Expert: Dear Tabbi - 3/18/2009

Question
Recently my 6 year old female cat has started peeing on piles of laundry and our floor mats in the bathroom.  We recently took in my daughter's male cat, and I wonder if she is making a statement that this is her house, not is.  I do not want to have to get rid of either poet, and wonder what can be done to eliminate her new trick?

Answer
Steph,

yes, she could be upset about your daughter's cat. Are they both fixed? If not, that could cause problems.

Another common cause for this behavior is a urinary tract infection or urinary crystals. Both are painful when the cat pees so the cat associates that pain with the litter box and goes elsewhere. You may want to take her to the vet to have her checked. She can be given medication to clear it up if that is the problem.

Since I cannot put all the information about possibilities in this reply, I am including some links to good articles about improper elimination. Please read them. They will have good information that you should find helpful in dealing with the cat's behavior.
(copy and paste or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissues/a/outsidebox_two.htm

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/pointe/9352/litterboxhelp.html

http://www.apbc.org.uk/article10.htm

AND,

here is a 'recipe' 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 thoroughly, letting it dry for 24 hours, then washing the comforter normally in the washer with detergent. Always check for color-fastness before using.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi