Cat trouble. Need help!

[Umbran]

The cat probably uses the dirt because it is handy, and in a nice quiet corner. It is only doing what comes natrually, unfortunately.

You say you can't seal it over. You may not be able to seal it over with cement. And plastic won't do, because the cat can tear through plastic. But have you considered plain old wood? Plywood, or planks, whatever is handy, cheap, and can fit down into the basement in one or more pieces?

 

[Mercule]

Super Glue the offending bits.

Seriously, the ideas of putting the box there or covering the dirt with something temporary/appropriate are promising.

 

[CarlZog]

I'm going to have to ask the obvious question here - Is it a problem that your cat is peeing and pooping in the dirt?

Well, I guess it could stink after a while. Why can't you seal it or put cement down? I've never heard of such a home. That's... odd.

The dirt is in a difficult-to-reach corner of the basement where a previous owner had ripped up the cement to put in plumbing for a bathroom he never built. We are planning to finish the basement, redo the whole floor in cement adding a couple extra rooms, but it's going to be a while; in the meantime, yes, it's starting to stink. It's bothersome 'cause I'm currently using the basement as a workshop and we have a LOT of stuff stored there as well. (My wife inherited her mother's antiques business.)

I don't want chase the cat from the dirt corner to another area of the basement for fear she'll end up peeing all over some box of antiques or collectibles. So if I can't find a way to make her stop altogether, I'll have to find a way to keep her out of the basement. This is particularly difficult because we've already built a wide, open stairway down to the basement in anticipation of putting a bedroom suite down there. It's going to be real hard to come up some obstruction to the space that she can't climb over or go around, but that will still let us through easily.

Carl

 

[Felon]

Chloroform the cat and bury it in that patch of dirt up to its neck. Place a saucer full of cool, refreshing water on the ground nearby, just out of reach of its tongue. After a couple of days of that, it will form the proper negative association with the patch.

 

[Greylock]

Chloroform the cat and bury it in that patch of dirt up to its neck. Place a saucer full of cool, refreshing water on the ground nearby, just out of reach of its tongue. After a couple of days of that, it will form the proper negative association with the patch.

Mother, is that you?

 

[Bloodstone Press]

Start peeing and pooping there yourself.

This will teach the cat that the spot in question is *your* spot, and the cat will go elsewhere to do his/her business.

 

[Dark Jezter]

OK, I've got a house cat and an unfinished basement.
One corner of the basement is dirt floor.
The cat has decided it's a litter box.

Due to design issues and other considerations, I can't effectively seal over the dirt floor, and closing off the basement to keep the cat out would be very difficult.

How do I stop the cat from peeing and pooping on the basement floor?


Carl

Chain up a wolverine near the dirt floor. I guarantee the cat won't even think of going near there again.

Of course, then you will have to deal with an angry wolverine peeing and pooping on the dirt floor, but this is about the cat, remember?

 

[AuroraGyps]

Ammonia or a water/ammonia mix sprayed around and on the area will keep the cat away. I'd dig up the first inch or so of dirt also, so you can get rid of the "contaminated" stuff. Perhaps you can place a piece of plywood in the area, even if it's not an exact fit, so it'll take up most of the space.
I've noticed that for some cats, it's a certain place they like to go and for some it's just that there's another litter box like spot to use. I can put my cat's litter box anywhere, with or without the cover, and she'll use it. Then again, she's not that picky of a cat, just needy, which is totally different.

 

[freebfrost]

Of course, then you will have to deal with an angry wolverine peeing and pooping on the dirt floor, but this is about the cat, remember?

Not a problem if Magneto is around - Adamantium is still metal after all.

 

[Andor]

Dig up the stinky dirt and throw it out. Sprinkle on a liberal amount of baking soda. Cover the area with plywood.