Isolation retraining will likely take more than one day. In fact, it can take a week or longer, but you never know.
Usually what you do is place the cat in a sunny room with toys, a litter box, water, the whole 9 yards. Depending upon the circumstances, you can let her out when you're around, but only when you can watch her.
You also have to absolutely make sure that you've removed all traces of the smell from the carpet as well. Otherwise, she might go right back to it after the retraining.
I have some other thoughts about what to try first, though, but let me ask:
1. Does she ever use the litter box at all?
2. When she goes on the carpet, does she always use the same area?
3. If she uses the same area, have you tried placing a plastic cover down over the spot (after carpet cleaning), then an uncovered litter box on top of the plastic, and then some carpeting inside the box?
The plastic cover would protect the carpet underneath and help with any residual odor transfer. The carpeting inside the box might satisfy any texture preferences, and placing it right on the spot takes care of the location.
If that didn't work, then how about the plastic + a piece of carpet to get her started, and then trying a very low and very wide tray with carpet in it? Kind of like a non-box litter box if you know what I mean.
You might have to make one out of a Rubbermaid container by cutting the sides down, or you might be able to purchase something from a home store.
If she goes for that, you can then start adding in litter, and eventually remove the carpet. You may even then (after some time has passed) be able to move the box, inch-by-inch, to another room.
It's worth a shot.
Feb 15, 2010 Rating
isolation training by: Anonymous
That is one thing I have not tried. She sleeps with me in my bedroom and hangs out in there all day when I'm not home. It is her favorite place. I can't imagine locking her in the bathroom. She'd probably meow all night long. How many nights/days would it take? thx.
Feb 15, 2010 Rating
Isolation retraining by: Kurt (Admin)
This has been going on so long, she's probably developed a location and texture preference by now, as well as being attracted to the smells. Have you tried isolation retraining?
Feb 15, 2010 Rating
cat pooping on floor by: Anonymous
Hi. She is about 9 now. I can try a different cleaner. I've used the carpet cleaners, pet cleaners... So, I can try citrus. Maybe she is senile - I can't rule that out! She's sweet, it is very difficult. Especially at night when she usually goes, then I have to smell it too (and it wakes me up). Uggg. Thanks for your suggestion.
Feb 15, 2010 Rating
Is She Elderly? by: Anonymous
How old is she? She could be getting senile and just goes when she needs to go. Once an area is used, the scent will bring them back again and again. Try a citrus scented cleaner, Clorox and some others actually have a smell that encourages them to use that spot again.
Feb 14, 2010 Rating
Cat poop in my bedroom by: Anonymous
My cat poops at the bottom of my bed on the carpet and has been doing this for almost 2 years now. I have tried everything. New litter, two boxes, sprays, reducing stress. I don't know what to do. Live with it forever?
She used to poop in her liter box (for 6 years), then I remodeled a room (not a room special to her or that anything to do with peeing or pooping), but that's around when it started. Then she pooped in my room, and has done so ever since.
Yes, she's been to the doctor, nothing physical. Any suggestions would help. I don't want to think there are parasites and germs in my carpet???? (which are probably getting on my feet)
