What would cause an apartment to smell like a cat or cat urine?

Chances are someone had a cat in the apartment. If you have carpets, get them professionally cleaned. I raised a bunch of kids with many pets in the house. Get it cleaned up before the baby starts crawling. No need to panic just yet.

Hello thank you for responding!

We’ve lived here two years already 😅

but I do plan on cleaning the carpets when baby is around that age!

It's possible that the tenants before you had cats. A black light would show if there are any stains no visible. Then you could try cleaning with Urine Power Away for Cats by Drs. Foster & Smith. Or it's possible that there is mold and mildew present. Either way, I would contact the landlord and inform him of the living conditions.

As regards the stray cats, you may want to contact animal control. Hopefully, no one is encouraging the cats by putting out food for them.

It’s possible un nurtured male cats have sprayed around the area. Doors, bushes, screens. Smells just like it’s in every room in your house. Just a throught.

Carolyn from NewHampshire

I had a cat when my baby was little it would get in the baby bed and never bother her

I don’t think it is feral cats spraying outside. The odor is probably from a cat that sprayed inside the house prior to you moving in. There are enzymes in select commercial carpet cleaners that are non-toxic to humans that will neutralize the urine and resulting smell. You must locate the area in the carpet where the rug was sprayed in order to treat it. Shore grandmom gave good advice how to do that. I use a product called Folex Instant Spot Remover that cleans/removes the toughest stains on carpet and upholstery amazingly well with no residual smell. It states that it treats all pet accidents (or intentionals). Lowe’s has it, or Walmart online. Also, re: Oliva’s Comment about animal control? Cats are generally categorized as “free roaming animals” and animal control will not trap them, especially if they are feral, like they will dogs where there are usually ordinances regarding their running loose. I think your problem is indoors as well. The carpeting may need to be replaced by your landlord.