How do i stop a fixed, female cat from peeing on the rug?

Question

This is my last chance to keep our cat, if I don't find a resolution for her soon, like within the next day, we're going to have to get rid of her.
We've had her for over a year and never had problems with her until we moved into our new house. Yes, we changed the litterbox and litter when we moved, but we keep it as clean as we can and they DO use it (she and our other cat). However, she's started peeing on the carpet (the brand-new installed-by-the-military wall-to-wall carpet!!) and we don't know why. Or how to make her stop. We've tried cleaning the litterbox more often. I tried Lysol. My husband actually STEAMCLEANED it today. And just a few minutes ago, we caught her peeing on the carpet AND the wall.
My husband says she HAS to go, unless I can figure out something and FAST.
How do I permanently get the smell out, and how do I keep her from doing it anymore?

Note: we live in military housing, they've installed wall-to-wall carpets and we have no option of removing it, we are just supposed to take care of it.

Answer 1

Hi there...here's Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine information on inappropriate house soiling causes:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/housesoiling.html

House soiling is the most common behavior problem reported by cat owners. It includes urination and/or defecation outside the litter box, as well as urine spraying.

Why do cats eliminate outside of the litter box?
One common misconception is that cats soil in inappropriate places for revenge. It is tempting to conclude, "He defecated on the living room carpet to punish me for leaving him for the weekend." But this kind of calculation requires sophisticated cognitive abilities that cats aren't believed to possess. Furthermore, this conclusion assumes that cats view their urine and feces as distasteful, when in fact they do not. It is only we humans who view it that way.

Medical Problems
So why do cats urinate or defecate on your bed or carpet? Medical problems are one possibility. Inflammation of the urinary tract may cause painful or frequent urination, inability to urinate, bloody urine, and crying during urination. An affected cat is likely to eliminate outside the litter box if he comes to associate the box with painful urination, or if he has an increased urgency to urinate. In addition, kidney, liver, and thyroid diseases often lead to increased drinking and urination. Inflammation of the colon or rectum, intestinal tract tumors, intestinal parasites, and other gastrointestinal conditions may cause painful defecation, increased frequency or urgency to defecate, and decreased control of defecation. Age-related diseases that interfere with a cat's mobility (for example, arthritis, nervous system disorders, or muscular diseases), or with his cognitive functions can also influence his ability to get to the litter box in time. In short, any medical condition that interferes with a cat's normal elimination behavior can lead to house soiling.

Litter Box Aversions
Behavioral problems, such as litter box aversions, inappropriate site preferences, or urine spraying can also lead to house soiling. An aversion implies that there is something about the litter box that your cat finds unsavory. It could be the box, the litter, the location of the box, or all three.

Something about the litter box bothers your cat.

The box contains harsh odors. The litter box may have an offensive odor if you clean it with harsh chemicals. Or, if you don't clean it enough, the box may smell strongly of ammonia (a normal byproduct of urine). In either case, covered litter boxes hold in and amplify such odors.

The sides of the box are too high. Cats with painful legs, sore joints, or other mobility problems may have trouble getting into a box with high sides. Kittens have similar problems.

Something about the litter bothers your cat.

The litter is dirty. Cats usually prefer clean litter.

The texture of the litter is distasteful. Your cat may have a preference for finer-textured clumping litter over coarser non-clumping litter—or vice versa.

The scent of the litter is unpleasant. Most cats prefer non-scented litter.

The location of the litter box bothers your cat.

The box is in an unpleasant area. Avoid placing the litter box in a high-traffic, noisy, dark, or dank area.

Your cat is afraid to use the box. If another cat, dog, or human terrorizes your cat when she's in the box, or ambushes her as she exits, she may avoid the box altogether.

Cats with aversions usually eliminate on varying surfaces. You may find puddles of urine and/or feces on either soft surfaces like carpets, beds, or clothing, or on hard, shiny surfaces like tile floors or bathtubs. Depending on the severity of your cat's aversion, he may continue to use the litter box, but only inconsistently.

Inappropriate Site Preferences
Alternatively, your cat may develop a preference for eliminating in a spot other than the box. Preferences can be categorized as follows:

Another surface is more desirable for elimination. Cats that prefer certain surfaces usually stick with that choice. For example, a cat that finds it more pleasing to eliminate on soft surfaces like clothing or carpets would be unlikely to use tile floors.

Another location is more desirable for elimination. This usually results from an aversion to the current box location.

As with aversions, cats with preferences for certain surfaces or locations may continue to use the litter box inconsistently. One cause for house soiling may lead to another. For example, a cat with a urinary tract disorder that can't make it to the litter box in time will urinate wherever she is. She may then develop a preference for the new site and continue to eliminate there.


Urine Spraying
When your cat rubs against your leg with his face, or scratches his scratching post, he is also depositing his scent from the glands in his cheeks and paws. Another equally normal but less pleasant marking behavior is urine spraying--the deposition of small amounts of urine around a given area. Spraying announces a cat's presence, establishes or maintains territorial boundaries, and advertises sexual availability.

Cats usually spray on vertical surfaces, like the backs of chairs, or walls. They don't squat to spray (as they do to urinate), but the tail lifts and quivers, and small puddles of urine are left in several consistent locations. Cats that spray are usually unneutered males and, to a lesser extent, unspayed females, but 10% of neutered males and 5% of neutered females also spray. In households with more than seven cats, the likelihood of spraying is high.

Cats may spray when they perceive a threat to their territory, such as when a new cat enters the home, or when outside cats are nearby. New furniture and carpet smells can prompt spraying as well. Cats may also spray out of frustration resulting from factors—like restrictive diets, or insufficient playtime—often wrongly perceived by humans as revenge.


My cat is not using the litter box reliably. What should I do?
First, address the problem promptly. The longer the behavior persists, the more likely it is to become habit. If you have more than one cat, you may need to separate them until you can identify the responsible party. Alternatively, your veterinarian can provide you with a special non-toxic stain given by mouth that will show up in the urine. In cases of defecation outside the box, you can feed one cat small pieces (about twice the size of a sesame seed) of a brightly colored non-toxic child's crayon that will show up in the feces. If you find urine puddles in the house, it is important to distinguish between spraying and other forms of house soiling. Watch your cat for signs of spraying—or set up a video camera when you're not around.

Once you have identified the house-soiling cat, it is wise to take him to your veterinarian for a thorough physical examination and appropriate diagnostic tests to see if there are underlying medical problems. Cats with medical conditions may not always act sick. Once medical causes have been ruled out, your detective work begins. Here are some patterns that may point to a cause:

Is there one type of surface upon which your cat eliminates? If so, she may have a preference for certain surfaces, and you can modify your litter to match it. If she likes soft surfaces like carpeting, buy a softer, finer litter, and put a carpet remnant in her box. If she has a penchant for smooth, shiny surfaces, consider putting tiles in her box, covered with only a small amount of litter. Over time more litter can be added.

Is there a certain location she prefers? She may have developed a preference for a new area because something bothered her about the old area. Try placing a litter box in her "preferred" location. Once she reliably uses it, gradually move the box just a few inches a day back to the desired location. Stop moving the box if she stops using it; instead simply move it back to the spot where she last reliably used it, then gradually begin moving it again.

Is yours a multi-pet household where another animal terrorizes your cat while she's in the litter box or as she exits? If so, the cat may be afraid to use the box. If you currently use a covered box, replace it with one that gives her a 360-degree view. This will give her more confidence while she's in the box and make her less prone to ambush. Also, position the box so that she has more than one way out (i.e. don't have the box surrounded on three sides). Finally, place multiple boxes in multiple locations to give your cat more options.

When your cat uses the box, does he cry, refuse to bury his waste, perch on the edge of the box without touching the litter, or eliminate right near the box?

If so, first be sure the box is clean. Some cats refuse to use a box containing any urine or feces whatsoever; meticulous litter box cleanliness is necessary for these individuals. (See "Keeping the Litter Box Clean.")

Your cat may dislike the litter you use, especially if you've recently and suddenly changed brands. If you must switch brands, do so gradually, adding more of the new litter to the old with each cleaning. Most cats prefer their litter unscented, and an inch or two deep.

The box itself may be the offender. Larger cats need bigger boxes, and kittens and elderly cats need boxes with low sides. Although humans like covered boxes for reducing odor and stray litter, from your cat's point of view, covers hold odors in, and restrict his view of the area. You may need to purchase several types of boxes and several types of litter to determine which combination your cat likes best. Finally, provide as many boxes as there are cats in the house—plus one. For example, if you have two cats, there should be three litter boxes. This decreases competition and gives each cat a box of his or her own.


How can I stop my cat from spraying?
Because spraying is different than other types of house soiling, different tactics are necessary to manage it. First, because there are often hormonal components to spraying, any intact animal should be neutered or spayed. Next, identify the stimuli that cause your cat to spray. If outside cats are responsible, motion detectors that trigger sprinklers can be used to deter them from coming onto your property. Additionally, you can discourage your cat from looking outside by closing blinds or shades, or by placing double-sided tape or electronic mats that deliver mild shocks onto your windowsills.

Address possible sources of frustration that may be causing your cat to spray. For example, introduce a new diet gradually, or discontinue it until the spraying is under control. Increasing the amount of playtime for an under-stimulated cat may also help ease frustration.

Spraying can also result from territorial disputes between cats in the same household. They may need to be separated and reintroduced slowly, using food treats to reward and encourage peaceful behavior.

Applying odor neutralizers anywhere your cat has sprayed may prevent him from spraying there again. Another useful commercial product is Feliway®, a synthetic pheromone that, when applied to household surfaces, mimics the scent of cat cheek gland secretions. Many cats will not spray on areas that have this scent. (See the end of this brochure for information on where to purchase the above-mentioned products.)

Will medications stop my cat from house soiling?
Spraying is more responsive to anti-anxiety drugs than other types of house soiling. However, medication is only part of the solution, and must be used in conjunction with environmental changes. Any medication can have potentially damaging and/or unwanted side effects, and not all cats are good candidates. Cats placed on long-term medication must be monitored closely by a veterinarian.

What can I use to clean my cat-soiled carpet, couch, and other household items?
Cats will re-soil and spray areas previously impregnated with their scent. Therefore, cleaning up your cat-soiled belongings is important, not only to undo the damage, but to break the cycle of elimination. Because it is much easier to eliminate odors in recently-soiled areas, clean them as soon as possible. A cat's sense of smell is far keener than ours; therefore odors must be neutralized, not just deodorized. However, avoid cleaning products containing ammonia or vinegar—they smell like urine and can be irritating.


What other methods should I consider?

Sheets of plastic, newspaper, or sandpaper, electronic mats that deliver harmless, mild shocks, or a carpet runner with the nubs facing up may all discourage your cat from entering a soil-prone area.

Try changing the significance of a soiled area. Cats prefer to eat and eliminate in separate areas, so try placing food bowls and treats in previously soiled areas. Playing with your cat in that space and leaving toys there may also be helpful.

Try denying your cat access to a given area by closing doors, or by covering the area with furniture or plants. Baby gates will not keep a cat out of a room.

Catch him in the act. A bell on a breakaway collar tells you his whereabouts. If you can catch him within the first seconds of his elimination routine, startle him with a water gun or shake a jar of pennies, so that he associates being startled with those actions. It is important that you startle rather than scare him; fear will only worsen the problem. Moreover, if you catch him after he's eliminated, your window of opportunity is gone—you must catch him just as he's about to eliminate.

Never hit, kick, or scream at a cat. Not only does this create more anxiety, which may contribute to house soiling behavior, but also such tactics provide no link between the "crime" and the punishment. Some owners resort to rubbing their cat's face in their excrement to "teach the cat a lesson." This is completely ineffective, first because cats do not view their urine and feces as distasteful, and second, because even moments later, cats cannot make the connection between the mess on the bed and this kind of punishment.

Conclusion
A common and frustrating problem, inappropriate elimination can be difficult to control. A full resolution depends on early intervention, followed by detective work to determine the cause of the behavior, and time and effort on your part to solve the problem. In partnership with veterinarians, both cats and the people who love them can live in harmony and good health.


Helpful hints for preventing litter box problems

1. Choosing an appropriate litter and box

Most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter, at a depth of one to two inches.

Young kittens, elderly cats, and cats with mobility problems need boxes with low sides.

Overweight and large cats need bigger boxes.

Most cats prefer an uncovered box that lets odors escape and allows a 360-degree view of their surroundings.

Have as many litter boxes as cats in the house-plus one.

2. Choosing a good litter box location

Most cats prefer a location that is quiet, private, separate from their feeding area, and easily accessible 24 hours a day.

Do not locate the litter box up or down stairs if your cat has trouble climbing.

Place multiple boxes in different areas of the house.

3. Keeping the box clean

If you use clumping litter, remove feces and clumps daily and add clean litter as needed.

A liner may help keep the box cleaner, but many cats don't like them.

To clean the box, scrub it with a gentle detergent, dry it, and refill with clean litter. Litter should be changed often enough so that it looks and smells dry and clean. The more cats using the box, the more often this will need to be done.

Replace old boxes that smell or are cracked.

Suggested cleaning products and resources

Cleaners/Deodorizers

Anti-Icky-Poo (AIP)
Bug-A-Boo Chemicals
11924 NE Sumner
Portland, OR 97220

Nature's Miracle
Pets 'N People Inc.
27520 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 125
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(Also available at most major pet stores)

Outright Stain and Odor Removal Products
The Bramton Company
P.O. Box 655450
Dallas, TX 75265-5450

Oxyfresh Pet Deodorizer
Oxyfresh USA, Inc.
P.O. Box 3723
Spokane, WA 99220

Pheromone Spray
Feliway
Abbott Laboratories
1401 North Sheridan Road
North Chicago, IL 60064

Electronic Mats
Scatmat/Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinklers
Contech Electronics, Inc.
P.O. Box 115
Saanichton, British Columbia
Canada V8M 2C3

PetMat
Radio Systems Corporation
5008 National Drive
Knoxville, TN 37914

Motion Detectors
Scarecrow
The Dog's Outfitter
1 Maplewood Drive
Hazleton, PA 18201
(Motion detector that turns on a
sprinkler when activated)

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Don't give up on your cat to quickly. Moving is a stressful time for a cat. She is probably peeing because she is under stress from the move. You may want to get another litter box and put it close to where she is peeing or even on the spot she is peeing. Also go back to the litter you were using. To much change is another stress indicator. She is spraying to mark her territory. They do that when they feel stress. There is a pheramone that you can buy at the pet store that you can spray or they have plug ins. It helps to stop the peeing and spraying. Its called "Feliway ". Ask at the pet store they will have it. Also, I have used almost everything to try to get the smell of cat urine out of my carpet, the best thing so far is club soda. Its cheap and it worked for me. I use my little green machine and sprayed the spot and then sucked it up with the attachment. It really got the smell out. Most importantly you must give your cat extra time and loving during this stressful time. The more you yell at her and are angry with her for the peeing the more stressed out she will be. Each time you catch her, give her a firm NO and place her in the litter box. It may take some time to get her back on track. You made the commitment to love and take care of this animal and you have to do this whether she pees or not. Give her some love and underestanding she needs this from you.

Answer 4

Last year my beautiful Manx cat Theodore went out for the evening and never came back. I love cats and the house didn't feel the same without one, so I picked up Lola from a rescue centre. She was very frightened and would pee all over the house. I found Cat Spraying No More� on the internet and the techniques worked almost immediately. I haven't had a problem with Lola since. Amazing!

Can't stop your cat peeing in the house? Then worry no more...

Answer 5

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Cats are smart and very clean, there is a reason your cat is peeing specifically there. Have you changed your litter? If not try these three steps: 1) A second litter box, some cats are really picky and need one for poop and one for pee. 2) Make sure you get rid of the scent of the urine on the carpets and floor, it reinforces that this is a correct place to pee. There is a product called Natures Miracle that works very well at removing the scent, it is at most pet stores. 3) Make the litter box more attractive to the cat, keep it super clean. Cats learn from positive reinforcement so it won't hurt to make a big fuss and give her treats for using the box.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do i stop a fixed, female cat from peeing on the rug?
This is my last chance to keep our cat, if I don't find a resolution for her soon, like within the next day, we're going to have to get rid of her.
We've had her for over a year and never had problems with her until we moved into our new house. Yes, we changed the litterbox and litter...

Answer 7

Cats are strange when it comes to their toiletry habits. I don't think she is peeing on the carpet because she prefers that over the litter box. I think shes just marking her territory and trying to make herself more at home with her familiar smell. The new carpet can be a real problem because it emits a toxic petroleum gas that can inhibit a cats sense of smell and may have philological effects on your pet.
I know what it's like being in the military, and moving around. Cats don't like moving and can take months to adjust to new surroundings.
If you don't have the time to train your cat not to pee on the carpet, I'm afraid you'll have to get rid of it. I personally have trained cats to do all kinds of things. If your cat is suffering from toxic syndrome associated with the new carpet, training will be impossible.
I train my cats to use the toilet with the methods described in the link below.
I think you need to get one of those little green machines made by the Bissile company to have ready for your cats dirty deeds until you can determine what the cause of the problem is.
Good luck.

Answer 8

Our cat did this when we moved to our new house. I learned a lot from going thru this. Namely:
1 - YOU NEED A LITTER BOX FOR EACH CAT IN YOUR HOUSE PLUS ONE EXTRA.
The first time people hear this they think that's an insane amount of litter boxes, and it does take a little bit until it seems normal, but it works. Even if your cats get along, cats are territorial and need to mark their space, give them the proper place to do it. Ideally, use different locations in the house for each box but if you have to group them together that's fine too. Use unscented litter.

2 - Is the location in the house where she's peeing one that you don't use much? CATS SEE UNUSED HOUSEHOLD AREAS AS "OPEN TERRITORY." Start using that area! For example, our cat was peeing on our living room COUCH. We had busy schedules and hardly ever sat on that couch or spent time in the living room. We learned the hard way that to a cat this meant the couch was available territory - we hadn't claimed it by using it, so she claimed it by peeing on it. We steam cleaned the couch and enzyme treated it, then used it everyday. I put new throw pillows on it. Every evening I'd leave the couch different by throwing a couple magazines on it or re-arranging the pillows, throwing a blanket on it, anything to physically signal to the cat, "Hey, this is OUR couch, we're using it." I'd also put the cat in my lap and pet her while sitting on the couch. I kid you not, as soon as we started doing this, she stopped peeing.

3 - When a cat pees outside the box you're always supposed to take it to the vet to check for a URINARY TRACT INFECTION. UTIs make them pee outside the box. They're easily treated.

4 - BECOME FRIENDS WITH YOUR STEAMCLEANER. If you don't have one, buy one. You can get a Hoover for under $200 and it's worth every penny. You'll have it for years. If you own a cat, this is mandatory hardware. The key to eliminating cat smells is to get the pee up right away before it soaks too deeply into the carpet. Soaking it up with a rag doesn't do the trick.

5 - USE A BACTERIA/ENZYME SOLUTION. Sold at Petsmart or other pet stores. This is key to fully removing a pet urine stain. It literally eats away and breaks down both the stain and the odor. Even if the stain is gone, a pet will repeatedly return to the spot if he can smell his own odor. Be sure to: completely and totally penetrate the carpet and pad with the enzyme digester; remember digesters work well but slowly so leave it on for time indicated. This is easy b/c all you do is pour it on and leave. Do this after you've cleaned or preferably steamcleaned the stain.

6 - If you haven't already, buy each of your cats a CAT BED. They're about $10-15 each at Petsmart. This gives your cat a territory he can call his own.

7 - If you have a habitual offender and nothing has worked, try using "PEE TOWELS". I kid you not, especially with older, finicky and/or female cats, this works. Buy a bunch of cheap towels (different from the ones you use!) and put one or two down in front of the litter box. For some reason, a lot of cats will prefer the soft feeling of the towel and love urinating on them. Gross, I know. It's not ideal, but they'll use the towels instead of your carpet and you can keep your cat. They'll still go #2 in their box, but use the towel for #1. I had to do this with an older cat. Every morning I'd change the towel. I bought a lined hamper with a solid lid (you could also use a kitchen size garbage can) and put the soiled towel in there. Every few days I'd wash a load of pee towels (hot water, soap, a little bleach). Think of it as like using cloth diapers for your kids. A small concellation is that you save money on litter.

Lastly, please remember that cats are territorial and moving is one of the most stressful things in their life. Show her some extra love and play with her more to mellow her out (catnip works wonders). Especially if you've already had this cat for a year and she gets along well with your other cat, I'd cut her some slack.

Answer 9

Cat Peeing On Carpet

Answer 10

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Answer 11

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