It can be incredibly frustrating to discover your favorite sweater soaked in cat urine, and you’re not alone in wondering, "how do I stop my cat from peeing on clothes?". Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is the first step in addressing the issue, so you may want to consult your veterinarian or a certified cat behaviorist. Urinary issues and anxiety are common reasons why your cat might be avoiding the litter box, meaning a medical check-up is in order to eliminate health concerns. Cleaning affected areas with an enzymatic cleaner designed to neutralize cat urine odors can also prevent repeat offenses.
Decoding Your Cat’s Litter Box Woes: A Journey of Understanding
There are few things more frustrating for a cat owner than discovering your feline friend has decided the rug, the bed, or your favorite houseplant is a better place to do their business than the designated litter box.
It’s a situation that can leave you feeling confused, annoyed, and, most of all, concerned about your cat’s well-being.
But before you jump to conclusions or resign yourself to a life of constant clean-up, take a deep breath.
This isn’t about a "bad" cat.
Why Is This Happening? Unraveling the Mystery
Our goal is to understand the reasons behind this behavior.
This isn’t a simple case of disobedience; it’s a communication issue. Your cat is trying to tell you something, and it’s our job to become detectives and decipher the message.
Think of it like this: the litter box is your cat’s bathroom, and their refusal to use it is their way of saying something is wrong with the facilities.
Our Mission: Compassion and Solutions
In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the potential causes behind your cat’s litter box avoidance.
We’ll delve into the medical reasons, the behavioral factors, and the environmental influences that might be at play.
We’ll then explore what steps to take and solutions to put in place to restore harmony.
Our primary focus will always be understanding your cat’s perspective. We’ll strive to see the world through their eyes, recognizing that their actions are driven by instinct, comfort, and a need for safety.
The ultimate goal is not just to stop the unwanted behavior, but to address the underlying issues and create a happier, healthier environment for your beloved feline companion.
Decoding Your Cat’s Litter Box Woes: A Journey of Understanding
There are few things more frustrating for a cat owner than discovering your feline friend has decided the rug, the bed, or your favorite houseplant is a better place to do their business than the designated litter box.
It’s a situation that can leave you feeling confused, annoyed, and, most importantly, concerned for your furry companion.
The Big Picture: Unraveling the Reasons Behind Inappropriate Urination
Before you jump to conclusions or worse, scold your cat, it’s crucial to take a step back and try to understand what’s really going on. This isn’t about spite or disobedience; it’s about communication. Your cat is trying to tell you something, and it’s your job to become a feline detective.
The reasons behind inappropriate urination can be complex and multifaceted. To simplify things, we can break them down into two main categories: Medical and Behavioral.
The Two Sides of the Coin
Think of it like this: is your cat’s body failing them, or is their mind struggling with something in their environment? It could be one, the other, or a combination of both.
Ignoring either possibility is a disservice to your cat and will likely prolong the problem.
It’s easy to assume that an accident outside the litter box is simply a behavioral issue, but that could be a dangerous oversight.
Why Considering Both Is Essential
Let’s say your cat has a urinary tract infection (UTI). The pain and discomfort associated with urination might make them associate the litter box with that pain. Even after the UTI is treated, they might still avoid the box out of fear of experiencing that pain again. This is a case where a medical issue leads to a behavioral one.
On the other hand, maybe there’s a new cat in the neighborhood that’s causing your indoor cat a great deal of stress. This stress could manifest as territorial marking, even if they’ve never done it before. Addressing the stressor is key, but if the habit persists, you might also need to address the learned behavior.
The key takeaway here is that both medical and behavioral aspects are intertwined, and a holistic approach is necessary to truly get to the bottom of things. A vet visit might reveal a hidden medical issue, while careful observation of your cat’s environment and behavior might uncover underlying stressors.
Think of this journey as detective work. By considering all possible angles, you’ll be much better equipped to decipher your cat’s message and help them get back to using their litter box comfortably and consistently.
Medical Culprits: Ruling Out Health Issues First
Decoding Your Cat’s Litter Box Woes: A Journey of Understanding
There are few things more frustrating for a cat owner than discovering your feline friend has decided the rug, the bed, or your favorite houseplant is a better place to do their business than the designated litter box. It’s a situation that can leave you feeling confused, annoyed, and, most importantly, concerned about your cat’s well-being. Before jumping to conclusions about behavioral issues, it’s absolutely essential to rule out any underlying medical problems. Your cat isn’t acting out of spite; they’re likely trying to tell you something is wrong.
Think of it this way: would you want to use a restroom that caused you pain every time you went?
The Vital First Step: A Trip to the Vet
A vet visit is non-negotiable when your cat starts avoiding the litter box. It’s the first and most crucial step in unraveling the mystery.
Why? Because several medical conditions can make urination painful or uncomfortable, leading to litter box aversion. Your vet will be able to perform a thorough examination, run necessary tests, and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Don’t delay – the sooner you identify a medical issue, the sooner your cat can get the treatment they need and the quicker you can get back to normal.
Common Medical Conditions Causing Litter Box Avoidance
Here are some of the most common medical culprits behind inappropriate urination in cats:
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)/Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS)
FLUTD is a broad term encompassing several conditions affecting the bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside). It’s incredibly common, especially in male cats, and can be incredibly painful.
Symptoms can include:
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent trips to the litter box with little or no urine produced
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating in unusual places
FLUTD can be caused by various factors, including stress, diet, and bladder stones or crystals. If left untreated, it can lead to a life-threatening blockage of the urethra, particularly in male cats. Early diagnosis and treatment are absolutely critical.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are another common cause of litter box avoidance. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing inflammation and infection.
UTIs often cause:
- Increased frequency of urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine
While UTIs are more common in female cats, they can affect cats of either sex. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to clear the infection.
Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. It can be caused by infection, bladder stones, stress, or even have no identifiable cause (idiopathic cystitis).
Cats with cystitis may exhibit:
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating outside the litter box
Cystitis can be a recurring problem, especially in stressed cats.
The Pain-Avoidance Connection
Think about it from your cat’s perspective. If using the litter box is consistently associated with pain or discomfort, they’re naturally going to try to avoid it.
They might start associating the litter box itself with the pain, regardless of whether the underlying medical condition has been resolved.
This is why addressing medical issues quickly and proactively is so important. It helps prevent the development of long-term litter box aversion habits.
Even after the physical problem is resolved, the memory of the pain can linger, causing continued avoidance. This is where behavioral strategies (which we’ll cover later) become essential to help your cat re-establish a positive association with their litter box.
Don’t underestimate the power of your cat’s memory and associative learning! If going to the litter box ever hurt, they might need some help to trust it again.
Behavioral Factors: Exploring Stress, Territory, and Aversion
Now that we’ve explored the potential medical reasons behind your cat’s litter box avoidance, let’s delve into the often-complex world of feline behavior. While a clean bill of health is a relief, it can also be perplexing when the problem persists. Understanding the psychological and environmental factors influencing your cat is crucial to solving this mystery.
The Impact of Stress, Anxiety, and Learned Behaviors
Cats are creatures of habit, and even subtle changes in their environment can trigger stress and anxiety. These emotions can manifest in various ways, including, unfortunately, inappropriate urination. Furthermore, cats can learn to associate the litter box with negative experiences, leading to aversions that are difficult to overcome.
Common Behavioral Reasons for Inappropriate Urination
Let’s break down some specific behavioral triggers that can lead to your cat avoiding the litter box:
Anxiety/Stress
Changes in routine, such as a new pet, a new baby, a move, or even just rearranging furniture, can trigger stress in cats. Cats thrive on predictability, and disruptions can lead to anxiety, which then gets expressed in unexpected behaviors, like not using the litter box. Consider whether there have been any recent changes in your household that might be affecting your cat’s emotional state.
Territorial Marking
Urination is a powerful form of communication for cats. They use urine to mark their territory, sending signals to other cats (or even perceived threats) about their presence and dominance. If your cat feels insecure about their territory, they may begin spraying or urinating outside the litter box to reinforce their claim.
Is there a new cat in the neighborhood? Are there outdoor cats that your cat can see through the windows?
These can all provoke territorial anxiety.
Litter Box Aversion
A negative experience associated with the litter box can create a lasting aversion. This could be anything from a painful urination (even if the initial cause was medical) to being startled while in the box.
A bad association is like a phobia for a cat.
For example, if your cat was given medication once while in the litter box, even if the medication helped them, that association can cause the cat to avoid the litter box from now on.
Social Stress
Conflict with other pets, especially other cats, can also lead to inappropriate urination. Cats may avoid the litter box if they feel threatened or intimidated by another animal. Even if the conflict is subtle (staring, blocking access), it can create enough stress to trigger avoidance. Similarly, a particularly noisy or chaotic household with frequent visitors can also cause social stress for some cats.
Scent Marking
While both territorial marking and scent marking involve urination, they have slightly different motivations. Territorial marking is primarily about claiming space and asserting dominance, scent marking is more about emotional communication. Cats might scent mark when they feel stressed, anxious, or insecure, using their urine to deposit familiar scents that provide comfort and reassurance.
Identifying the Root of the Problem
Understanding the nuances of feline behavior is essential for addressing inappropriate urination. By carefully observing your cat’s behavior, identifying potential stressors, and considering the factors outlined above, you can begin to unravel the mystery and find solutions that work for both you and your furry friend. Remember, patience and a detective’s eye are your greatest tools.
The Support Team: Who Can Help?
Behavioral Factors: Exploring Stress, Territory, and Aversion
Now that we’ve explored the potential medical reasons behind your cat’s litter box avoidance, let’s delve into the often-complex world of feline behavior. While a clean bill of health is a relief, it can also be perplexing when the problem persists. Understanding the psychological and emotional factors that influence your cat’s actions is key.
Navigating the challenges of a cat not using the litter box can feel overwhelming. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone, and a collaborative approach is often the most effective way to find a solution. Building a support team with the right expertise will increase your chances of successful intervention.
Let’s explore the roles of the different professionals who can help you understand and address your cat’s litter box issues.
Assembling Your Feline Dream Team
Finding the right support is like assembling a dream team. Each member brings unique skills and insights to the table.
The Veterinarian: Your First Line of Defense
Your veterinarian is the cornerstone of your cat’s healthcare team. They are essential for ruling out underlying medical conditions that could be causing the litter box problems. Don’t skip this step!
Beyond diagnosis, your vet can provide valuable insights into your cat’s overall health and may identify subtle clues related to their behavior. They can also advise you on appropriate medical treatments if a physical ailment is contributing to the issue.
Veterinary Behaviorists: The Experts in Feline Minds
When behavioral issues are suspected, a veterinary behaviorist can be an invaluable resource. These professionals have specialized training in animal behavior and can diagnose and treat underlying psychological conditions.
A veterinary behaviorist can develop a tailored behavior modification plan for your cat, addressing issues like anxiety, stress, or territorial marking. They use techniques grounded in scientific principles to help your cat overcome its challenges.
Animal Behaviorists/Certified Cat Behavior Consultants: Complementary Support
While veterinary behaviorists have a veterinary degree, animal behaviorists or certified cat behavior consultants focus solely on behavior modification. They can work with your vet’s guidance to implement positive reinforcement techniques, environmental enrichment strategies, and other behavioral interventions.
They often provide practical advice on how to create a more cat-friendly environment and address specific behavioral concerns.
You: The All-Important Observer and Advocate
Last but not least, you, the cat owner, are a vital member of the team. Your observations, insights, and dedication are essential for a successful outcome. No one knows your cat better than you do.
Careful monitoring of your cat’s behavior, noting patterns, and documenting any changes can provide valuable information to the other members of the team. Your commitment to implementing the recommended strategies and providing a loving, supportive environment is critical to your cat’s well-being.
The Power of Collaboration
Solving the mystery of litter box avoidance requires a coordinated effort. Open communication between you, your veterinarian, and any behavior specialists involved is key. Sharing information, discussing concerns, and adjusting strategies as needed will maximize your chances of success. Remember, every cat is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. A team approach allows you to tailor the solution to your cat’s specific needs.
Environmental Assessment: Seeing Through Your Cat’s Eyes
Now that we’ve explored the potential medical reasons behind your cat’s litter box avoidance, let’s delve into the often-complex world of feline behavior. While a clean bill of health is a relief, it can also be perplexing when the problem persists. Understand that sometimes, the key to solving the mystery lies not within your cat’s body, but in their surroundings.
Think of it like this: you’re a detective, and your cat’s environment is the crime scene. Your mission is to carefully examine every aspect, looking for clues that might be contributing to the problem. It is all about understanding what the cat is thinking.
The Home Environment: A Cat-Friendly Oasis?
Start by asking yourself: Is my home a peaceful, enriching place for my cat? Cats are creatures of habit and routine, and any disruption can cause them stress.
New furniture, a change in work schedules, visitors, even rearranging the living room—all these can be unsettling for your feline friend.
Consider noise levels, too. A consistently loud environment, perhaps due to traffic or construction, can be a major source of anxiety. Creating safe havens, like quiet rooms or elevated perches, can provide your cat with a retreat from the chaos.
Try to look at your home from your cat’s perspective: Is there easy access to sunny spots for basking? Are there scratching posts to satisfy their natural instincts?
Do they have opportunities for play and exploration? Making small changes to create a more stimulating and predictable environment can make a world of difference.
The Litter Box Landscape: Location, Location, Location!
The litter box itself is a critical piece of the puzzle. Think of it as your cat’s bathroom – would you want to use a restroom that’s dirty, cramped, or located in a high-traffic area?
Litter box location is paramount. Is it in a quiet, easily accessible spot? Avoid placing it near noisy appliances, like washing machines or furnaces, as the sudden sounds can startle your cat and create a negative association.
Make sure the litter box isn’t near their food and water, as cats generally don’t like to eliminate where they eat.
The type of litter box also matters. Some cats prefer covered boxes, while others prefer open ones.
Experiment to see what your cat prefers. The size of the box is also important; it should be large enough for your cat to turn around comfortably.
Cleanliness is non-negotiable. Cats are fastidious creatures, and a dirty litter box is a major turn-off.
Scoop the box at least once a day, and completely change the litter and wash the box regularly.
The type of litter you use can also be a factor. Some cats are sensitive to scented litters or certain textures.
Try switching to an unscented, dust-free variety to see if it makes a difference.
Ultimately, having more litter boxes than cats may be necessary to mitigate accidents or eliminate litter box avoidance.
Targeted Rooms: Scent, Association, and Mystery Spots
Why does your cat choose that particular spot? Sometimes, the location itself holds clues.
Bedrooms, especially beds, may be targeted due to the concentration of your scent, offering comfort to an anxious cat. Laundry rooms might attract cats due to the soft textures of clothes or the presence of intriguing smells.
If your cat is repeatedly urinating in a specific room, try to identify any potential stressors in that area.
Is it near a window where they can see outdoor cats, sparking territorial aggression? Is it a place where they’ve had a negative experience, like being startled or chased?
Thoroughly clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner designed to eliminate pet odors. This will help to remove any lingering scent markings that might be attracting your cat back to the spot.
Consider making the area less appealing by placing deterrents like aluminum foil or double-sided tape, or by changing the function of the space.
Solutions and Strategies: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Environmental Assessment: Seeing Through Your Cat’s Eyes
Now that we’ve explored the potential medical reasons behind your cat’s litter box avoidance, let’s delve into the often-complex world of feline behavior. While a clean bill of health is a relief, it can also be perplexing when the problem persists. Understand that sometimes, the key to solving the mystery lies in a combination of adjustments and techniques. It’s not usually a single fix, but rather a carefully considered, multi-pronged strategy that addresses the cat’s individual needs and anxieties.
There’s no magic bullet. It’s a process that demands patience, observation, and a willingness to adapt. But it’s a process that can ultimately lead to a happier, healthier relationship with your feline companion.
Addressing the Root Cause: A Holistic Approach
The most effective solutions tackle the underlying cause, whether it’s medical, behavioral, or a combination of both. This often requires a comprehensive approach. Treating the symptoms alone won’t solve the problem. It’s like putting a bandage on a wound that needs stitches. Let’s break down some of the key strategies you can employ.
Medical Treatment: Following Veterinary Advice
If a medical condition is diagnosed, adhering to your veterinarian’s treatment plan is absolutely essential. This may involve medication, dietary changes, or other therapies. Don’t skip doses or stop treatment prematurely, even if your cat seems to be improving. Consistent adherence is key to resolving the underlying health issue and, consequently, the litter box problem.
Stress Reduction: Creating a Calm, Predictable Environment
Cats are creatures of habit, and stress can be a major trigger for inappropriate urination. Creating a calm and predictable environment is vital.
Minimize loud noises, sudden changes, and other potential stressors.
Establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, playtime, and rest.
Consider using calming aids like diffusers, sprays, or calming treats.
Litter Box Management: Making it Appealing
The litter box itself can be a source of aversion. To make it more appealing:
-
Location is Key: Place boxes in quiet, accessible areas away from high-traffic zones, noisy appliances, and other pets.
-
The Right Box: Experiment with different types of boxes (covered, uncovered, large, small) to see what your cat prefers.
-
Litter Preference: Offer a variety of litters (unscented, clumping, non-clumping) to determine your cat’s preference. Many cats prefer unscented, clumping litter.
-
Adequate Number: The general rule is one box per cat, plus one extra. More boxes can reduce competition and provide more options.
Cleanliness: Eliminating Lingering Odors
Cats have a highly sensitive sense of smell. Even a faint odor can deter them from using the litter box.
Regularly scoop the litter box at least once a day.
Completely empty and wash the box with mild soap and water at least once a month.
Crucially, use an enzyme cleaner to thoroughly clean any areas where your cat has urinated outside the box. Enzyme cleaners break down the organic components of urine, eliminating odors that regular cleaners can’t touch.
Environmental Enrichment: Providing Stimulation and Comfort
A bored or frustrated cat is more likely to develop behavioral problems. Environmental enrichment can help keep your cat stimulated and happy.
Provide plenty of toys, scratching posts, and climbing opportunities.
Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting.
Consider interactive feeders or puzzle toys to engage your cat’s mind.
Behavior Modification: Retraining and Reassurance
In some cases, behavior modification techniques may be necessary to retrain your cat to use the litter box. This involves identifying the triggers for inappropriate urination and implementing strategies to change the cat’s association with those triggers. This could include associating the location of inappropriate urination with unpleasant (but harmless) stimuli, or redirecting the cat to the litter box when it shows signs of needing to eliminate. Consulting with a veterinary behaviorist can be invaluable in developing a tailored behavior modification plan.
Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging desired behaviors. Whenever your cat uses the litter box, offer praise, a treat, or a favorite toy. This helps create a positive association with the litter box and reinforces the desired behavior. Avoid punishment, as this can create fear and anxiety, which can worsen the problem.
Feliway (Synthetic Pheromones): Calming Anxious Cats
Feliway is a synthetic version of the feline facial pheromone, which cats use to mark their territory as safe and secure. Diffusers or sprays can help reduce stress and anxiety, making your cat feel more comfortable in its environment. Feliway can be particularly helpful in multi-cat households or during times of stress, such as moving or introducing a new pet.
Expert Insights and Further Resources: Expanding Your Knowledge
[Solutions and Strategies: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Environmental Assessment: Seeing Through Your Cat’s Eyes
Now that we’ve explored the potential medical reasons behind your cat’s litter box avoidance, let’s delve into the often-complex world of feline behavior. While a clean bill of health is a relief, it can also be perplexing when the problem pe…] The journey to understanding and resolving your cat’s litter box issues doesn’t have to be a solitary one. Many experts and resources are available to guide you. Let’s explore some individuals and avenues that can offer valuable insights and support as you navigate this challenging situation.
Learning from the Cat Behavior Experts
When it comes to understanding the feline mind, several experts have dedicated their careers to unraveling the mysteries of cat behavior. These are individuals who have devoted countless hours observing, researching, and working with cats to understand their unique needs and communication styles.
Jackson Galaxy: The Cat Daddy’s Wisdom
Jackson Galaxy, often known as "The Cat Daddy," is a well-known cat behaviorist and television personality. His approach is all about understanding a cat’s Mojo—their confidence and sense of self. Galaxy’s books, such as "Catify to Satisfy" and "Total Cat Mojo," offer practical advice on creating a cat-friendly environment, identifying behavioral issues, and addressing them with compassion and understanding. His emphasis on environmental enrichment and positive reinforcement can be particularly helpful when dealing with litter box problems.
Galaxy’s philosophy revolves around empathy and acknowledging each cat as an individual. His online resources and videos offer a wealth of information. He’s a great person to turn to.
Pam Johnson-Bennett: Decoding Feline Communication
Pam Johnson-Bennett is a certified cat behavior consultant and author of several acclaimed books, including "Think Like a Cat" and "CatWise." Johnson-Bennett emphasizes the importance of understanding feline communication and body language. Her approach focuses on identifying the root cause of behavioral issues. She offers practical strategies for modifying behavior.
Johnson-Bennett’s work dives into how to create a harmonious multi-cat household.
Her calm, insightful advice can be especially valuable in addressing stress-related litter box avoidance. Her website provides articles, consultations, and resources.
Dr. Karen Becker: Holistic Well-being for Cats
Dr. Karen Becker is a renowned integrative veterinarian. She champions a holistic approach to cat health and well-being. While not solely focused on behavior, her insights into nutrition, environmental factors, and overall wellness are essential. Her advocacy for species-appropriate diets and minimizing environmental toxins can positively impact a cat’s physical and mental health. This, in turn, can reduce stress and contribute to better litter box habits.
Her website, Mercola Healthy Pets, offers comprehensive articles and resources.
The Foundation of Research: Scientific Insights
Beyond individual experts, ongoing research in feline behavior continually expands our understanding of these complex creatures. Researchers study everything from feline social structures to the impact of environmental enrichment.
Publications in journals like "Applied Animal Behaviour Science" and conferences like the International Society for Applied Ethology offer valuable insights into the latest findings. While these resources may be more technical, they provide a solid scientific foundation for understanding feline behavior. Exploring research articles can offer a deeper understanding.
Finding Community and Support
Dealing with a cat who avoids the litter box can be emotionally draining. Connecting with other cat owners who have faced similar challenges can provide invaluable support and encouragement. Online forums, social media groups, and local cat rescue organizations offer spaces for sharing experiences, asking questions, and finding solutions together.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
FAQs: Stop Cat Peeing on Clothes: Why & How to Fix It
Why is my cat suddenly peeing on my clothes?
Sudden changes in urination habits often indicate a medical issue, like a urinary tract infection or bladder stones. Stress and anxiety from changes in the environment (new pet, move, loud noises) can also trigger this behavior. To stop your cat from peeing on clothes, first rule out any underlying health problems with a vet visit.
My cat has a clean bill of health. What now?
If your cat is healthy, look for environmental stressors or litter box issues. Ensure you have enough litter boxes (one per cat plus one extra), that they are clean, and easily accessible. Some cats prefer different litter types. To stop your cat from peeing on clothes due to stress, try using pheromone diffusers like Feliway and provide plenty of playtime and attention.
How do I clean clothes that a cat has peed on?
Don’t use regular laundry detergent, as it might not fully eliminate the odor, and cats can still smell it! Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to remove pet odors. Soak the clothes according to the product instructions. Thorough cleaning is vital, because lingering scents can encourage your cat to repeat the behavior. If the smell is deeply embedded, you might have to discard the item.
What scents deter cats from peeing in certain areas?
Cats dislike strong citrus smells, so a diluted citrus spray (water mixed with lemon or orange essential oil) can deter them. However, never spray directly on your cat or clothing while it is being worn! You can also try placing citrus peels near the affected areas. Remember this is a deterrent only and won’t address the underlying cause. To stop your cat from peeing on clothes long-term, identify and resolve the reason for the behavior, such as health or environmental issues.
So, that’s the scoop on why your feline friend might be mistaking your wardrobe for a litter box and, more importantly, how to fix it. Hopefully, these tips help you figure out how do I stop my cat from peeing on clothes. With a little patience and detective work, you and your kitty can get back to a harmonious, urine-free relationship (at least where your laundry is concerned!).
