Expert: Tomay - 8/23/2004

Question
I have a 2yr. old cat and she has always used the liter box, but I had found a spot where she has gone on the carpet. Why? and how do I get the odor out? And how can I have her not to do that anymore? And now my daughter has brought  home another kitten? Help!!!!!!!!!!! I can't stand the smell                Paula

Answer
Hello Paula,
Sometimes when a cat stops using a litter box it is because of urinary tract infections of somesort.  Kidney infection, for example, make urination very painful, just as in humans.  A cat, however, will associate the pain with the litter box, and in an effort to aleviate it, they will urinate outside the box, usually in an absorbent area, like the carpet.  So, first thing to do is rule out anykind of medical reason for this change in behaviour with a visit to the vet.  Also, try to keep the litter box scooped more often, as some cats are more picky than others, and will go outside the box if it is too full for them. As far as odor remover, any product with enzymes in it will work for stain and odor.  Nature's Miracle is one product that works very nicely. Check with your local pet shop.  The kitten should pose no problem, as cats will take naturally, for the most part, to a litter box.
Good luck, and I hope this has been helpful.
Thanx for your inquiry.
Tomay