I have a client who wants me to install a prefinished hardwood floor. However, they have informed that they have a female cat that is urinating on the floor. It is a female cat if that makes a difference. Does anybody know if this will stain the floor? I am thinking that the coating would withstand this. However, I think that it would because it is prefinished and the urine could seep between the pieces and stain the wood from the edges.
Thanks for your input.
Rob
Replies
Tell them to install sheet vinyl, or kill the cat - there is nothing that will withstand cat urine, of either sex.
I know this from bitter experience...
I hope that they did not buy Bruce prefinished, I did and am not impressed. Varying widths +/- 1/16th, twisted, bowed, warped. Other than that not too bad. By using laminate ratchet straps, weights and a shoulder plane pretty much to get about 5 sq. feet in an hour stapled down. I hope yours is better
Jimf
the urine could seep between the pieces and stain the wood from the edges.
I'd opt for the yellow pine flooring. Another choice is to use the unfinished flooring and have the cat finish it.
I don't know if any of the industrial pre-finishes are resistant or not, but in generaly pet urine will cause black spots on wood.
Also, tell your clients to have the cat checked for kidney problems. A change in diet might help, or some other medications. We just lost a cat to kidney failure.
I installed a pre-finished Brazilian Cherry floor, and our cat has peed on it. You are correct in fearing that it will seep down the seams and discolor the edges of the boards. Not dramatically, but noticeably. Cat's still alive, though.
The urine is going to get between the boards. It's not going to be pleasant. I would not put that floor in that application.
If they insisted, I would require a written acknowledgment that they were warned and want to go forward anyway. A little overkill maybe, but I spent too many years litigating this stuff. (G)
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
Thanks for your input. I am going talk with my client tomorrow and tell them that it is not suggested to put down hardwood at this time. I will also tell them that they should take the cat to a vet in case there are underlying health issues.
Rob
I'm in the same boat and Bryan is correct about the vet - my cat had kidney stones (quite common apparently) - 2 weeks of anti-biotics and the cat is back in the litter box.
RJ