Skipping ahead like a skipping thing.

Askye, in your shoes I would soak the heck out of that spot with Simple Solutions [link] (follow the rest of the directions, too) then put a litter box right on top of it. It can be very difficult to really get to the bottom of why a cat is having litter box issues, but if he is going to go there, at least he will have something appropriate to go in while you figure out and solve the underlying problem.

As for further help in figuring out how to correct the behavior, this article is a good start: [link] You might also get some good out of looking up Jackson Galaxy on the Animal Planet website - he has a "cat whisperer" type show, and his bits of the website might be of use. And not everyone goes for this sort of thing but I might be inclined to consult with an animal communicator to see what Dean has to say about this issue.

I got the recommendation for Simple Solutions from a corporate big-wig at an apartment complex I temped at. Of course, this was over a decade ago, so it is possible that there are even stronger products out there now. Still, if that or something similar does not do the trick, the next step is to get a patch of matching carpet, cut out the stained area down to the flooring - soak hell out of the bare floor, hope you don't have to replace boards. Once the flooring is as clean as possible, you apply sealant, then replace the patch of padding and carpet.

I'll have to do this I think. It's right in front of my dresser in the bedroom. The litter box had been against the wall there briefly (not in the spot he's peeing in) and in the past he's peed on clothes I've had piled there. But with no clothes he's peeing directly on the rug.

Askye, I just added a paragraph to the previous post. Is it possible that there was a cat stain there from previous occupants, giving the scent impression that that is THE place to pee? Or is it likely to be more related to having to deal with a new girl-cat?

I actually wouldn't put a litterbox there, I'd put something he CAN'T pee under there. It's a PITA, but when Mister Kitty developed several inappropriate pee spots due to uncontrolled diabetes, the only thing that broke the habit (once the diabetes was controlled) was complete blocking of access. So I had to have a stupid crate right in front of the door for a good month or so (and under the table. And 2 feet from the litterbox. And in the middle of the living room.) It worked.

I dont' think my landlady is going to let me patch the carpet.

I think if any carpeting is going to be replaced I'd be paying to have the whole thing redone. And it's Berber carpet.

I don't think it's another cat, the landlady recarpeted before I moved in. I have a rug but he's going in the gap between where the rug ends and the dresser is.

All I can think is maybe when I had the litter box near there something got on the rug and it smells. I'm hoping maybe if I can rent a steam cleaner and steam clean the carpet it will help.

"Please don't pee on my rug, I've just had it steam cleaned!"

Oh! Shiny heels. With my foot still wrapped it doesn't seem possible, but maybe some day.

I like the idea of making the spot impossible to get to. Since it is a traffic zone for you maybe putting a flat piece of plastic or cardboard on top.

Zoe seems to not be able to distinguish between my lovely stone patio and the grass. I know I have to have a period of not letting her outside unless she is accompanied to break her of this, but right now I just open the door and let her go out and sunbathe.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, Buffista mothers! Biyi's present (at her request) was a heart rate monitor. Ryan gave it to her, said "Happy Mother's Day" and gave her a kiss. Tonight when we put him to bed (two hours after his normal bedtime, we went out to dinner with friends; not that you'd know it from the loopy energy ball bouncing around the room and singing songs about exploding sausages), he gave his mummy another kiss and said "Happy Mother's Day" again.

Sometimes, having a three year old is quite awesome.

I think I'm going to try and make the spot inaccessible and see if that works. My bedroom is awkwardly shaped, and I have a recliner jammed by the window so I think I'm going to switch the dresser and the recliner.

The back of the recliner is Dean's favorite sleeping spot so maybe he'll be less willing to pee on it/near it.

Happy Mother's day to all the other Buffista moms & their moms.

Peace and comfort to those Buffistas who have lost their mothers or their children.