Expert: Dear Tabbi - 12/15/2008

Question
Hello,

I have a wonderful ginger cat he is 7 years old but recently he has started to be dirty. He wee's everywhere and I cant seem to stop him. It is costing a fortune in new soft furnishing and mattresses and duvets.

He was never dirty before please help my partner is now threatening to call the cat protection to take him away.

Thanks
Donna

Answer
Donna,

The most common reason for that sudden behavior is a urinary tract infection, or urinary crystals. Both are painful when they pee and they associate that pain with the litterbox an go elsewhere. They can cause a complete blockage if not caught in time which is usually fatal to a male cat. I would rule out a medical issue before dealing with it as a behavioral problem. He should also have an older cat checkup to check the function of this kidneys, thyroid, and liver. Because he is an older cat, he may have an age related problem.

This may be helpful too. Here is a 'receipe' for cat urine odor removal:

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon of liquid soap

(3% hydrogen peroxide can be bought at most grocery and drug stores in pint and quart bottles).

Gently mix all ingredients in a non-metal container. Do not mix or shake vigorously!

The mixture is best used when fresh but can be stored. Do not keep mixture in an airtight container.  Have a VERY loose lid as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide when mixed together will release oxygen and an airtight container will explode. You can mix and keep it in large spray bottle (Home Depot, etc.) but a plastic liter or 2-liter soda bottle works just a well.

Always test for color-fastness. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent in stronger concentrations and can lighten materials that are not color-fast.

CLOTHING, COMFORTERS, AND BEDDING:

Put the items in the washing machine and pour in enough of the recipe to cover thoroughly. This might take a few gallons depending on the size of the load. Soak for at least 24 hours. Rinse and rewash using normal washing detergent. If any of the odor is still present, soak again for 24 hours, rinse and rewash.

A small area on a comforter can be spot treated by saturating the area throughly, letting it dry for 24 hours, then washing the comforter normally in the washer with detergent. Always check for color-fastness before using.

For mattresses you must saturate the spot throughly to get deep down into the padding and springs to neutralize the urine. If the cat has urinated alot in one spot, the mattress can be soiled all the way to the other side! Let the area dry for 24-48 hours without bedding then reapply if necessary.

MATTRESSES, SOFAS, PILLOWS

For sofas the same directions as above apply but always check for color-fastness in a hidden area before using. Cotton is used in alot of upholstery fabrics and is easily bleached. If your sofa pillow cushion covers can be unzipped and taken off (must be color-fast and washable) you can put them in the washing machine. See How to Remove from Clothing, Comforters and Bedding for instructions.

Tabbi