Conference misery::feline

    Aja peed in a leather briefcase. I sprinkled baking soda inside and
    left in near an open window for a couple *months*.
    
    No more odor.
    
    Edd

    Your roommates VCR can be cleaned by a repairman.  One of our cats peed
    in our VCR and we just had them clean it out and it still worked fine.
    Of course, it was about $75 to have it cleaned.  But then again, no
    matter what our repairman does, it is always $75. ;')
    
    Jo

    
        I second the baking soda,  that should work, even if you have to 
    repeat the application of b.s. several times, it does seem to work.
    I would take the vcr to the repairman, however, do not use it until it
    is fixed or a shock from a shorted internal part can result!
    
        

    
    Right before Billy was neutered, he sprayed my woolrich jacket. I
    brought it to the cleaners, explained what happened and they told me to
    air the jacket outside for a week and THEN bring it back to have it
    drycleaned (and to be sure to tell them what happened to it).
    
    I agree about the baking soda, but enzymes (like Nature's Miricle)
    might work a bit faster (i.e., a couple of weeks).
    
    I'm surprised noone said anything about the ammonia. DON'T CLEAN
    ANYTHING WITH AMONIA UNLESS YOU ARE TRYING TO CREATE A TARGET FOR THE
    CAT TO SPRAY! The thing that keeps a cat going back to the same "spot"
    is the amonia smell. (If you are using amonia as a disinfectant, a more
    effective substitute is diluted bleach (1:32), or something like
    Lestoil (providing that the cat isn't going to be in contact with
    whatever you cleaned with Lestoil). 
    
    You mentioned that your cat has been on "pills" for a year now. What is
    he being treated for/with? If it is an FUS problem, he might be trying
    to tell you that he isn't feeling well.
    
    Deb

    
    	About a year ago was when he started to pee outside the litter box.	
    	This was after he had sprayed a couple times and was fixed.  I	
    	brought him in to be checked for crystals.  He had non.  But he
    	still continued to urine outside the litter box at times.
    	
    	I brought him back in and this time he did have crystals.  I was
    	told to double to dosage of pills (instead of once a day, twice
    	a day) and to change his type of food.  I was feeding him IAMS and
    	switched to Mother Hubbard and Light Science Diet.
    
    	He doesn't urine too frequently now as he used to but still
    	manages to every now and then.  I'm not sure if the pills are
    	doing any good now - I will have to check with the vet.  I don't
    	know what else there is I can do to help him if he does not have 
    	crystals...other than the very expensive operation - which I know 
    	is not recommended unless the cat is blocked.  
    
    	The litter box is kept very clean - I cleqn it every night when I
    	come home from work.  I have two ther cats in thr house, but they
    	have been living together for over 3 years, and he started doing this
    	just a year ago.  I think it might be a behavior problem...which is
    	hard to break.
    
    	I am not sure what the name of the pills are.  His eating habits
    	are fine, and I do see him coming out of the box too.  He goes 
    	outside at night after dark for a couple hours.  
    
    	I guess it's time to take a trip back to the vets...or at least
    	have a conversation with the vet about "Buster".
    
    	Does anyone else have any ideas on what to do with the leather coat?
    
    	Thank you for all your suggestions.
    
    
    		Elaine
      
    	

    I regular diet of C/D might help. 
    
    Did the vet send out a "sample" to be examined (for bacteria, blood,
    acidity, etc)? That way, if kitty has an infection, he can be put on
    anti-biotics.
    
    Deb (who's been through this with 4 cats, two of whom have had the very
         expensive operation)

	In response to note 121.6, I do not think a sample has been
	sent out to be examined.  The reason why he is on the pills 
	is to control the acid in the urine.  I do not see any blood
	in her litter box(es), unless this is something that you cannot
	see with the naked eye.

	My other kitty, Precious, did haveblodd in her poo-poos a while
	ago and was treated for worms.  This was treated in a few days.
	Other than that, I have not seen any blood anywhere.

	I was also told that either C/D or Science Diet would be good.
	So I just went with Sciene Diet - no special reason why.

	Thanks for the note...

		Elaine

    Often, the blood is microscopic. If the urine seems "dark yellow",
    there is a good chance it has blood. Also, I've noticed that when a cat
    seems to be having a "problem", the urine has a very distintive smell
    to it; almost a sweet smell.
    
    There is a difference between C/D and Science Diet; C/D acidifies the
    urine, and has a slightly lower magnesium ash content than Science
    Diet. Of course, normally a cat on acidifiers shouldn't get C/D as well
    (otherwize his urine will be too acidic, and the cat will feel a
    burning sensation when he urinates, which causes more indescriminate
    urination)
    
    My Nikoloas was prone to what the vet called a "sterile cystitis".
    Everytime a sample was sent out, they never found any germ; he wouldn't
    respond to amoxie, but would always respond to clavomax. She wound up
    getting a sample via a catheter. His urine was very bloodly, the result
    of lots of *sharp* crystals actually floating around in the bladder.
    They didn't find a germ, but for some reason which escapes me, the
    anti-biotic did make him more comfortable (it might have been bundled
    with somthing that reduced swelling). ABout the only thing that the vet
    could see was that Niky seems to have an incedibly alkline urine, even
    on an exclusive diet of C/D. As a result, he takes one urine acidifier
    per week.
    
    Finally, this is a long shot, but it might be your cat's problem as
    well. I've noticed that both Niky and Pip are prone to bladder problems
    when I try to conserve on the heat. If the temp falls below 65, both of
    these cats are doing the litterbox dance.
    
    Deb
    

    I'd try Nature's Miracle or another enzyme cleaner on the
    jacket, after first testing it some place to be sure it
    won'ty harm or discolor the leather.  That spray stuff from
    the vet's isn't as good.  I'd leave the NM to soak that part
    of the jacket overnight;  beware that NM itself smells bad
    until it had thoroughly dried, which can take up to a week.
    Then I'd wipe down or dry clean the jacket, whichever is appropriate
    for leather.
    
    Deb -- my Little Bit has the same problem as your Nikolas....
    

    Karen,
    
    that is interesting. Has your vet seem many other cats with this
    problem (I presume you are refering to the alkline urine, as it doesn't
    get too cold in Calif)? My vet said she hadn't seen a case like his
    before.
    
    Deb

    Deb, I don't know.  I rememeber the vet was surprised when there
    was no infection. LB has had a straining when using the litter
    box set of symptoms at least twice, about a year apart, and
    each time it was crystals but no infection.
    

    
    	My leather coat is now high and keeping dry with baking soda in the 
    	liner.  It has been there for a few weeks now.  I will keep it
        there for another couple anyways and then check it to see how it is 
    	doing.
    
    	I will also be calling my vet to let him know what has been going
        on.  I got the VCR back over the weekend - it could not be fixed
    	because the urine had gotten right on some board directly through
    	the vent.
    
    	"Buster" has managed to hit my roommates ski coat over the weekend
    	too, and she managed to catch him before he was about to hit a
    	corner in our dining room !  What a pill !  I'd hae to ahve him
    	ruin something else in the house - especially my roomates things.
    
    	I will keep you posted on what the vet has to say.  
    
    
    		Elaine
    
    	
    
    	

    I hope that this doesn't come across the wrong way, but here goes.
    If Buster was my cat, and was being treated for an FUS problem but the
    spraying continued, I'd be a bit more agresive with the vet. Sometimes
    a cat responds to one thing and not the other. I know that my vet tells
    me that if I don't see a marked improvement within 24 to 48 hours to
    call and we try something else.
    
    If it turns out that kitty is ok, but this is a behavir problem, you
    might want to see if soemthing is upsetting the cat; it might be
    something as simple as a rearrangement of furniture or another animal
    that is in "his" territory. Or, kitty could have developed the habit of
    spraying before getting fixed. This latter problem can sometimes be
    corrected with Ovaban therapy (giving kitty female hormones). Ovaban
    helped my Spiro, who was about 7 when neutered.
    
    Deb

    I am placing this note for a friend in hopes that someone can offer
    some help.  She has recently moved into a new (old) house.  The problem
    that she has now found with the warm weather is that the house smells
    of amonia and urine.  The people who used to own the house had three
    cats and two dogs that would urinate whereever they felt like.
    
    My friend and her husband have replaced the hard wood living room floor, 
    all the baseboard moldings, even replace a foot of the wall all the way 
    around the living room.  The whole down stairs has been painted and 
    smells a little better, but the upstairs smells awful. 
    
    Does anyone have any wonderful words of wisdom (short of moving)? 
    
    Please send me mail at netwks::cozzens, as I don't frequently read this
    conference.                                   
    
    Thanks,
    Lisa Cozzens

>                      <<< Note 316.0 by NETWKS::COZZENS >>>
>                         -< How to rid urine smells? >-

    
>    Does anyone have any wonderful words of wisdom (short of moving)? 
    
>    Please send me mail at netwks::cozzens, as I don't frequently read this
>    conference.                                   
    
industrial quantities of nature's Miracle...or other enzyme treatment
designed to destroy animal waste smells.

I will mail as well.
			
			D

>                      <<< Note 316.0 by NETWKS::COZZENS >>>
>                         -< How to rid urine smells? >-

>>>>I will mail as well.
			
I lied.  my node cannot find your node...i will update the network
database later today, but I cannot send this mail messsage...moderators?
can you help?

			D

    There are two things I can think of.
    
    There's this stuff called "outright".  You can get it at most pet
    stores.  It's one of the best commercial pet oder products.
    
    The other thing I've done is used Scope mixed with water.  Wash down
    the walls and floors with the stuff.
    
    Holly
    

NETWKS:: is 4.835, so 1024*4+835=4931.  If you can't send to NETWKS::, try
4931::.....

Mary

    I have had excellent luck with a triple enzyme cleaner 
    featuring live something or others that I got at a janitorial
    supply.  Not only is it less expensive than Outright, but you
    can dilute it 2/1 with water and also run it through the steamer
    for deep cleaning.  And it does take out the smell.  Most
    janitorial supply stores have an industrial strength enzyme
    cleaner.  Get the triple action one.
    
    Mary-Michael
    
    

    
    
    	Im having a problem with a feral kitten in which I took in...
    	She is about six months old now and just recently started 
    	urinating in one spot- She was fine after I started confining
    	her and my other two from the room. I let them in when I was 
    	home, etc... She was fine for about 4 days and then did it 
    	again.... Is this because she needs to be spayed??? HELP!
    
    	Sue 

    It could be because she has a urinary tract infection;  a trip to
    the vet is in order.  Also, she will tend to return to that spot
    because she smells the urine -- an enzyme product specifically to
    remove this odor can be purchased from a pet store.
    

    Unfortunately its on a bed and the covers are taken away and washed so
    there is no smell... Could this be urinary tract infection????
    
    Sue

    This happened to me with Onyx (another formerly feral feline).
    It took a lot of work to break this cycle with him.  I had to 
    pour the enzyme product on the bed and let it dry to get the
    smell out of the mattress.  I also put some in the washer when 
    I washed my sheets (wanted to be sure there was no residue).  
    And, the bedroom became off limits to everyone when I wasn't 
    there to supervise.  It took a few weeks (maybe a month) but 
    we finally broke the cycle.
    
    Jan
    

    Hurray for Peanut, and you too!
    

    Sue, I had a problem with my Holly urinating on the bed.  It turns out that
    flannel sheets or sheets that are any shade of brown of beige say "litter
    box" to Holly.  Since I avoided using those kinds of sheets, and did the
    enzyme cleaner/drying bit (which can take a couple of weeks for a bed --
    there's something about the enzymes that mades things take a long time
    to dry, and then kept her out of the bedroom for awhile until she forgot
    about it (actually, she could be in there at night, but I never left her
    there alone), the problem went away.
    
    In the old feline file when this topic came up, other folks had had the
    same problem;  I think I remember someone who's cat homes in on blue sheets
    and teh litterbox was blue.
    
    However, it still could also be a urinary tract problem, either/and.
    

    Yep, I have blue sheets, blue comforter and blue gray litterboxes.
    Must be me you're thinking of.  It took a long time to break him 
    of the habit of going on the bed but I did break him of it finally.
    The bed did take a long time to dry.  I ended up putting a plastic
    bag on the mattress under the sheet at one point so I could sleep
    in the bed.  There was no place else to sleep and he had gone in
    a couple of places on the bed.  The plastic also acted as a barrier
    for any future wet spots in the same place.
    
    Jan

    Me, too.  It's a good thing we're all alone in this file, Jan, right? :-)
    

    Righto!
    
    Jan

Don't you mean "Brighto!!!"

nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!!!!

    Sorry, I don't get it.
    
    Jan

    
    Thanks Everyone--- Its stinks (literally) hahaha.. I have a waterbed...
    When she was isolated - I had one of those disposable litter boxes-
    cant remember what color it was? I also have the huge blue litterbox.
    My quilt is black! then another is beige and mauve! ive kept her
    of my room- its a bummer that my other two babies get to sleep
    with me and she doesnt. Im very frustrate. She hasnt let me 
    touch her yet... She will lay in between my legs if Im there
    witha cover but other than that she only sniffs my finger!
    Im not sure that I can keep her.... But who will want a 
    baby that you cant touch....
    
    She didnt do anything for a few days and then did it again...
    
    UGH!
    
    SUe

    Sue, does she go on the bed while you're in it?  If not, she could sleep
    with you.  Also, kittens ned to be socialized -- she will "warm up" in
    time and as she spends more calm time with you.
    

    
    
    	YES! She went on it while I was in it UGH! How long does it
    	usually take??? I have had her out socializing for about a
    	month...
    
    	Sue

    re: how long
    
    She probably isn't making much progress now because you're both
    understandably upset about the bed business.  Once that gets fixed, it
    may happen slowly over the space of 2-3 months.  Some of mine, esp. the
    previously feral ones, make prograss even after the first year.
    

    Can anyone recommend a carpet cleaning company in the Worc area who can
    help remove that most lovely odor of cat whizz from my bedroom rug?  I
    am not a doityourself person, but would rather pay if it was going to
    work.  I've already called one place and got the 'no guarantee' spiel.
    
    Any recommendations?
    
    Chris
    
    P.S. Sarah, if you're reading this stop smiling it's not funny...

    
    Chris, I used to work as carpet installer on the side when I was in 
    college way back. One important thing to consider is the pad under
    the carpet. The carpet cleaning will remove any stains and some odors.
    However, if it has already been soaked down to the pad; the best way
    to get rid of the odor hundred precent is to replace the little area 
    of the padding effected. However if this is done then I recommend also
    sprinkling some Armour Hammer baking soda on the floor leaving it 
    to air out for a half day and then putting the pad back on. 
    
    Good luck,
    
    Shaw

    
    	I guess this is a good place to ask this..
    
    	Any suggestions on how to get vomit odors out of carpets?
    	Nilla was really sick the other day and hit every room
    	in the place.  I washed the rugs the best I could but
    	I can still smell it...(this was a food incident not a hairball,
    	those are a bit easier to take care of)  
    
    	Will I need to rent a steam cleaner or is there a spray or
    	something that will help?  
    
    	Thanks,
    
    	Janna & Nilla (who is now feeling much better)
    	

Well I just completed searching and reading this conf. on "Odors and
Odor Removal".

My problem is: I just brought an house (18 years old) and the basement smells
of cat urine.  There is no carpeting just a concert floor.  I have found
out were the litter box was and used a gallon of "Simple Solution" on the area.
I got the stuff for Pet Supply Depot in Shrewsbury.  It worked a little but
the smell is still there.  Does anyone know what I can use on a concert floor
to get rid of the smell.

    Thanks, Steve.

    
    There is a special paint/seal for concrete which we used for the floor
    of our basement before starting to finish it. I am sure it would help.
    
    Lale
    

    wouldn't you want to get the smell out first before sealing it?
    
    First, I'd try white vinigar. If that doesn't help, Nature's Miracle, or
    Urine Clean would probably fix it.
    
    Deb

    We just replaced a rug that had been peed on by the cats and the wood
    floor underneath smelled. since we were putting hardwood floor down, we
    didn't want to have an odor problem. 
    
    A product, called KILZ, was recommended to us that "seals" the
    substance, usually used to keep wood knots from reappearing, or mildew
    smell out, etc. We found it in a large hardware store. The can we
    got was a white color (since we were covering the floor again the color
    didn't matter, so unless you are covering the concrete with something
    else, this would create a "painted" area. 
    
    However - the product worked great. Floor was treated last May and we
    haven't smelled anything through this long, humid summer. As soon as
    the stuff dried, you couldn't smell anything.
    
    good luck!
    
    janetb.
    
    KILZ - sealing, white color

     Question for the experienced in this file -

	We've been using Nature's Miracle on the wood floors when the dogs
	or cats have an "accident" - just wipe up the pee, spray the NM and
	wipe again - reading the bottle the other day, for rugs it says to
	let it stay of hours/days(?) so it really soaks in - should I let it
	"set" on the wood floor for a while (how long?) before wiping ??

	Also, can you use it in the washing machine ??  We've found that the
	cats got "even" with us for not being as diligent as usual on changing
	the boxes and peed on some towels - the dogs too occasionally will
	"woops" on their bed mats - they can all be thrown in the washer but
	I was wondering if I should do a SOAK cycle before hand ?????


     Thanks in advance,
     Debbi

    If your wood floors have a good coat of polyurethane, there shouldn't
    be any need to let the NM soak.  For carpeting, they suggest letting it
    soak and evaporate because you usually end up with the carpet, padding,
    and underlayment (un-sealed plywood, usually) getting soaked with
    urine, and it will take a good amount of time for the NM to work it's
    way down and start to digest. 
    I have also used it in the wahsing machine on my son's clothes when he
    was a baby and would stain his clothes.  It works on everything. I even
    poured it into a floor plant that my cat used as a litter box. I
    figured if it killed the plant, no big deal.  But it destroyed the odor
    and never hurt the plant (large corn plant). 
    I use it in my carpet extraction cleaner, too, instead of the soapy
    stuff they recommend.
    Sarah

    I've used it in the wash many times...it is GREAT for removing
    all types of stains!!!
    
    Sandy

	How much nature's mir. to a wash load, how long do you presoak?
	the package doesn't mention dilution only using full strength.

			-Pat

    I never bothered with accurate measurements.  I just poured whatever
    felt good into the washer as it filled and let it wash without a 
    presoak or anything.  It's hard to get those commercial apartment
    washers to cooperate and presoad anything anyway.
    
    Jan

    I buy NM by the gallon (2 cats and 3 dogs - I use a lot!).  I probably
    put about 1/4 cup in when I have to wash something that was "marked" or
    used to clean up a "mark".  I wash it first to get most of the
    stuff out (don't machine dry it, or you'll cook the odor into the
    fabric!), then put it back in with NM and laundry soap to soak for
    about 20 minutes. The amount probably depends on what you are washing.
    For a comforter, I'd probably use 1/2 cup.  I usually have to use it on
    towels.
    Sarah

    Hi,
    
    I think this is the best place to put this.  About 4 weeks ago I went
    to the Pat B. shelter and ended up picking up to beautiful kittens. 
    They are 9 months old or better.  
    
    We went through the normal adjustment period and I had to put them on a
    two week run of antibiotics due to colds they had when they arrived.  
    
    They are now settled in very nicely.  One is much more people oriented
    then the other.  
    
    My problem is one of the two is peeing pretty much where ever he would
    like.  He will pee two feet from the litter box.  The little box is
    in its current location because he had decided that he like the corner
    of the dining room better then the bathroom where the box was
    originally.  So now I have a litter box in the dining room and for the
    last week or so he has been using it.  Last night, and this morning he
    peed beside it twice.  I also found that he had peed on my Armani suit
    bag.
     
    I have just about had it.  He has had a full check up at the vet and he
    is fine.  He is a nice cat but I really do think he is on his way back
    to the shelter.  
    
    Does anyone have any suggestions as to what else I can to do stop this
    behavior?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mark
    
    

    
    Mark,
    
    	You can try to show him what the litter box is for. My husband's
    favorite trick is to "rub the kitty nose" in the waste (which the kitty
    dislikes tremendously, but doesn't hurt) and then immediately put the 
    kitty in the box. It works best if you catch the kitty in the act, or 
    shortly after the fact. If you keep at it for a week or so, hopefully 
    kitty will get the idea. Good luck.
    
    
    Eva 
    

    Rubbing their nose in it may work for dogs but it isn't very effective
    for cats.  You may want to confine the little guy to a smaller space
    with only food, water and a litterbox.  He won't want to go where his
    food is so may be more inclined to use the box.  
    
    Jan

    I second Jan's suggestion.  Confining a cat to a smaller space
    temporarily with only food water and a litterbox is a retraining
    method I've heard mentioned a lot.  Before you go to that
    trouble however, be sure you've removed the old urine smell
    from the "wrong place" with an enzyme cleaner esp. for that
    purpose;  the smell reattracts the cat.  Also be sure there is a litter
    box in a non-high traffic area so the cat feels safe using it (is
    his sibling ambushing him at the other box, perhaps?)
                                            

    No ambushing going on.  The box is in a place where they should be
    fine.  I'd like to put it in the basement but I'm sure he wouldn't be
    bothered with going that far to relieve himself.  
    
    When the first came to the house I had them in a very large vari kennel
    with food, water and a litter box.  I also put a comforter in there for
    them to lay in.  When I let them start to explore the house I took the
    door off the vari kennel so they could continue to go in there to use
    the litter box.  After I thought they were finding there way around ok
    I removed the vari kennel and just left the litter box.  When I took
    the comforter out of the box it was damp and this guy must have been
    peeing on that as well.  
    
    Where can I pick up Natures Miracle or some other type of enzyeme
    cleaner.  Anywhere in the Marlboro area would be great.
    
    I think I'm going to put this guy back in the vari kennel for a week
    and see what happens.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mark
      

    
    FWIW....rubbing an animals nose in an "accident" shouldn't be done to
    dogs either.
    
    MaryAnne

    Is it possible he doesn't like that particular type of litter?  Do you
    know what type (clay, sand, pellet) they use at the shelter?  Maybe
    switching to his 'usual' brand will get him back into the correct habit
    (assuming he was litter trained at the shelter).
    Sarah

We had a similar problem with one of our kittens.  We noticed when we brought 
her home that she'd had an accident on the towel in the carrier.  We realized
the next morning that it wasn't an accident when we awoke to her peeing on 
our bedspread.  Somehow, in her 10 weeks of life, she'd gotten trained on cloth
instead of a box.  About the only thing I can add to the other replies is to
make lots of trips with her to the litter box.  We put Kelly in the litter box
several dozen times a day until she got the point (some are slow learners!).

We also had to keep all the closet doors closed - we couldn't have any laundry
baskets or cardboard boxes around since she also associated confinement with
relieving herself.  Now that she's all grown up, we've had no problems other
than an occasional miss by the litter boxes - I've noticed sometimes their 
butts get too close to the edge.

Good luck.

			SQ

    Some comforters and some bedding seem like litter box material to some
    cats, for sure.  Anything flannel or brown or beige like that
    can't be left out around my Holly or it gets zapped. Given the previous
    noter's suggestion, I'd also try a larger litter box and clay
    "supermarket type" litter -- perfumed litters turn off some cats.
    

    I had this problem with Onyx and anything blue for a while.  Somehow
    I managed to break him of the habit.  My bedspread was blue at the
    time and it suffered greatly in the process.  It's purple now. :^)
    
    As for butts hanging a bit too far over the litterbox.  I solved this
    one by getting covered box.  Amelia used to miss regularly when she
    peed until I got the cover.
    
    BTW, I was going to mention that placing the kitten in the litter box
    several times a day might help but someone beat me to it.  I do second
    the suggestion though.
    
    Jan
    

    As for their little bums hanging over the edge, we bought large
    (rigid) plastic sheet, like would be used to cover light fixtures
    in drop ceilings, and put them under the litter box.  They are
    clear plastic so the carpet shows thru, and it protects the
    carpet from little accidents.
    
    Grossmans...I think, years ago, was where we got them.  But, you
    could probably get them at Home Depot or HQ.
    
    Sue
    
    ps I saw a cat (with a collar on) this morning who had been hit
       by a car ... got me upset  :-(

    Please call Priscilla at the Pat Brody shelter for advice. She 
    really is an expert on kitty problems and I'm sure she would be
    interested in knowing about your little adoptee.
    
    Personally...even if you brought the kitty to the vet for a checkup...
    I would recommend contacting your vet again to discuss this specific
    problem.  I'm sure the checkup did not include a urine analysis...and
    the problem could be the start of FUS or just an kidney infection.
    85% of the time cats who do not use the litterbox...normally have
    a medical problem.   
    
    Good luck...
    
    Sandy
    

    Just wanted to let you know that I am currently testing a new odor
    removal product.  It's called "Anti-Icky Poo".  Actually, the 
    complete name is "Mister Max Little Job Anti-Icky Poo".  A friend
    who has started selling it says it's one of the best products he 
    has ever used for odor removal.  He and his wife breed Birmans and
    they have household pets so they've had plenty of opportunities to 
    check it out.
    
    This is a "live bacteria/enzyme solution".  The bottle also says 
    that it's "genetically engineered specifically to eliminate urine
    contamination."
    
    Another blurb from the bottle:
    
    "This exciting new bio-chemical removes odor by consuming its source,
    the way nature does it, safely but much quicker.  Engineered to
    eradicate urine, it will digest any malodorous decay including liquid
    or dried fluids from vomit, feces, rotten vegetables, fish, milk,
    dead bodies, skunk musk and more, even smoke."
    
    Hey, if it works on my house with Mr. Onyx spray-happy kitty's messes
    I'll be happy.  The fish, vegetables, milk, dead bodies and skunk 
    musk are just an added bonus. :^)   
    
    Jan
    
    
     

    Jan,
    
    re: 121.61; How did the "Anti-Icky Poo" work?

    It seems to work pretty well.  Unfortunately, the spray bottle I have 
    is not working very well and I'm not getting a good squirt out of it.  
    My friends tell me it's the best thing they've ever found for removing
    odors, though.  Once I get the spray bottle situation corrected I can
    give you a better idea of how it's working for me.
    
    Jan

    I wonder if you could do me a favor and see if there's a phone number
    on the bottle I could call.  I live in the Boston area, have checked
    with some pet stores here and they have not heard of it.
    
    I have a cat, Alpine, who is 14; she's an outdoor cat, (long haired -
    well, more like every other hair is long-calico) but she is not the
    reason for me buying this spray.  I inherited a couch and chair I had
    professionally cleaned which didn't kill the musty smell it had.  Got
    the stains out but it is stinking up my new house.
    
    What if you picked up a plastic sprayer bottle at a drug store to use? 
    
    Diane

    I have the Anti-Icky Poo in a spray bottle from a drugstore.  The
    size sample bottles I got didn't come with their own spray (although
    I believe the larger size did).  It's the old drug store sprayer that
    is failing.
    
    I'll check the bottle for a number for you when I get home tonight.
    However, I have a friend who sells it (he sells all kinds of cat
    supplies) and I'm pretty sure he'd ship it to you.  
    
    Jan

    I am at a lost of where to turn now and looking for some advice.  My
    female cat Riley (8 yrs) was peeing on the carpet back in 95 (just talked to
    the vet to verify) we did "EVERYTHING" we could to stop her from doing
    it - the Natures Miracle, Boundry spray, duct tape in the area she
    was going, aluminum foil with holes in it while the Natures Miracle was
    supposed to be working.  She was checked at the vet for any type of
    infection and we found out she was depressed.  She was put on anti
    depressant pills and was very pleasant (she's not the nicest cat but I
    love her)  however I don't beleive it stopped her from going.  By the
    way she was very difficult while trying to give her the pills all the
    time as one would imagine.  No matter how long we kept her mouth shut
    she would still run away and spit it out !!!  I ended up having to rip
    up the carpet after spending over $100.00 on cleaning product AND
    getting a professional cleaner in.  We do have one other cat and he
    has been around for 7 years with her.  Yes they have their fights but
    we all do.  So we can rule him out.
    
    Well we had a new carpet put in our hallway going upstairs to our
    second floor about 6 months ago.  Just last week we noticed "that
    smell" again.  Yes she has started again !  I had to make sure it was
    her as I didn't want to blame the wrong cat.  I caught her early this
    AM in the act.  The spot was fresh.  
    
    When I called the vet they referred me to two animal behavoirist which
    are out of my price range.  I called the vet back and explained things
    to them and asked if we could go another route.  I need to bring a
    urine sample in to be sure she does not have a bladder infection and
    put her in a room with no rug in the mean while.  I hate like heck to
    confine her but there's nothing else I can do at this point.
    
    Here's why I am asking for your advice.  I am at my wits end with the
    smell.  I have used many, many bottles of Natures Miracle but cannot
    block the area where she has gone.  I cover it with aluminum foil like
    the bottle says but she still goes next to where the aluminum foil is.
    She just moves a little and starts a new area !!!!  The other day I got
    some trusty pine-sol and soaked the carpet with that.  I know it won't
    hide the smell from the cats but at least from me I'd hope !!  Now it
    smells like pine sol AND urine !!    How long does it take for this
    Natures Miracle to work ?  The gentleman at the pet store told me it
    could take up to two weeks.  But the smells doesn't get any better as
    the days go on.  Besides she is still going just in another area close
    to where we try and clean.
    
    Any other tricks or suggestions on what to use to clean the urine up on
    the carpet ?  What shall I do to her in the mean while.  I know I am
    not supposed to yell, or hit.  I want to do all I can within reason
    ($$$$) to keep her from being put down and beleive me I don't want to
    have to do that.  But it seems like I am running out of avenues.  I did
    ask the vet about putting her in another home but they said they don't
    recommend that as she is going on carpets.  And speaking of that I hate
    to confine her in an area with no carpet. The rooms are VERY small like
    a b-room and the only other room is a play room where my daughter goes
    in and out of.  How fun can that be for her to see her brother walking
    around and her in a room with the door shut ??  I just wish I could
    send her away for about 2 weeks and have someone fix her while I was
    cleaning up the mess.  But I know thats not possible.
    
    Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
    
    Thanks in advance.
                      

Did the amount of attention you give her change at all?

I had a little kitty once who really did get stroppy
if someone else was noticably getting attention over her.

I was having a serious conversation with afriend, she 
miauwed at me, because it was serious I carried on, 
I looked up when she miauwed a second time louder
and she squatted on my duvetand wee-d on it there and 
then !!! The way she was staring it was clearly an 
"Oy pay attention!" wee

jo

    When I was going through bladder problems with a couple of my cats, I
    found that the cheepest thing to do was invest in a blissel steam
    cleaner. It sucks the urine up fromthe carpet and pad real well (a
    shop vac might work, but I've never tried one).
    
    A couple of questions; How many boxes do you have? There are some cats
    that don't like to urinate and deficate in the same box. Also, you
    mention anbother cat in the house. I have 8 cats but my cat Panther has
    his own box in the living room simply because of of the other cats
    won't let him near the "offical" litterbox in the bathroom. A second
    litter box or a box just for her might help.
    
    Also, It has been my experience that "new carpet odor" and "rubber
    backed rugs" seem to attract cats to urinate on it . 
    
    Deb 

   
  >  Also, It has been my experience that "new carpet odor" and "rubber
  >  backed rugs" seem to attract cats to urinate on it . 
  
I thought that then checked adn it's 6 months old... normally 
they're a bit newer than that when the cat gets into the "Coo! 
that was a big smelly cat who did that rubbery smelling wee over
here - I'd better do a good big wee myself so he knows it's my 
house not his" behaviour. 

:-)

    Hmmmm..this seems like a tough one.  I do believe that even though
    you do not want to confine her...this is probably your only option
    at the moment.   Under normal circumstances...confining a kitty
    with litterbox problems caused by behavioural issues...is the only
    way to get the kitty use to using the box once again.
    
    I would confine her while you are NOT at home...and little by little
    give her some time at night (when you are there...to watch her) access
    to another room.  I think the key is getting her use to using the box
    once again.   And give you time to clean up all the urine smell in the
    house.   I live and swear by Natures Miracle to get rid of urine
    smell...  My guess is (it's only a guess) that the Natures Miracle
    is working...it's just she has gone in another area that still smells!!
    
    I would also add extra litterboxes in your home and give kitty alot
    of attention just in case she is once again depressed.
    
    Good luck...I have two males that spray...and I'm forever sniffing
    out urine smells and using Natures Miracle.
    
    Sandy 

    Re: .67
    
    I second the advice others have posted.  Nature's Miracle does
    work, but it can take a week or two in carpeting. I have this problem
    with my Holly.  I basically don't have rugs on the floor any more.  She
    will use a sand-type consistency litter (not clumping litters), but I
    can't buy that because it causes problems with Sweetie's asthma.  So, I
    just use a lot of Nature's Miracle, and periodically, as I am now, try
    to find a new litter both can use.  I know it is difficult.  I find
    that when it really gets to me that it helps to "patrol" the house and
    home in on the places that have been zapped.  I've been known to just
    dump Nature's Miracle all over the places she has used at various
    times, and in a half hour or so things improve.  
    
    Let me particularly second the suggestion to give her more mellow
    attention - when Holly is feeling left out, she zaps the bed.  At least
    that isn't part of her normal routine :-)
    

    p.s.  If your kitty has gone in carpeting, getting as much of the urine
    out as you can before applying the Nature's Miracle helps.  I use
    several thick wads of paper towels and press down on the carpet.
    

    Thank you everyone.  Her brother is a bully some of the time.  He is
    very affectionate and tries to get all the attention all the time. I
    give her as much attention as I can with a 4 year old.  Riley (the
    problem cat) every AM jumps up on the the bathroom counter and gets
    ready for work just like her Mom does.  I apply blush, she gets a
    little, I apply eye makeup - she gets a little (just on the forehead
    and not much color of course).  And of course she gets her hair done
    as well.  I guess I'll give her that little xtra.  We all like that
    attention now and then !!
    
    I'll confine her and try and have some patience with the spots I clean.
    I think I want results right away and it doesn't look like I'm going to
    get them.
    
    Thanks again everyone !!
                               

    Are you sure you are getting ALL the spots?  If you use a blacklight at
    night, urine spots glow.  I second the recommendation to get a carpet
    cleaner. I have the Big Green Clean Machine.  Whenever we have a pet
    accident (cats AND dogs), I vacuum as much liquid as I can before I use
    the enzyme cleaner.  I also use the enzyme cleaner in the machine, 
    then soak it and let it dry according to the directions. 
    Personally I hate the smell of Nature's Miracle. I use Odor Mute.
    If you have thick carpeting, thick padding, and a wood floor
    underlayment it's possible the urine penetrated into the wood. Not much
    you can do except really, really soak the area and let it air dry. I
    use small fans to help the evaporation process along.  
    I have found that pressing down on the spots to blot only serves to
    force it out (wider area) and down (into the wood subfloor). 
    Sarah

    Where do you find the black lights ?  I'll call the local pet store
    now.
    
    Thanks

    Premium Pet Store in San Jose and Sunnyvale, California stock some 
    small black lights (1 foot long) in the same area as the Nature's
    Miracle.  Check your local store to see if they do something similar.
    
    I lucked out.  I still have my 4 foot black light from back when I
    was in high school.  See, some of those 1970's items I saved still
    come in handy.  Hmmm, I wonder if I'll ever have an occasion to 
    pull out the old black light posters. :^)  Unfortunately, moving
    a 4 foot black light around the apartment to look for cat urine
    is not an easy task.  It's kind of awkward to get the light where
    I need it.
    
    Jan

    I bought one at Pet Food Depot in Palo Alto.  It works very well
    on the stone(?) hearth of my fireplace, but doesn't seem to
    work very well at all on my hardwood floors.
    

    Which animal behaviorist did your vet recommend?  And what were their
    rates?  Try a few more recommendations.  Tufts uses Dr. Dodman (and he 
    has a resident), but they're probably going to be very expensive
    (altho, they are very, very good).  There is another animal behaviorist in 
    the area (and for the life or me I can't remember her name - I'll look 
    for it tho) who is also very good.  For all the money you will be
    spending on wet vacs & cleaning solutions & litter boxes over the
    course of time, it may end up being worth a visit or two by a
    behaviorist.  It sounds hokey, but they really do know their stuff & it
    could really help you & help save your cat.

>   a 4 foot black light around the apartment to look for cat urine
>    is not an easy task.  It's kind of awkward to get the light where
>    I need it.
 

I now have a wonderful image of you coming in a la darth vader 
with this whooshing dark light/light sabre every time there's 
a litter box transgression :-)

    >(altho, they are very, very good).  There is another animal behaviorist in
    >the area (and for the life or me I can't remember her name - I'll look
    >for it tho) who is also very good.  
    
    Stephanie Schwartz?
    
    Deb

    The doctor at Tufts was one of them.  The other was a woman but I can't
    find my notes right this moment (I can't find anything for that
    matter)!  
    
    Riley is in a room by herself today.  We are going to get a urine sample and
    bring it to the vets tonight and go from there.  I am giving her lots
    of attention.  I noticed that Tyler (male cat) is sleeping on the bed
    where she used to sleep.  He's such a pain !  I kicked him out of the
    room last night and put her where she used to sleep on the bed, but she
    wanted no part of it.         
    
    I bought a black light (just a light bulb) at Spencer gifts last night
    and couldn't really see.  Or I just didn't know what I was looking for.
    The carpeting is plum colored which makes if very difficult to see
    anything.  
    
    Thanks again everyone !!
                            

    The ones that are sold by pet stores are very expensive (something like
    $20!).  I bought one before I knew it was simply a black light. The
    advantage they have, however, is they are long so you can see a larger
    area than with a small bulb. If the room is dark enough, you should be
    able to see fluorescent glowing spots where there is urine. The color
    of the carpet doesn't matter, just the darkness.  I walk around with my
    light in one hand, Odormute in the other.  Find a spot, squirt it.
    I also make sure to check my furniture and walls in case it's a spray 
    instead of a puddle.  
    Sarah