Sorry I didn't post sooner with vet's diagnosis. She was running a low grade fever, blood & bacteria in urine. So vet gave her antibiotics (bubble gum flavor!!) She takes like a champ. So this was all on Thursday. Friday she did good but Saturday morning started sqatting all over the house again. Called vet as soon as they opened. They said it is still too soon to think the antibiotics aren't working. Wait it out the weekend and call them Monday am. If by then, no change then they may need to do an xray and check for blockage or stones or change meds. She spent the day on the lanai (couldn't chase her around all day) and she loved it. Didn't want to come back in. And a squirrel was not so happy. He hung out upside on the screen 4 ft above where she was laying. Today she is fine again with a few more days left on the meds. Hopefully this will do the trick. Squirrelheaven - my vet is very reasonable (i think). Spaying is only $40. This last visit was $84 - 29 exam, 35 urinalysis, 20 antibiotics.

Clean every drain in your house using either vinegar, ammonia or a mild bleach mixture. Better yet the foam drain cleaners stick to the sides of the drains slowly breaking down what they are attracted to that you may not reach with just a sprayer after doing this once maintain with the previously mentioned. Another option is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar this will bubble the drains clean kind of fun to watch too. Do not forget your overflow drains I was amazed at how many bubbled out of one of my bathroom sinks. Your shower and bath overflow are important as well as under the rims of your toilets. The most important, the garbage disposer. I have been trying to make my husband understand the importance of the cat box being scooped daily he just rolls his eyes at me. I personally have developed allergies to the cats to the point that even vacuuming turns my face and neck all splotchy and irritated so I can not scoop the litter. I am tempted to buy those disposable surgical caps and dust mask and just do it myself. I did not realize how fast fly eggs can hatch until I read this. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/DOCUMENT_IG091 The diatomacious earth is naturally occurring in a lot of clay based cat litters already. I know someone who uses it all over there ranch property to control flies. She also uses it internally to kill parasites. Maybe the addition of baking soda would reduce the smell that attracts them. No doubt that being corn based is a possible attractant. Corn is also a good mold media as well which might further attract fungus gnats. Good Luck, Cindi

I looked further at the Tidy Breeze system last night and watched two you tubes on it. I'm still not convinced though I found the complete system on Amazon in frustration free packaging for a bit over 31 with free shipping. It included everything. I would really like to get something that wouldn't track through the house. I think the Breeze system would eliminate the tracking but the one video the lady said she could smell the cat urine that was on the pellets. I would think if you removed the ones that got wet you could eliminate that smell but I'm not sure. For $31 I am thinking it may be a go. I can at least try it to see if it works.

Kittiemom, I'm not an expert by any means. I can only speak from the experiences we've had with the numerous cats and kitty litters we've had over the years. Housing it so I could determine the cause and retrain it is what I would do if I had a similar issue. I honestly don't believe cats see something like being housed or crated as punishment. They live in the moment and instead just see it as "it is what it is". They may not be happy about it or necessarily like it but they don't view it as a negative that's attached to their owner. Instead it's something like "well here I am, now what?". On the other hand, at some point, you will be the one to let him out and maybe even with a treat in hand. That will be a positive experience for him and that's what he'll be focused on, especially if you give him the treat consistently every time you bring him out. I would try it first without any other cats around because that could tell you if he is doing it out of fear, as a way to show dominance or because he doesn't like the toilet habit of another cat using the same box. Give it a try while you're home first so you can see how he responds. Also, cats typically enjoy being inside of things like boxes and crates; it makes them feel more secure, that's why cat totes are as small as they are. It's so they can feel safe during the transport experience. If he is acting out of fear, this could turn out to be a calming experience for him. As an after thought, I also wonder if you're sure that Maverick is actually peeing or if he is marking instead? As you probably know already, those are two very different things. Did either Vet discuss that with you at all?