Have you checked out the folks at Best Friends at all? I am a very firm believer in the fact that our aniomals know whats in our minds and our hearts, they have senses we don't have. Thats not an assumption its as fact. This cat knows you are trying to get rid of him and all these things are a part of that, so he is being obstinate. If I were closer I would rescue him but I have all these dogs here right now, my two and 4 rescues needing homes approved. The birds gone but I have a guinea pig now too. Busy here at Casa Micheles...Imagine me considering a full time job!! When I have all this going on. Have you checked your area to see if theres a NO KILL shelter available. It would be a shame to end a life over a carpet. I know the feeling however but I put down tile when pulling up the old nasty carpets, really a life saver and looks great too. Less stress on me and the visiting animals that have an accident from time to time. Hope it all works out....