Get matched with top carpet cleaners in Gobles, MI

Even cats that are well-trained at using the litter box can end up urinating on various household objects or floors at some point. Cats may pee outside of the litter box for many different reasons, from their surroundings to their health.

If any of these issues sound familiar, addressing them can help you prevent any future accidents. When in doubt, talk to your vet, especially if peeing outside the litter box is coupled with any other abnormal behavior. 

• Stress: A soiled litter box or untidy surroundings, strange guests stopping by, or loud noises may stress out a kitty, leading them to pee outside of their box.

• Health: Cats with health issues like UTIs, bladder stones, diabetes, or kidney disease may pee around the house.

• Marking: Cats may mark around the house to either claim their territory when other animals come around or to attract a mate.

• Preferences: Your cat may simply prefer a larger litter box, or maybe they don’t like the new litter you bought on sale at the store.

Yes, you can revive carpet that’s flattened using household items like an ice cube and stiff brush, a damp cloth and an iron, baking soda and vinegar, and shaving cream. If you want to go all-out, visit a local home improvement store and buy a carpet rake, too. Depending on the state of your carpet, you may need to use more than one of these methods to see results. Keep in mind that you might need to repeat a reviving method more than once.

Some carpet cleaning companies tack on additional fees for moving furniture, so the best course of action is to confirm what the cleaning fee covers when you set up the appointment. While you can find companies that include furniture moving, many will not due to insurance liability, the risk of damage, or time constraints.

Vinegar and baking soda can be effective for removing old carpet stains, although success may depend on the type of stain. There are two common methods for this process.

One method involves combining the ingredients directly on the stain to create a chemical reaction. First, pour a generous layer of dry baking soda over the stain. In a spray bottle, mix distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap, then spray this solution thoroughly over the baking soda. The mixture will foam as the acidic vinegar reacts with the basic baking soda, which helps loosen and lift the stain. Let this sit for a few hours until it dries, then wipe or vacuum up the residue and blot the area with a clean, dry towel. You can repeat the process if the stain persists.

An alternative method suggests using the ingredients separately. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stain and letting it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. Next, blot the remaining stain with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and then blot the area dry with a clean cloth.