Help! My generally well-behaved cats have developed a bad habit.?

Question

I have two spayed female cats, one 3 years old and the other 2. They are generally well behaved indoor cats and have never had littlebox issues.

Before now.

All of a sudden, they are outright REFUSING to use the litter box. I haven't done anything to alter their space, I'm using the same litter I've always used, I clean the box twice a week, and it stays in the same location. Instead, they prefer to use the carpet in the living room. Not the whole carpet, just a 6 foot stretch along one wall.

I determined the reason this behavior began and I've removed it, but they still won't use the litter box. I've hosed the carpet with Spot Shot, but they ignore the "deterant chemical". I sequestered them in the uncarpeted quarter of the house for 12 hours last night, but they never used the box (which makes me a little leary of what they might be using instead).

Does anyone out there know anything else I can try? I'm going to shampoo the carpets this weekend, but given their behavior I doubt it will help.

Answer 1

I would suggest taking them to the vet as soon as possible.They would be the best help in finding out what`s going on.Good Luck!

Answer 2

You need to thoroughly clean (and I mean saturate!) the area they were using with one of the enzymatic cleaners made for removing urine odors.  You can get it at any pet store - two brands that work are Nature's Miracle and Simple Solution.  They can still smell the urine there, and to them it's an acceptable place to go.  Once the smell is removed they will probably stop using it.  Pick up a gallon container - the secret to getting any of these products to work is to use enough of it.  You have to saturate the spot and the padding under the carpet.  Allow this to dry and remove the smell prior to shampooing as otherwise the smell of the urine will still be there to attract your cats.

Answer 3

have you been gone a lot recently? they might just be upset about something non bathroom related.  has their food changed? did a family member leave?  have you been really upset? pets can pick up on this sort of stuff.  

i hop ethat helps a little :\ good luck!

Answer 4

You say you determined the reason this behaviour began and you removed it, but it might be helpful for us to know what that was.  Did you know there are products at the pet store to put in the litter to attract them to do their business there?  There is also a litter that encourages them - I have seen it at the pet store.  Try putting the litter box on the area they pee on as well.  Maybe put some of their f***s in the litter box.  Or try a brand new litter box - you never know.  If you catch them sniffing around the pee spot give them a shot with a spray bottle of water.