Foster cat had an accident on my carpet...

1063 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Beachbnny, Jan 10, 2008

screechingninja

Discussion Starter · Jan 6, 2008

This is really gross, but my foster cat has diarrhea and I had to move his litter box from the usual place because I am moving things around my house. I showed him where it was and put it in an open visible place, but I guess he didn't approve because he went over to where it normally is and went to the washroom on my carpet. As I said, it was not solid and he peed as well. I don't know how to get it out of my carpet now. I can't afford to get my carpets cleaned til the end of the month (as I was already planning). I almost threw up cleaning it up, than scrubbed it with soap and water. It didn't help really at all. I'm guessing there's not much I can do til I get my carpet cleaned, but I thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas...

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Hazelnut

· #2 · Jan 6, 2008

It's normal for cats to go random places when they're having those tummy troubles... I've heard vets say that it's because they can't hold it, and some say it's a way of showing you that they are having a problem.

Cleaning: Nature's Miracle works best...and there are a variety of carpet cleaners on the market. Vinegar helps out, too.

IMPORTANT:

How long have you had your foster cat??? A few weeks??? Loose stool is symptom number one for a HUGE variety of diseases that are common in animal shelters! Call the place you're fostering for, and see if you can get a fecal sample tested. If money is tight, some vets will just test the fecal sample ($10-$20) without actually seeing the cat.

Some of those diseases can kill rather quickly if left untreated...not to mention they are usually painful!!!

But...if you've had him for say...a year... I'd just keep an eye on it. If it clears up on it's own in a few days, he probably just got into something he souldn't have (you did mention moving things around, perhaps you uncovered a 3 year old cheese puff). If it doesn't clear up in a day or two, is bloody, or if he's vomiting along with it...he needs medical care!

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screechingninja

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 6, 2008

Vinegar is a good idea! Never thought of that!

Yes, he has a history of gastrointestinal problems, I think that is the problem. He has a vet appointment for tomorrow, so I'm hoping he'll be able to help us out. Poor guy, he just got over a little cold too. I've had him for a few weeks now, almost. He's going to live with a new foster home next week, because for some reason, he shed A LOT and I'm usually fine with cat fur, but he for some reason gives me hives.

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karenlovessnow

· #4 · Jan 6, 2008

I've been using the scoopable cat litter when my cats throw up. At first I was only using it on non-carpeted floors. Then I tried it on the carpet when Mandi was having one of her puking spells and it worked great! You have to leave it a while so it dries up a bit. The only thing with that is after you pick up most of it, you need to vacuum the rest up. But it's made tolerating the cat puke a lot easier. It may be too late in your case, however, since you already scrubbed the area. You need to sprinkle the litter on right away.

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Fritemare

· #5 · Jan 6, 2008

Ugh, I feel for you. I watched my mom's gigantic tub'o lard dog for her while she was on a cruise and I was pregnant. She ended up eating something out of the trash and making a HUGE mess on the only carpet I have in my entire house. I used laundry soap and water on it, then used vinegar like other people are suggesting.

The only thing worse than cleaning up animal accidents is cleaning them up while you are 7 months pregnant and the rest of your family is out enjoying themselves on a cruise!

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leminchyl

· #6 · Jan 7, 2008

i feel bad for the cat. when my mom's cat had colon cancer, he couldnt make it to the box and he would have diarrhea on the rug.

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Hazelnut

· #7 · Jan 10, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by karenlovessnow

I've been using the scoopable cat litter when my cats throw up. At first I was only using it on non-carpeted floors. Then I tried it on the carpet when Mandi was having one of her puking spells and it worked great! You have to leave it a while so it dries up a bit. The only thing with that is after you pick up most of it, you need to vacuum the rest up. But it's made tolerating the cat puke a lot easier. It may be too late in your case, however, since you already scrubbed the area. You need to sprinkle the litter on right away.

Hmmm...

Never thought of that...

GREAT IDEA!!!

Sure beats my methods of letting the dog clean it up...

...or letting it dry so I can peel it up with pliers.

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barefootchick

· #8 · Jan 10, 2008

One of the cats in my house has had explosive diarrhea a few times. It was disgusting! I don't know how, but her mess ended up right outside the litter box (not in!) and on the walls.

I figured out that that particular cat doesn't respond well to eating a lot of wet food. The other cats are fine, but maybe she's got a delicate stomach.

As for cleaning the carpet, does one of your friends have a vacuum cleaner that dispenses soap and water as well as vacuums? One of my roommates has one of those and it's handy. Another option might be baking soda to at least absorb the smell and using a paste to clean the carpet. Dishwashing liquid might work, too.

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Beachbnny

· #9 · Jan 10, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by LovelyPerv

Sure beats my methods of letting the dog clean it up...

...or letting it dry so I can peel it up with pliers.

Gross!!

Vinegar is good, as is laundry detergent if you can wash them both out completely. If you can afford it you can actually rent a steam cleaner yourself. Usually from a grocery store or hardware store. It's about $25/day plus the cost of the soap stuff.

I will say that the absolute best carpet cleaning stuff I've ever found was the rug doctor carpet cleaner soap. There was a time when I had a rowdy roommate who made this stuff indespensible. You don't actually need the steam cleaner. Some really hot water and the soap works miracles. (I have no idea if it's tested on animals or not and am going to google it. I pray it's not but haven't had to buy a new bottle in years)

Good Luck!

So here's my update: I just spent 30 minutes on hold as the emailing system is down for rugdoctor.com right now. I spoke to Christina, cust service rep, who informed me that their products are not tested on animals. She also gave me the number for their chemist. I have not called him to confirm that fact but found it rather interesting. I told them I was calling on behave of my local vegetarian society, which is true if you count me as part of the local vegetarians in a society of one- lol. Neat

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