Need some help

[Beth]

Hi Everyone!

It's good to be on the boards again.  I have been MIA for quite a while....we've had a lot going on here.  Despite my absence, I know I can always come here when I need advice, which is just one of the wonderful things about this BB.

I am having a problem with Chilie going potty in the house.  She only does it in one area of the dining room, and it has been happening more frequently as of late.  I'm wondering if it is due to a bladder infection or if it is a territory thing.  My mother-in-law moved in with us back in October, and she brought her two cats with her.  Do you think that Chilie is bothered by this?  Chilie absolutely loves my MIL, so I'm wondering if she just doesn't like having to share her house with the cats.  Also, this is not a permanent living situation, but with the economy and all as it is, my MIL is not in a position to find her own place right now.  Plus, she's been here to take care of Lara while I went back to work, and the living situation has been beneficial to all of us.

We try to be vigilant and let Chilie out whenever she needs to go, but sometimes we'll take her out and she won't do anything, and then she'll come inside and go right in the dining room.   I am going to call the vet today and see if I can get Chilie in to get her checked out and rule out a bladder infection.  I don't really think this is the case because I don't find little spots of pee all over the house like I did the last time she had an infection.  Plus, her peeing is kept to one area, and despite my efforts to clean it up, it is making my dining room smell of dog pee.  Do I need to go back to crate training?  I would hate to make Chilie stay confined at night or during the day when we're at work.  But if I did, then the cats would have to be confined too.  I'm not going to let them roam free around the (Chilie's) house while Chilie has to be confined.  I've already steam-cleaned the carpet, but it did nothing to deter her from going there.  I am going to pick up some Nature's Remedy today and try that.

Does anyone have any advice/thoughts?  Chilie gets a ton of loving, and since I've started working again, I try to give her as much attention as I can.  Please help.  Thanks.

Beth

[peterparker]

We have the same issue with Parker. He sneaks off and tinkles in the office. Solution was simple, we blocked the office off, (we used to leave the door open), or when he was in there we watched him like a hawk (not so easy) and scolded him as soon as we seen him getting down to business. He got the message, but I still won't leave him unsupervised in the office. Not sure why he has picked the office, but he has. Maybe because when we are in there we are busy on computer and ignoring him.
Once you have infection ruled out, and that needs to be done first, then it boils down to behaviour. Everytime she wanders in to the dining room, follow her so you can catch her in the act, and address it immediately. If you can, try blocking off the room with a gate so she doesn't wander in when you are busy.
Good Luck

[DeeanDave]

Hi Beth!  To help with the smell, when you find the spot, immediately pour some white vinegar directly on it and then lay a towel/rag down to soak it up.  That will help get rid of the smell and the furkids do not like the smell of it.  You will smell vinegar for a bit but it does go away.  That has been a sure fire remedy for us when the boys have had mishaps on the carpet. It won't stain, removes the smell, and as I said, the furkids don't like the odor and even when they have had accidents, they don't go back to that spot.   Dee

[Roberta]

I'm with Dee and the white vinegar, works a treat. It probably is she does not like her routine and life order changed. Have you tried piddle pads. since Amy's op she is OK when we are home but as the working week goes on by thur she is a bit scared to go out even with ollie during the day, but she does go on a piddle pad and I don't care as long as she goes there.

Roberta