Strange, cats are some of the cleanest animals around and hate to not use their box or pan or whatever. How old is Phatt? Maybe he's heard the complaints against him and he is upset and afraid. I wouldn't say this or stick my nose in but you did ask. Perhaps this poor cat needs to be put away, its obvious he's in the way and unloved now that he's old and incongruous. I wonder why your husbnds alergys didn't bother him before all the years he owned this cat, or what he did about it before. It seems that the new flooring means more than the cats life. I only wish I were closer I would take him in and he would live out his natural life in comfort, loved, and with no stress or danger. I have all tile floors purposely and small throw rugs that I wash often. Yes, I am an animal lover and respect their rights and understand there failings....I could no easier unlove an old animal than I could an old person. I hoped this situation works out for everyone, especially Phatt the cat. We are their guardians after all....