[sleepyprincess]

My cat and I just moved homes. Shortly after I finished moving, I went away for a week for work. My cat used the litter box the whole time I was away, but upon my return, she stopped using the box! My roommate isn't a pet person, and is having a hard time. Any suggestions for getting her to use the box again, or for the smell?

[SadieLou]

She's obviously acting out because of the move and then you're trip. To get her to use the box again I would re-train as if she were a kitten - just keep putting her in the box and give her a treat when she does go in it. For the smell, I've used carpet shampooers/steam cleaners in the past. Instead of regular carpet shampoo I'll get one specifically designed for pet odors. And this is one area where you don't want to skimp - spend the money on a high quality shampoo and you'll have better success.

[sleepyprincess]

Thanks SadieLou. I found some stuff that looks it'll help.I found stuff that I've been using on the floor to saturate it. She is mostly using the box, but has two or three times used the hall again.

[EllaEnchanted]

Try full strength vinegar. Mop up the wet spot as much as possible with a absorbant cloth. Saturate the spot with white vinegar and then mop up the spot again as much as possible. It will smell like vinegar for a few hours but it also keeps the pet from going in the same spot again.

[sleepyprincess]

Wow! Vinegar works? I'll have to try that out and see if it is helpful. She is still going off and on outside of the litter box. I can't seem to figure out why or what the pattern is. Maybe it's time to take her to the vet.

[Bree]

I would suggest the vet to be sure there's not a urinary tract infection or some other ailment going on. Hopefully, the vet has some other ideas if illness isn't the answer. Please let us know what the vet has to say.

[sleepyprincess]

The thing is though, that it's not like she's not peeing in the litter box. It's just the poop that seems to be a problem. I tried moving the litter box, too. I don't have a vet for her, so I'll need to find one.