OT: Help! Cats and Rugs

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Hello,

Got a problem on my hands. This is OT, but I know somebody here will be able to answer this.

I'm taking care of my friend's cat while their in Mexico getting some sun. The cat got it into her head to either s**t or vomit on the brand new oyster-shell colored carpet they bought. She's obviously mad about them taking off, and because the carpet is new, she may be associating their leaving with the new carpet!

Anyway, I'd like to clean this up when I go in tomorrow, but since I cannot stay overnight there, and cannot stay for hours, is there a natural remedy for cleaning carpets that is relatively safe? Like vinegar and baking soda or something? I'm reluctant to buy a heavy-duty carpet cleaner because I cannot make sure the cat won't be contaminated by it.

If I have to buy a brand-name carpet cleaner though, I'd appreciate suggestions.

Thanks!

-- Sallie (sallie@a.a.), November 21, 1999

Answers

Response to OT: Help!

Check with a veterinarian on some enzyme based odor and stain remover. There is some natural stuff available which works pretty well.

White vinegar will help remove the smell. Don't rub the carpet. Blot it to remove the yuck.

Good luck. Cats have a way of expressing their displeasure. I have been known to utter extreme threats to mine.

gene

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), November 21, 1999.


Response to OT: Help!

Oxy-Clean will take out the stain and leave no odor and it is nontoxic. Try a janitor supply house or maid service for the generic brand of the stuff. IMO I would clean up the more solid parts of the mess and leave the stain for the parents of the cat to deal with.

-- Carol (glear@usa.net), November 22, 1999.

Could just be a hairball. If it was cat sh*t, you would know it by the smell.

"Resolve" works like a charm. Buy it anywhere. Look in the owner's cleaning supplies. They may have some already.

-- Tee (teefleur@yahoo.com), November 22, 1999.


i vote for the furball. my cat left me one this am. had me worried for a minute as to what it might be. i just use resolve--it works fine and i think for something that mild you might not need enzymes. cat urine--YOU NEED ENZYMES. woah baby.

speaking of cats--i have been growing kitty grass for her and she loves it.

-- tt (cuddluppy@nowhere.com), November 22, 1999.


I like the Carbonara brand of pet-stain carpet shampoo (yellow container). It comes with a handy brush/foam applicator attached. Woolite also makes a pet-stain shampooer. (For vomit stains, that is; other stains require products like those mentioned above--PetsMart is a relatively inexpensive source.)

Tell your friends the cat will continue to vomit hairballs if she is not brushed regularly. If this is a problem, there are two things to try. One is to feed the cat the new Science Diet hairball cat food. The other is to find an undyed chow (which is better for her anyway) because it doesn't stain a pale carpet nearly as badly. Also, I find that my cats will throw up certain cat chows--but not Science Diet or Iams. It seems expensive but the animals eats less and (more important for litter boxes) produces less waste.

Actually, there's another solution. Replace the carpet with something the color of Purina cat chow. (What a dreadful thought!)

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), November 22, 1999.



The majority of men would suggest .22 cal lead.

-- Jon Johnson (narnia4@usa.net), November 22, 1999.

Jon, them's fightin' words 'round these here parts. There are LOTS of pet lovers on this forum, about equal males and females, I'd say. As my old pappy says, if you don't have anything to say, don't say it.

-- Felinious Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), November 22, 1999.

Felinious?

I had no idea you were one of those. You always sounded like a law- abiding person to me. What sort of felinies are you wanted for?

malapropistically,

gene

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), November 22, 1999.


I heard that shaving cream will do a good job on such carpet stains - because of the foam that works its way into and around the fibers. I'll look this up and get back to you.

-- peg (peg@futureandahope.com), November 23, 1999.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for your advice. I'll print these tips for the parents. I decided since it's a new carpet, they may wish to check with the carpet manufacturer before trying anything iffy. Thanks again.

-- Sallie (sallie@a.a), November 24, 1999.



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