Answer

Hi,

When cats start eliminating inappropriately, it's either due to a medical reason like a urinary tract infection, crystals (tiny particles which develop in urine that is not acidic enough), or the cause is behavioral.

First, you have to rule out the medical possibilities, so it would be a good idea to have both your cats evaluated by a vet as soon as possible for a definite diagnosis and treatment, if necessary. Antibiotics will be prescribed for a urinary infection and dietary changes and/or nutritional supplements to acidify the urine will be suggested, if crystals are found.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/fusfaqs.html
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/urethral.html

If a cat experiences pain upon urination or defecation, she will come to associate the PLACE of eliminating--the litterbox itself--with that pain, and then choose to eliminate ANYWHERE else. Cats in this situation usually choose 'soft' materials to go on, thinking this will avoid the pain. Carpet, throw rugs, bathmats, clothing, sofas and beds are usual favorite places.

In order to prevent your cats from returning to the places they've already soiled (if they smell it, they'll keep thinking these are appropriate toileting places), you can use an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove all traces of stain and odor. Nature's Miracle and Zero Odor are good products for this purpose, and can be found in most pet supply stores, and online. For more info and to view all related products, please see:

http://www.naturemakesitwork.com/home/index.php
http://www.allivet.com/Equalizer-Carpet-Stain-and-Odor-p/26942.htm
www.zeroodorstore.com
http://www.redhotcarpetcleaning.com/en-us/simple-solution-faq.html

It's possible that whichever cat (female?) began this, caused the other (male?) to start eliminating around the house as well, because he saw her do it and he smelled where she had gone before. I'd recommend keeping them out of the basement for the time being, since you keep having to have the couches cleaned, and/or cover the couches with a vinyl or plastic coated sheet, to protect the furniture and also deter the cats.

Cats can also sometimes start eliminating inappropriately if there has been any kind of change in their lives or environment, as this causes stress and anxiety. If the reason for eliminating outside the litterbox is NOT found to be medical, it would have to be treated as behavioral.

Cats are creatures of habit and do not take kindly to change. If you have had any new people added to your household, or if a 'usual' person has left, if you got new furniture, carpet, appliances, another animal, etc., or if your usual daily hours at home and/or away from home have changed or you've gone on vacation recently, any of these situations could cause your kitty stress.

Feliway/Comfort Zone for Cats, is a cat-appeasing pheromone which can help to calm stressed cats and curb urine marking and/or inappropriate elimination. It comes in both a spray and plug-in diffuser. The diffuser plugs into an electrical outlet like an air freshener, but has no scent to humans. For more information, please see:

http://www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html

Major pet supply stores carry Feliway, you can also order it online, and some vet offices carry it.

There's another product which I think may help you get your kitties back to using the litterboxes, exclusively--it's a clumping kitty litter called 'Cat Attract'--it contains herbal attractants which encourage use of the litterbox. It too, may be found in major pet supply stores.

It's good to hear that you already have several litterboxes, and you are keeping them immaculately clean!

Keep in mind that your first step should be to bring both your cats to the vet to determine if the cause of eliminating outside the litterbox has a medical basis.

I hope all goes well, and this problem is resolved for you and your cats, very soon!

Cher

Edited by Jessesmom on 10/22/2009 at 3:16 AM