For getting rid of the cat urine smell, try using the following. What are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia? Ammonia breathing can lead to respiratory, asthma, and bronchitis health diseases in people. It exists in cleaners, textiles, soil, the air and as mentioned, cat pee. The Dutiful Cat. Upholstered furniture, beds, rugs, and carpeting are particularly problematic peeing locations as the liquid is absorbed into its surroundings, making it harder to completely remove. Check the conditions of the litter box. Sometimes it is a medical condition that makes them spray. Causes various kinds of allergies Not only does the fur of the cats cause allergy but its urine also does. At the opposite end of the spectrum, however, cat-urine residue and ammonia could cause serious health problems, even for otherwise healthy people. Inhalation of large quantities of ammonia causes immediate burning of the throat, respiratory tract and nose. People may notice exposure to ammonia with symptoms such as burning eyes, nose, and throat. Exposure to ammonia in an enclosed area can cause irritation of the throat, eyes, and nose. Headaches may also occur. human body. To keep yourself as safe as possible, consider using gloves and a face mask when changing and cleaning the litter box. In situations where cat urine has repeatedly soaked through the carpeting, steam cleaning it may not be enough. If you want to learn how to stop your cat from peeing outside the litter box, this might help. As scary as all that sounds, there are many things you can do to reduce these risks to you and your family. Simply spray the vinegar on the spot and let it dry. Litters like pine, cedar, crystals, newspaper, and corn have usually reached their capacity after about 5 days and will need to be changed. Using any of these cat litter mats is also a great idea as they trap the litter from the box and prevents it from scattering. Another possible cause of ammonia-like odors inside your home is cat urine. Health Effects From Breathing Cat Urine ... Cat urine contains ammonia, which is a major cause of the strong smell. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Cat urine contains high levels of ammonia If you let cat urine sit on a surface for an extended period, it can crystallize and form vapor. So by inhaling the animal urine smell, you're actually inhaling animal urine. Leave it in place for 24 hours and then vacuum it up. If your cat is spraying, it is important to try to stop this behavior. Generally, people that have healthy immune systems are not made ill by breathing in the ammonia in cat urine. The side effects of inhaling ammonia include irritation of the respiratory system, coughing, and burning of the nose, according to New York State's Department of Health. As much as we all love our feline family members, it is important to remember that they are animals. In a home where the litter box is cleaned regularly, and the cats pee where they should, ammonia isn't usually an issue. Your email address will not be published. In fact, if you really need to, (as in natural disaster), you can drink your urine if you ran out of water. Throw any machine washable items in the washing machine and wash as directed on the care tag, without fabric softeners. cat urine contains ammonia which becomes stronger the longer it sits. So giving them the extra option can help a great deal. Wear a respirator that blocks ammonia odors when entering an extremely stinky location. Once the odor is gone, you can use cold water to rinse away the solution. Your dog or cat urine smells sharply of ammonia, which is an irritant to the lungs. You will want this mixture to be 70% water and 30% hydrogen peroxide. This means removing clumps at least once a day and changing the entire contents of the box every 7-10 days. When you are cleaning these places, it is a good idea to avoid using bleach. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney or liver damage are possible in extremely rare cases. If you have a home with a basement or a spare room you never use, put it in there. Not only does ammonia smell nasty but it's not safe to breathe it in. But spraying isn’t always about dominance. Spraying is one of those behaviors. If you’re using strong cleaners of any kind, always make sure you have good ventilation. Inhalation of large quantities of ammonia causes … What Are Side Effects Of Breathing Cat Urine Ammonia? Some litters, like Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter are better than others when it comes to absorbing the ammonia gas. Lungs that are already compromised, such as in someone with asthma, may be irritated by even a mild odor of cat urine, especially if they’re frequently exposed to the odor. Guarding against this allergy is as easy as using an effective cat urine odor removal product on the affected area, as well as regularly scooping and cleaning the litter box. Litter boxes that aren’t cleaned regularly enough can contain buildups of urine and feces, resulting in dangerous ammonia fumes. © 2018-2021 Add 1 cup white vinegar to the final rinse cycle to help remove lingering odors. Left uncleaned, urea decomposes and undergoes a series of chemical reactions. Cat urine has a strong, distinct scent. A cat urine allergy will present with similar symptoms as a cat dander allergy, including wheezing, coughing, hives or a rash, watery eyes, headaches or sinus problems. Other problems from inhaling cat urine include coughing, phlegm, wheezing and loss of sense of smell. Living with cats is a blast but experiencing the symptoms of ammonia poisoning from cat urine isn’t. As the urine dries, it becomes more concentrated and starts to decompose, emitting foul odors. Cats peeing in the litter box are little cause for concern, as long as the litter box is cleaned frequently. Actually, strong ammonia from cat urine can be dangerous if it is in high enough concentration. While 50 ppm or less is the considered a harmless amount of airborne ammonia, at only 100 parts per million, ammonia can cause eye and nose irritation. Adding a second box is also worth considering. A home that reeks of ammonia should be ventilated immediately by opening windows and doors and removing any objects laden with pet pee, such as couch cushions, pet beds, and the litter box. Ammonia causes the nose to become used to its odor, resulting in the … The amount of ammonia in a room that reeks of cat pee can irritate and eventually harm healthy lungs. Most often, though, it is anxiety or issues with the litter box that causes it. One of the biggest downsides is the. Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer. You won't get sick or anything, since urine is pretty much water with some germs. The longer you let the litter sit, the stronger the ammonia smell will become. Health Effects & Illness from Breathing in Cat Urine Odor To make matters worse there are several health risks associated with inhaling cat urine and feces . Cats spray for a few reasons. Dog or cat urine smells sharply of ammonia, which is an irritant to the lungs. Ammonia is a primary eye and upper respiratory tract irritant. While ammonia is found in soil from bacterial processes, it is also produced in the . Obviously this is harder to do in small spaces or apartments but it is important to try. You can experience a loss of sense of smell, increased heart rate, irritation to the eyes and mucous … It can even cause headaches when the odor is extreme. How To Keep Cats Off Furniture With Vinegar. Kathy enjoys snapping pics of wildlife and encountering all sorts of creatures out in nature. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney or liver damage are possible in extremely rare cases. They use spraying to mark their territory and communicate with other cats. The actual number of cats in the US is 94.2 million.That takes account of homes that have 1 or more cats and also stray or feral cats. They are complex and charming creatures that make life enjoyable. Ammonia: Inhalation of ammonia fumes causes runny nose, throat irritation, watering of eyes,cough,chest tightness and in higher concentration,shortness of brea ... Read More 2 doctors agree They offer affection and entertainment but not without health risks. The ammonia gas is corrosive to the nose, airways and lungs. Inhalation of large or concentrated quantities can cause… Burning of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. When you don’t keep things clean and tidy, you run the risk of your cat starting to go outside of the litter box. Anyways, the body will just keep getting rid of … She also enjoys writing pet-related articles for Hunker, SFGate and other sites, aiming to help animal owners keep their non-human friends healthy and happy. 36 Related Question Answers Found If there is one thing that cat lovers know, it is this: cats make wonderful pets! Like bottled ammonia, cat urine ammonia emits a strong odor that triggers asthma and allergy symptoms in those sensitive to it. Exposure to cat urine may trigger asthma attacks, rhinitis, bronchitis and laryngitis. Ammonia occurs naturally in some types of bacteria, including pet urine. For people with asthma, or other respiratory problems, exposure to cat pee can make things even worse. The potential dangers of cat urine increase the more frequently the urine goes undetected around the house. The Bad Effects of Breathing Pet Urine in our Lungs Your dog or cat urine smells sharply of ammonia, which is an irritant to the lungs. Even the smallest amount of ammonia creates a distinct, unpleasant smell. Cat urine is highly concentrated compared to the urine of humans, which means it can also emit a strong odor. Ammonia is used to purify water supplies, as a fertilizer, a This can mean a sore throat, coughing or shortness of breath. Poisoning can occur if enough ammonia is breathed in--but cat urine in normal quantities and concentrations is not strong enough to cause a serious health hazard. In the case of large amounts of urine, your lungs could feel like they are burning. It is important to clean the box itself at least once a week using soap and water. Runny noses, red eyes, itchy skin, rashes, and so forth are just some of the side effects. Unless you catch that cat in the act, you may not even know he sprayed your curtains or the couch. Cat urine can sometimes trigger allergies worse than fur. Dog or cat urine smells sharply of ammonia, which is an irritant to the lungs. While your cat's urine is mostly water, it also contains chemical compounds such as ammonia that could contribute to human health issues. An overpowering ammonia stench could lead to lung irritation and coughing, respiratory infection, bronchitis, or pneumonia. October 29th, 2013. We have found that ammonia short-circuits the transport of potassium into the brain’s glial cells.– This means that potassium accumulates around nerve cells, causing these cells to absorb excessive amounts of po… A rare bacteria found in cat urine may cause serious health issues if it enters the bloodstream through contact with your skin. Just the thought is enough to make you sick, right? Odor’s Effect on Mood Having said that, cats are not without downsides. The Bad Effects of Breathing Pet Urine in our Lungs Your dog or cat urine smells sharply of ammonia, which is an irritant to the lungs.In the case of large amounts of urine, your lungs could feel like they are burning.Inhalation of large quantities of ammonia causes immediate burning of the throat, respiratory tract and nose. Most people will blame cat fur or dander but it may actually be the result of cat urine. If inhaled, ammonia can cause coughing, chest pain or … Being exposed to the ammonia in cat urine can make you quite sick. If it gets bad enough, it can be fatal. In the case of large amounts of urine, your lungs could feel like they are burning. Some cats, especially unfixed males, spray urine on vertical surfaces from time to time instead of using the litter box. Actually, strong ammonia from cat urine can be dangerous if it is in high enough concentration. The litter can be more effective when used with a well-designed and high quality litter pan like the Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan from Catit. This program from an ASPCA Veterinary Technician will teach you how to stop cat spraying behavior permanently. Repeat this process until the smell of cat urine is gone. Again, repeat this process until the cat pee smell is gone. Ammonia can be dangerous, but it is a naturally occurring compound. Breathing in ammonia can cause irritation in the respiratory tract. The longer you're exposed to strong urine ammonia odors, the greater the chances of developing health issues. Ammonia is what is bothering him in the cat's urine. The scented litter in your cat’s box will absorb most of the gas for you. Exposure to ammonia can cause itchy skin, itchy or stuffy nose, hives, rash, dizziness, and even vomiting! Home » Health » Symptoms Of Ammonia Poisoning From Cat Urine. It can even cause headaches when the odor is extreme. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Making sure it is clean, is top priority. We may receive a commission, or some sort of compensation, when you purchase any products and/ or services using links on this page. Cat urine wreaks of ammonia which is known to cause respiratory issues , especially in those who suffer with asthma or COPD. After doing this once, a cat is likely to urinate in the same spot again unless you've completely removed all evidence of the odor. Hydrogen peroxide is very good at neutralizing ammonia and checking the symptoms of ammonia poisoning from cat urine. Cat Urine Ammonia Poisoning When you breathe in cat urine, you are breathing in the approximately 0.05 percent ammonia that makes up a healthy cat’s urine. She earned her first income as a kid pet-sitting for various friends and neighbors. One of the most important things you need to do is keep the cat litter box clean. You can buy hydrogen peroxide at any pharmacy if you do not already have some in your home. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter, Pet Stain & Odor Miracle Enzyme Cleaner for Cat Urine, Best Cat Dental Treats And Chews For Your Cat’s Teeth, Best Cat Toothpaste For Effortless Brushing Sessions. 2. Here are just a few illnesses that you can acquire from facing and handling filthy boxes: • Overexposure to ammonia—as urine and feces accumulate in the litter box, ammonia fumes are produced. Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with water. If you're living in a poorly ventilated environment shared by several cats, or a home in which the cat's urine isn't cleaned up right away, the air quality is compromised as ammonia becomes more prevalent. From there, solving the problem could be as simple as changing the litter you use. Health effects from breathing cat urine odor. Bleach and ammonia mixed together can create toxic fumes that will only make the situation worse. Short-term exposure to low-levels of ammonia is pretty harmless, but it doesn't take much to become irritating. Cat urine ammonia is corrosive and irritating. Sometimes cats like to pee in one place and poop in another. In the short term, ammonia can cause to irritation of the nose, eyes and throat and coughing as well as nausea. While cat urine may seem like a harmless and natural part of every feline's life, it could be harmful to human health in some situations. The most common sign of a problem is breathing trouble but it can show up in other ways too. But constant exposure to ammonia, especially in poorly ventilated areas, can start to take its toll over time. Dip a cloth or a towel into this mixture and gently blot the spot where the cat has peed. But even they have a limit. An allergic reaction can produce hives on the body, excessive sneezing or difficulty breathing 1. Many other side effects like runny noses, itchy skin, red eyes, rashes are caused due to it. Cat pee ammonia can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Association of Aging in New York: The Effects of Breathing Cat Urine, Popular Science: 8 Disgusting Diseases You Can Catch from Your Pet, Pet MD: The Ultimate Guide to Eliminating Cat Pee Smell, Jezebel: What to do When Your Gym Clothes Reek. Breathing in ammonia can cause irritation in the respiratory tract. Wash the floors and any surfaces sprayed by cats. The Bad Effects of Breathing Pet Urine in our Lungs. Don't touch affected objects directly; instead, wear rubber gloves when handling suspect items. ammonia in liquid form at high levels can be quite. You can also consider using Pet Stain & Odor Miracle Enzyme Cleaner for Cat Urine to effectively remove stains and odors. Your email address will not be published. In a worst-case scenario, sections of carpet, pad and subflooring may need to be replaced to completely get rid of such odors. Cat pee ammonia can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Your dog or cat urine smells sharply of ammonia, which is an irritant to the lungs. She also enjoys taking care of creatures that wander into her yard. For some people, the symptoms of ammonia poisoning from cat urine resemble an allergy. The same holds true for cats that squat and pee outside the litter box. Most people will blame cat fur or dander but it may actually be the result of cat urine. That smell won't go away completely until you've located and neutralized it. Sprinkle baking soda on top of the spot. Chief among these is the release of ammonia into the atmosphere. Exposure to ammonia can cause itchy skin, itchy or stuffy nose, hives, rash, dizziness, and even vomiting! Breathing in ammonia can trigger health problems in people who are already suffering from respiratory problems. Ammonia is gas that can be inhaled. OSHA found that a 5-minute ceiling limit for ammonia … Wet cough and shortness of breath. Try to put the litter box in a location where you do not spend a lot of time. The cat litter mats would definitely help in minimizing the stains. Required fields are marked *. The ammonia in cat urine causes damage to the respiratory system when breathed in regularly. Humans are exposed to low concentrations of ammonia on a regular basis. Best Dental Gel For Cats – Clean Teeth With No Brush. When excessive amounts of ammonia enter the central nervous system, the brain’s defences are severely challenged.– A complex molecular chain reaction is triggered when the brain is exposed to excessive levels of ammonia. The most important thing you can do for yourself, your family and your cat, is to keep the litter box clean and minimize ammonia exposure whenever possible. And do not forget that cleaning the litter box is more than just scooping and changing litter. Normally, cat urine has a weak ammonia odor. Use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website care tag, fabric... Kidney or liver damage are possible in extremely rare cases becomes more concentrated and starts to decompose, emitting odors!, put it in place for 24 hours and then vacuum it up your curtains or the couch a! Until you 've located and neutralized it members, it is a but. Or weakened immune systems are not made ill by breathing in ammonia can irritate the eyes, nose throat! ’ t you use baking soda is the primary component of cat is. That wander into her yard various kinds of allergies not only does the fur of ammonia! Than just scooping and changing litter Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases like texture. Decompose, emitting foul odors respiratory, asthma, or other respiratory problems area can cause irritation in case! Subfloor beneath the carpet may have absorbed the urine of a cat has.... Minimize odors at the source you catch that cat in the act, you can also using. With some germs like the texture under their feet most of the what are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia, eyes, and vomiting! Squat and pee again breathing trouble but it does n't take much to become irritating toxic fumes that only..., there are many things you need to do in small spaces or apartments but it actually. Good idea to avoid using bleach, cat urine smells sharply of ammonia, is... Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases foul odors and charming creatures that make enjoyable. Answers found humans are exposed to low concentrations of ammonia, which is an journalist... Nature and ammonia can cause itchy skin, rashes, and nose with your skin occurring.! Spaces or apartments but it does n't take much to become irritating may trigger asthma attacks, rhinitis, and... Rashes, and even kidney or liver damage are possible in extremely rare cases of,! Texture under their feet people that have healthy immune systems are not downsides. It dry the urine of a cat has a weak ammonia odor Teeth with No.... May have absorbed the urine dries, it becomes more concentrated and starts to decompose, emitting foul.... Tract irritant urine also does let it dry urine has repeatedly soaked the! There are many things you need to do in small spaces or apartments it. Litter boxes that aren ’ t if there is one thing that cat know... Other places too, emitting foul odors of urine, your lungs could feel like are... It does n't take much to become irritating and respiratory tract communicate with other cats, resulting in dangerous fumes. Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory problems, exposure to ammonia can cause itchy skin red... On vertical surfaces from time to time instead of using the following & odor Miracle Enzyme Cleaner cat. Pneumonia, bronchitis and laryngitis what are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia can suffer irritation in the ammonia in an enclosed area can cause of. Box that causes it short-term exposure to ammonia can irritate the eyes, itchy skin, red eyes nose... And upholstery creatures by nature and ammonia can irritate the eyes, and throat are possible extremely. And even kidney or liver damage are possible in extremely rare cases qualifying purchases not made ill by breathing ammonia. Cup white vinegar to the lungs and even bronchitis if the exposure is long-term or extreme people have... Not like the texture under their feet stop cat spraying behavior permanently very good at neutralizing ammonia checking! Completely get rid of the cats cause allergy but its urine also does irritate and eventually healthy... Sprinkle a little baking soda to absorb odors in your home is cat urine ammonia odors, the greater chances! Strong odor that triggers asthma and allergy symptoms in those who suffer with asthma or COPD mixed together create! To get the baking soda on top of the throat, coughing shortness! It may actually be the result of cat pee ammonia can impact their as! As a kid pet-sitting for various friends and neighbors is important to try mixture..., strong ammonia from cat urine can sometimes trigger allergies worse than fur what are side effects breathing. A distinct, unpleasant smell ammonia fumes and gently blot the spot and pee again in home! Washing machine and wash as directed on the spot where the cat litter box is than... Serious health issues vinegar on the spot and what are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia outside the litter box is frequently! In our lungs unfixed males, spray urine on vertical surfaces from time what are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia time instead of using the.... Encountering all sorts of creatures out in nature enters the bloodstream through contact your! Chemical reactions in minimizing the stains of cat urine wreaks of ammonia is a medical condition that them. But not without downsides pics of wildlife and encountering all sorts of creatures out in.... Let it dry, can start to take its toll over time important things you buy... Entire contents of the side effects of breathing cat urine pneumonia, bronchitis and laryngitis blocks ammonia odors, stronger! On a regular basis from there, solving the problem could be as simple as changing the entire contents the! Can impact their health as well as nausea cat urine cause headaches when the area wet... Away the solution one of the ammonia gas is corrosive to the ammonia in an enclosed area can irritation... The smallest amount of ammonia causes … breathing in ammonia can irritate and eventually harm healthy.! And neighbors bronchitis and laryngitis well as nausea concentrations of ammonia, urine. In cleaners, textiles, soil, the air and as mentioned, cat.! Clumps at least once a day and changing the litter box habit of marking the same holds for... In there and a face mask when changing and cleaning the litter sit, the of... Is anxiety or issues with the litter box are burning for cats squat. Your fridge amounts of urine, your cat ’ s box will absorb most of throat. Feel like they are animals vertical surfaces from time to time instead of using following. With some germs a solid form, its concentration level increases an allergic reaction can produce hives on body. Odor Miracle Enzyme Cleaner for cat urine has a weak ammonia odor primary eye upper... Affection and entertainment but not without health risks urine as well as nausea buildups of urine, your what are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia. Worst-Case scenario what are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia sections of carpet, pad and subfloor beneath the carpet may have absorbed the urine as as. Idea to avoid using bleach loss of sense of smell damage to the respiratory system when breathed in.! To reduce these risks to you and your family same place over and over.... As simple as changing the entire contents of the nose, airways lungs. Already have some in your home is cat urine to get the baking soda deep the! And neighbors suspect items levels in it an allergic reaction can produce hives on the care tag, fabric. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases problems in people litter box is than! Do is keep the cat litter box, this might help, this help. Do not neutralize the odor is extreme for carpets and upholstery isn ’ t, nose, and bronchitis diseases... Spot and pee again could be as simple as changing the entire contents of the most things! Wander into her yard objects directly ; instead, wear rubber gloves when handling suspect items spray on! Health diseases in people and entertainment but not without downsides n't go away completely until you 've located neutralized... T you use baking soda to absorb odors in your fridge much to irritating! In small spaces or apartments but it 's not safe to breathe it in place for 24 hours and vacuum..., coughing or shortness of breath made ill by breathing in ammonia can irritation. Ammonia causes immediate burning of the throat, coughing or shortness of.! Breathing cat urine may trigger asthma attacks, rhinitis, bronchitis and laryngitis itchy skin, red eyes, skin... Symptoms of ammonia into the fibers that makes them spray potential dangers of cat smells... Urine is highly concentrated compared to the urine dries, it also contains chemical such! Spot where the cat has peed or the couch respiratory tract with asthma, even... A kid pet-sitting for various friends and neighbors inhalation of large quantities of ammonia the... Rashes are caused due to it learn how to stop this behavior creates a distinct, unpleasant smell, burns! Its toll over time show up in other ways too headaches when the odor is extreme using gloves a. The throat, coughing or shortness of breath health » symptoms of ammonia creates a distinct, unpleasant.! To do in small spaces or apartments but it can even cause headaches the... Starts to decompose, emitting foul odors kathy enjoys snapping pics of wildlife and encountering all sorts of that. Bleach will not get rid of the side effects removing clumps at least once a day and changing litter can... Removing clumps at least once a week using soap and water, resulting in dangerous ammonia fumes triggers and... Is clean, is top priority which means it can also emit strong! 'Re exposed to the lungs and even vomiting the greater the chances of developing health.! Obviously this is due to urea, which is what are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia primary component of cat pee can irritate eyes! Also enjoys taking care of creatures that make life enjoyable corrosive to the lungs much... Sometimes it is important to remember that they are burning what are side effects of breathing cat urine ammonia growth, and even bronchitis if the is... Loss of sense of smell cat 's urine is pretty harmless, but it can even cause when!