stinky: cat marking urine? That said, both dogs and cats have incredible olfactory mad skillz and I wouldn’t put it past a determined marker of any species to see (or smell) through vinegar or any other odor-muting chemical. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/16 "2012-12-22T23:53:38Z")
> [@VOW](#): > > Yeah, that’s a cat for you! > > First step: Pour baking soda in the shoes and rub it in, so it goes deep into the toes and you get a thick layer over the innersoles. > > Throw them in the washer with a couple of towels. If you’ve got any OxyClean or clones, use that with the detergent. > > If your washer has a rinse dispenser, fill that with a couple of glugs of white vinegar. > > Give them a good sniff when the cycle is done. Wet, you’ll definitely be able to detect if there is any “Eau de Latrine” still present. > > If they still REALLY stink, repeat the wash. > > Dry them in the dryer with the towels. Check frequently, you don’t want them to get too hot. Besides, the thumpety thumpety thump will drive you NUTZ, and you’ll be glad to get them out of the dryer! > > Fill an old pair of socks with baking soda, and place them in the shoes, and set them aside to finish drying. Preferably in a place where no animals can get to them! > > Good luck! > ~VOW Then throw them away. StG ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/17 "2012-12-23T01:53:19Z")
> [@chiroptera](#): > > Nobody mentioned vinegar? More than one. Update: So I threw the shoes in the gentle cycle with laundry detergent, OxiClean, and vinegar, gave them a good whiff afterward, and they smell dandy. Maybe the cat would be able to smell its handiwork if it came around my shoes again, but my human nose smells nothing but sneaker. I’m also happily surprised by how well they held up in the machine. I thought they might become misshapen, but they look and smell like nothing ever happened. I’m a little concerned about how easy this was. I suppose I’ll reserve my final verdict until after they’ve dried. What I’ve tentatively learned is detergent, vinegar and OxiClean are key. Not sure if all three of these items were necessary, but they worked. However, my tentative lesson isn’t worth much considering my definitive lesson is do NOT let these asshole cats unguarded around my goddamn shoes EVER again. ---
**Author:** ![cougar58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@cougar58](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cougar58)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/18 "2012-12-23T02:12:28Z")
Was this cat named Madonna? FYI, in 1994, on the Dave Letterman show, Madonna admitted she held her pee until she got into the shower, then peed on her feet…claiming it cures / prevents AF. Also, notice that neither Madonna, nor any of her girl-/ boyfriends ever were shown to have facial acne. That episode became a StraightDope topic years ago, and it appears there may be some merit to its benefits. Perhaps that cat noticed you had Athletes Foot, and decided to help you: > **[Can urinating on your feet in the shower cure athlete’s foot?](https://www.straightdope.com/21343816/can-urinating-on-your-feet-in-the-shower-cure-athlete-s-foot)** PS urine is also sold in plastic containers, to combat facial acne (see same cite above at SD) SO please do not kill the cat, if , while in the middle of a nap… ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/19 "2012-12-23T02:48:27Z")
Eww. Almost as gross as pooping in the cat’s litter box to show it who’s boss. But anywho, thanks, all! I knew if there was a place to come to for kitty related issues, it was the SDMB. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860/20 "2012-12-23T15:58:58Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Little fuckers… > > Fact: My friend’s cats are assholes. > > Fact: My sneakers this morning were damp and smelly. > > . So… You stayed at your “friend’s” place last night. Did ya’ get lucky? Hope it was worth it.. (Heh, I’m funny) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-cool-my-friends-cat-s-peed-in-my-shoes/644860.md?page=2)