Throw Rugs

July 9th, 2011

... zebra print, floor rugs, zebra rug, throw rugs, cow hide, springbok

Throw rugs: what more can you say about them? There are so many benefits of throw rugs that you could go on forever talking about them. But with that being said, there are still some people who do not have any of these in their home; and that is fine. When it comes down to it, there are some people who think that these do not fit in with what they are trying to accomplish on the inside of their home. But guess what? Until you look into what throw rugs have to offer, you will never really know what they could do for you.

The first thing that you need to consider is the affordability that surrounds the majority of the throw rugs on the market today. When it comes to saving money, while also keeping your floors looking good, this is one option that you probably want to look into. For instance, take the time to compare the cost of a couple throw rugs to the cost of getting wall to wall carpet. You will find out soon enough that you could save hundreds, maybe even thousands, by deciding to use throw rugs. And with that being said, you should know that they are far from being cheap in appearance. In fact, many people feel that adding throw rugs will give their room a much more high class look when compared to the simple use of wall to wall carpeting or hardwood floors.

Now that you are aware of the affordability, you should consider the benefits of using these. As mentioned above, when you use throw rugs you can really take the look of any room to the next level. Many people use these in family rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, hallways, basements, as well as other areas. The fact of the matter is that if you own a home, there is a good chance that you can find a place for at least one throw rug.

Additionally, throw rugs are a great way to protect the floors in your home. Is a certain area of your wall to wall carpeting wearing down? Maybe the area where the carpet leads to the outside? If so, you can buy an accent throw rug to put in that spot. Not only will this help to cover up the spot that has been damaged, but it will also go a long way in preventing future problems.

Finally, since throw rugs come in different sizes, styles, and colors, you will be able to find the perfect option for your home. There is no reason to think that you will not be able to find a throw rug that suits your home. Remember, there are both land based and online stores that sell hundreds of different types of throw rugs. This will allow you to find the one that is perfect.

Overall, throw rugs are affordable and offer many benefits to you and your home. If for any reason you think that a throw rug is right for you, look into buying one today. With a large selection, as well as prices that anybody can afford, there is no reason to pass these by for any longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION:
My 6 month old male neutered cats are peeing on the throw rugs. Why? How do I clean the carpet underneath? ?
They prefer dry food to wet. I am feeding them IAMS kitten food....I have washed the throw rugs but what is best to use on the carpet and how do i keep them from peeing again? They were just at the Animal Coaltion in June...and were pronounced healthy....
I clean the entire litter box (fresh litter) every day! But maybe I need two boxes.....and they aren't stressed, they are well loved and very affectionate!
- ANSWER:
  Wash the throw rugs in a normal wash with a cup of white vinegar, followed by a regular washing. As for the carpet underneath, I have given a link that gives you several alternatives, all cheap and easy and fast.
  
  If the odors are not totally eliminated, they will return there over and over. In the event there is a litter box issue, I have provided a second link.
  
  I would also suggest you get them a fountain to encourage water drinking, even through that is not high right now on your agenda.
  
  And, just mentioning IAMS will draw out some strong haters of IAMS, but I don't see anything wrong with it, provided plentiful water is available.
QUESTION:
Can I place throw rugs on top of laminate flooring?
I need to put some type of covering over laminate flooring at the front door to minimize bringing in outside dirt. Can I use a rubber backed throw rug or does it have to be one without a backing, which makes it slippery. I would like something in front of the sink too and don't want it to be a sliding hazard.
- ANSWER:
  get your self the non skid kind...or get the non skid shelf paper and put it down and put the rug on top will stay in place very nicely. Plus in front of the sink it adds just a little extra cushion to sand on.
QUESTION:
Hard to out into a category. But why do throw rugs always creep into one direction?
Put a small throw rug in a doorway. Even though one walks in each direction equally, the rug always seems to drift in only one direction. It defies the laws of Newton's science which is pretty much accepted still. "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction" is the simplified version. The full text is at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_laws_of_motion

Scientific answers only please! Such as "the slope of the floor". Not interested in juvenile wit.
- ANSWER:
  It's know as 'stiction.' The fabric fibers show a predominant direction, so the rug moves one way more easily than the other.
  
  Some critters use the principle to get better traction.
QUESTION:
if I bleach and dye throw rugs, will they turn out okay?
I'm changing the decor of my room. I have 2 dark blue throw rugs that wont match anymore. Instead of buying new ones, I was thinking of bleaching them, then dying them black. Will that work? if so how can I bleach them? I was going to put them in a tote with bleach and water but im not sure how much bleach and how much water I should use.
thanks everyone so far. Im not worried about the black coming off onto the carpet. The truth is the only reason I have throw rugs is to hide big holes in the carpet. Its old and ugly and torn up, and until I can afford a new carpet, throw rugs will have to suffice.
- ANSWER:
  If you are planning to dye them black, you may not need to bleach them at all. Black is dark so it should cover up any other color.
  
  The only reason to bleach first is if the rugs are really different (like one light colored and one dark). Sometimes, black dye is hard to get really dark and so each rug may look a little different. Also, if each rug is made of different fibers, the rugs may turn out slightly different colors.
  
  Keep in mind that synthetic fibers are hard to dye. Cotton or such should be pretty easy to both bleach and dye.
  
  I've bleached cotton throw rugs in the bathtub with a cup or two of bleach and left them overnight. Just make sure to stir it occasionally so that they bleach evenly and don't get that 'tie-dyed' look. But be careful because bleach can weaken the fibers and make the rug fall apart.
  
  ps-Be carefull with black dye because even after the rugs are dry, the black may rub off onto other things.
QUESTION:
Is it normal to use throw rugs on top of carpet?
It seems weird to use throw rugs on my carpet, but it's off white and it has some really stained up areas that I want to hide. Is it weird or OK...like do people do it??
- ANSWER:
  nah, it's ok. Think of it as a fashion accessory. people do it all the time.
QUESTION:
How can I stop my dog from peeing in his bed and on all my throw rugs?
It doesn't matter if he's been outside, I'll find pee on my rugs all the time!
- ANSWER:
  Please take the dog to the vet to see if he has a bladder infection. This isn't normal for them.
QUESTION:
Will latex backed throw rugs discolor a porcelain tile floor?
My latex backed rugs discolored my linoleum floor and am wondering if they will do the same to my new porcelain floor and/or grout?
- ANSWER:
  No they will not.. The reason it discolored your vinyl floor is because it s vinyl and vinyl is a petroleum product and the backing on the mat was rubber or rubber/latex mix. The 2 petroleum products react with each other.
  Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar. GL
QUESTION:
why is our cat urinating on the carpet and throw rugs?
?our 2 yr old cat recently started to urinate on the carpet and ny throw rugs i put down is it because she was spayed
- ANSWER:
  Your cat may be ill. Improper elimination is often a symptom of a medical problem. Usually it's a urinary infection and easily treated. These conditions are PAINFUL. So off to the vet!
  
  Litter box problems are very frustrating for all.....human and feline. Here's a link that you might find helpful:
  
  http://www.absolutelycats.com/22LitterBox.html
  
  Here's a link to Cat Attract Kitty Litter. Many have had success with this product:
  
  http://www.preciouscat.com/
  
  Good Luck!
QUESTION:
My white throw rugs faded orange, how do I make them white again?
I have tried soaking in bleach water and that did not help.
They faded after hubby threw a red sock in the washer with them.
- ANSWER:
  Try the Color Remover made by RIT. Find it at your local Wal-Mart!
QUESTION:
What's the best way to remove cat hair from upholstered furniture and throw rugs?
I do not want to buy an expensive machine, and I don't really want to cover my sofa in old sheets.
- ANSWER:
  Step1
  Comb the cat's hair. Regular combing loosens and removes any shedding hair rather than the hair attaching itself to the ottoman.
  
  Step2
  Vacuum twice a week. The first vacuum is a thorough one--move the furniture, rugs, work on the pillows and drapes. The second vacuum--a few days later--is just a spot vacuum where the cat spends most of her time, such as that certain spot on the couch, bed, or where the sun falls on the floor.
  
  Step3
  Use an oversize lint roller. Once or twice a week, depending on how much the cat sheds, use a lint roller throughout the house. Look for a roller that has an extended handle and an oversize roll.
  
  Step4
  Spot clean with a squeegee on your cat's favorite resting places, the places where the most cat fur accumulates. The rubber edge of a squeegee picks up cat fur.
  
  *************************
  
  Tips:
  
  You can find oversize lint rollers in the home cleaning section of most stores. Look where the brooms, mops and dustpans are located.
  
  Consider a wire brush, shedding blade, soft comb or other cat grooming-specific tool. You can find these online or at most specialty pet care stores.
  
  Go online and search "shed control" for more ideas on getting your cat's shedding under control.
  
  Keep your cat's fur situation under control to reduce the likelihood of hairballs.
QUESTION:
How to stop a throw rug from traveling. I have a couple 3'x5' area rugs on carpet that keeps moving?
They are on carpet and I'm getting tired of pulling them back.
- ANSWER:
  You can purchase rug padding that is made for area rugs used on wall-to-wall. If you are unable to find this particular item, you can purchase the heavy duty rug pad that is rubber on one side and rough wool on the other and just use it upside down, where the rubber is up and the rough wool is in contact with the wall-to-wall. The rubber will hold the rug in place. It may cause the wall-to-wall underneath to get matted down by quite a bit overtime, though, just to give you a warning.
QUESTION:
How can I keep throw rugs from moving that is laying on carpet?
- ANSWER:
  Double-sided carpet tape from Lowes or Home Depot, should do the trick.
QUESTION:
How do I keep my throw rugs in place (on wood floor)?
I would rather not tape down edges.
- ANSWER:
  If you go to a shop that sell Persian rugs or similar they can or they will know of someone that will saw some leather type material to 2 of the underside edges of your rug. This works perfect no slippy rugs.
QUESTION:
Has anyone ever heard of a fear of throw rugs?
...like the giant kind that hang from the walls that you'd buy from Ikea or something. (no disrespect meant toward the store). My school is doing a project on weird phobias and I had heard of this one, but couldn't find anything to back it up.

anybody got any ideas?
- ANSWER:
  No, I've never heard of a fear of rugs, but it could be Textophobia, which is fear of a certain fabric.
  
  Here's a list of all kinds of weird phobias that might help:
  
  http://www.phobialist.com/reverse.html
  
  Who would've even guessed there's a word for the fear of virgin girls? Let alone anybody who's afraid of them! LOL!
QUESTION:
What and where can I buy something to apply to the back of throw rugs to keep them from slipping?
- ANSWER:
  tape is messy. use a no slip of rug grip. find them at walmart home depot... most anywhere there's homeware. its just a little rubber pad.
QUESTION:
how can i get my dog to stop destroying my throw rugs?
Any advice or links to advice would be appreciated! =)
Thanks for the responses so far.. but what I dont get is that I am home 95% of the week. She gets sooooo much attention its not funny. My dog is by my side from the time I get up till I go to sleep. Also, she has toys everywhere. And.... I had just put the rug down 10 minutes earlier before she ran to destroy it!!
- ANSWER:
  i think there are some sprays you can buy that taste nasty when the dogs start chewing. im not sure of any brand names though, check out your local petsmart
QUESTION:
why does my cat deficate and urinate on throw rugs?
one of my cats uses area rugs for a litterbox. I have a multi cat household , I use large shallow tubs for litter boxes and they are cleaned daily. I am only having problems with one cat
- ANSWER:
  Obviously, the throw rug seems more natural to the cat than a litter box does.
  
  Get a new litter box, and place it on the throw rug. Also, make sure it has a different type of litter in it. This can be clumping/non clumping, scented/non scented, shallow/deep, and the such.
  
  My uneducated guess is that your "scat" cat, is just wanting a "place" all it's own... More litter boxes and scooping more than "ONCE" a day is necessary for this finicky cat.
  
  Hope this helps,
QUESTION:
Can you repair or replace the latex type backing on throw rugs?
- ANSWER:
  Boy. I don't think it could be done. We've had the same results with washing and drying our mats. If the mat has particular sentimental value or something, you might try scuffing off the remaining latex with a brush ( to get rid of those annoying little hunks of rubber you're finding all over the place) and try using a few well placed pads of adhesive backed foam to keep it slip proof. You can buy it on a small roll at most hardwares......usually around the casters and homewares.........or.......just cut your losses and get a fresh new mat!
  
  Good luck
QUESTION:
Why does my cat throw up on rugs or carpet and never the tile or wood?
Whenever my cat binges and purges herself, she always throws up on either a rug or the carpet, rather than something easy to clean like the tile or the wood flooring.
Why do cats do this??
- ANSWER:
  LOL I've always wondered that myself. My cat sometimes even vomits on the bed, which is even worse than doing it on the carpet.
QUESTION:
Use for good condition throw and area rugs. . .?
I have a handful of throw rugs and area rugs that are in good condition. Most have non-skid backing. I don't really need them anymore so I'd like to see if anyone has any project ideas for them. Otherwise I'll donate. Thanks.
- ANSWER:
  you could build a scarecrow. i dont know. donate.
QUESTION:
Is Ikea the only place to get cool throw rugs for a 12x12 office?
i want something bright and cheery and affordable like this
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/off/2484060497.html
- ANSWER:
QUESTION:
"creeping throw rugs"?
How can I stop my throw rugs from "creeping" across my carpet when I walk on them ? They all move a little every time I walk on them. Eventually they get next to a wall or a piece of furniture and I have to straighten them out and move them back where I want them in the room. Any suggestions?
- ANSWER:
  There are under-lays that stop the creeping, they are light rubber & can be found at everthing from Big Lots to Bed, Bath & Beyond.
QUESTION:
Winter in Sydney, Guys are heated throw rugs worth the money, do you have one? are they good?
which brand should I buy, found one advertised in Aldi catalogue on sale from thursday. I believe they are more energy efficient than electric heater
- ANSWER:
  And if there is a fault you fry not to mention electromagnetic radiation ..
  
  Aldi got some reasonable cycling gear from them but if faulty not dangerous..
  
  a poncho would be better.. .
  
  EDIT have at last received copy of Aldi catalogue yesterday monday looks better than i thought it would be. Not something we would use ourselves. but states machine washable so they must think is durable..
  My experience with aldi they bring their own unique brands into their stores and with this item i don't think you will find different stores selling them would expect is normal product for colder european winters maybe even the u.k. which also uses. 230 volts also but the plug changed for aussie power points.
  Yes they would be more efficient than electric heating but still not usual for our milder winters.depends how they sell if they bring back again in 12 months time.
  
  i haven't seen anything of this type for sale in Melbourne..before...
QUESTION:
my cat has recently started peeing on all throw rugs-what's going on! How can I get him to stop?
- ANSWER:
  The first thing you need to do is take it to the vet to be sure it doesn't have a urinary tract infection. Cats will void outside the box when they have a problem to tell you they need help. If there is no infection then you need to stop and think if you have changed anything. like your litter, or the position of the litter box. Has anything new been added to the home like a roomate, a baby, etc.. If none of this applies then will have to restrict the cat to one room with no rugs. Sorry this is an ongoing problem for a lot of cat owners. Aside from hiring a behaviorist there is no miracle cure.
QUESTION:
the adhesive is fron 2 sided tape to keep throw rugs in place trying to remone sticky stuff left behind?
- ANSWER:
  Goof Off 2 is a good product. Stay away from other products that may be too strong and may damage the floor. Available at paint stores and home centers.
QUESTION:
How many throw or oriental rugs do you own? How often do you have them cleaned? What do you use them for?
I am working on a survey for a presentation on the information requested above. Please limit your response to the questions listed above. Thank you.
- ANSWER:
  1, every 3-6 months depending on the amount of visible need, to keep from cleaning the whole carpet when only the areas most used are dirtier than the rest
QUESTION:
where should i buy throw rugs?
I want a cool teen rug... but where do i get a cheap one??? i want to try to stay under .00 and i want something really cool so, please help!
- ANSWER:
  Hi Pumper Nikle!
  You can buy throw rugs on Amazon.
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Dnb%5Fsb%5Fnoss%26field-keywords%3Dthrow%2brugs%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dgarden&tag=digitsy-post-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957
QUESTION:
My 5 yr old cat started urinating on throw rugs. . .any ideas why she would do that?
She's an indoor cat and I keep her litter box clean. She's healthy. .
- ANSWER:
  Get the kitty to a vet. It's because there's something wrong and can be cured with treatment. Check these out: (& Good Luck!!!)
  
  http://www.practical-pet-care.com/cat_question.php?ID=2.927288380
  http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/felinehealthcats/f/FAQ_felurinary.htm
QUESTION:
where in the philadelphia area can i get throw rugs and lounge chairs for a teen room?
brown and pink color scheme
- ANSWER:
  trust me - IKEA. CHeck Ikea.com you will be impressed. I believe there is one in Philly.
QUESTION:
wholesale area rugs or throw rugs?
i have a gift shop and have a great demand for rugs. priced reasonable
- ANSWER:
  www.pirinternational.com
  
  If you have a tax id number, you get them at wholesale price. I use them all the time. Love the service.
QUESTION:
We are dog sitting and the dog is chewing up my throw rugs, throw pillows, socks: how do we stop the chewing?
The dog is almost 2 years old and about 45 pounds. He is an english pointer.
- ANSWER:
  The dog is nervous.
  
  New environments cause the dog to go into stress (a natural response).
  
  Some ways to ease the stress:
  
  Make goodbyes quick and painless. The longer the goodbye, the more the stress.
  
  Become a leader. Dogs are more secure when they have a leader. Get a leash and a choke collar and leave it on the dog at all times. The effect will be that the dog will feel he's not in control and will look to you to control him/her.
  
  Ignore the dog when it wants attention. I know this sounds weird but you have to control when the dog receives attention and when he/she doesn't in order to establish boundaries for the dog. And, thus, eliminate or relieve the stress.
  
  Don't punish the dog by isolating him/her. It only adds to the stress.
  
  When walking the dog, keep walking until it's time for the dog to eliminate waste. Don't let it sniff too much as this shows the animal that it can get away with just about anything. You don't have to say anything - just keep walking and gently tug on the collar. Try not to give too much lead on the collar as you are more in the alpha control when the dog is walking right beside you.
  
  Don't hit. It will react exactly opposite of the way you want in the long-run.
  
  Don't play tug-of-war games with the rug - only with it's toys. Keep only the toys he/she is supposed to play with in a small basket and use a low tone to discipline or playtime and a higher tone to praise. Take the rug away from the dog and lead him/her to the basket of toys and give one to the dog to play with each and every time the dog grabs the rug to play with.
  
  Be patient.
QUESTION:
Are rubber backed throw rugs ok for hardwood floors?
- ANSWER:
  As long as you move them/lift them, from time to time. The house I just moved into has gorgeous hardwood floors - but there was a rubber backed area rug in one bedroom. The rubber backing stuck to the floor and I have to refinish that room, now. I'm not sure what caused it; the guy at the home store said that maybe humidity had a part in it.
QUESTION:
what is the best carpet to buy my puppy likes to dig, and tear into my throw rugs?
- ANSWER:
  No carpet will withstand a puppy or a dog doing this.The only product that will take this is ceramic tile. Vinyls and wood products will be scratched to H%^&.
  Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar. GL
QUESTION:
is there anything to keep throw rugs from moving somebody said get some velcro?
- ANSWER:
  try purchasing a rug pad. THis will keep your rug in place. You can purchase on from k-mart, target, etc.
QUESTION:
i want to make some throw rugs from some old chenille. any suggestions????
i need a sewing pattern or instructions
- ANSWER:
  Cut in strips and braid them together ( the width is up to you)
  You've seen those old fashioned braided ones haven't you?
  After you have your braid, start circling it around it's self, it's fun!!
QUESTION:
I need to find throw rug that works on carpet. Where do I buy it?
I keep falling on my throw rugs. They do not stay flat. They move even when I put heavy items on them. I have put backing on some that is suppose to keep them from slipping on floors and carpets, but they still slip. What type of throw rug will work the best? Specific brand and type of store will also be helpful. I have searched everywhere.
- ANSWER:
  Hi, A proper rug pad should prevent this. They are made to go on carpets or for hard surfaces.Make sure the pad you had was for carpet A rug pad also extends the life of your rug. Hope this helps.
  http://www.arearugscarpet.com/oriental-rug-padding.html
QUESTION:
where can i get a large white or sand-colored throw rug for my room?

i have hideous maroon rugs in the upstairs part of my house. i want to paint my room teal-blue, but it wouldn't look right with maroon rugs. does anybody know where i can get a large throw rug for my room? either white or sand colored with a nice soft texture. my room's small so one large throw rug would work, or maybe i could have two ones next to each other. also i'm looking for something relatively cheap. anybody have any ideas? thanks.
- ANSWER:
  check at ikea
  sears
  target
  walmart
  linens and things
  bed and bath
  or a rug depot place.
  u might wanna shop or call around so u get the best price and all.
QUESTION:
Should it be illegal for the elderly to own throw rugs they fall all the time on them?
- ANSWER:
  If it is a problem then we should definitely implement "Throw Rug Control" We must take care of this issue,regardless of how it may affect the rights of the individual,"Throw Rug Control" is in the interests of all,and therefore not subject to being judged for how it may affect individual liberties. We must stop the carnage,implement "Throw Rug Control" now.
  
  AD
QUESTION:
My cat is peeing on throw rugs. Why?
I just washed a throw rug that he's peed on before. He's done this as far back as I can remember since we've moved into this house (4 years). It's not that the litter boxes are filled up. I just washed this rug today and decided to try once again to see if he'd do it. (this rug hasn't been by this door in almost a year) Not 5 hours later my wife caught him in the act.

I've read other articles on this and they say the ones with rubber backings attract them because of the amonia in the glue or whatever. this does not have rubber. The cat is male, neutered, about 10 years old. We do have 2 other cats, and he is the ruler of the roost. but the other cats don't do this. We have other throw rugs and he doesn't touch them, just the one by the front door.

I can live with out this throw rug. I'm just curious to know why he does this.

Thanks.
- ANSWER:
  Your cat may have a urinary/bladder infection. When a cat has this it is painful to urinate, and they associate that pain with their litter boxes so they try going someplace else. Male cats in particular get urinary/bladder infections because males have tapered urethras. Dust particales from cat litter (clay cat litter) gets in and causes this problem.
  
  Take him to the Vet to see if that is what is going on. If it is you may want to switch to a paper litter to prevent this from happening again. A very good one is called "Yesterday's News" and it's made by Purina.
  
  Also, try and watch him use the bathroom. Watch to see is he sits for what seems like a long time but produces a very small amount of urine. This is another sign of a bladder infection
  
  hope this helps!
  
  Hope this helps.
QUESTION:
When you put in new wooden floors , are you suppose to place throw rugs or will that just take away the idea?
- ANSWER:
  Hi, This is totally a personal choice as to whether you want area rugs or not. Some people do not want rugs in their space at all and want just the look of the hardwoods. Area rugs can be used to add a splash of color to a room and define a space such as creating a conversation area.They can also be used to protect your hardwood in high traffic areas. Depending on the hardwood the wood under the area rug can end up being lighter as it is not exposed to light. http://www.arearugscarpet.com/ Hope this helps.
QUESTION:
Need help with cats & dogs going potty on throw rugs?
I just moved into a new house and am having problems with both my cats and dogs going potty on the throw rugs. One of them has also gone on my expensive oriental rug. What can I do to get them to stop doing this? What can I use to clean the rugs where they won't be able to smell old urine/feces and go there again? I've tried washing the throw rugs with Era soap and lavender/vanilla fabric softener, putting the rugs back down and they just go on them again. I have no idea what to use on the oriental rug either. Should I just give it up as a lost cause and go with no throw rugs in my house until the animals get used to the new place? I've been here for 6 weeks now. The dogs are 6 years old and the cats are 8 and 10 years. I take the dogs out several times a day when I am home and keep them in the laundry room when I'm gone with a wee-wee pad. Thanks in advance for any advice.
- ANSWER:
  Ahhh there's your problem. You put a pee pad on the floor for the dogs and ask them to use it even though they are 6 years old?? They should be able to hold it all day and not need a wee wee pad, however, look at it from a dogs point of view, here is a "throw rug" that you've put in the laundry room for me to pee on, so why can't I pee on that throw rug over there, or there or the one over here? See the problem? Your dogs cannot tell the difference between the wee wee pad and the throw rugs because you've trained them that peeing INSIDE the house is OK and you've given them mixed signals and confused them. Get rid of the pee pad and be consistent with reinforcing housebreaking and going outside to eliminate.
  
  If you have two cats do you have 3 litter boxes? I had an issue with my elderly cats peeing on my throw rugs that had a "rubber" backing, I don't know what it was but they would pee on them constantly no matter how many times I threw them in the washing machine.
  
  The dogs, easy fix remove the pee pad, the cats, well you will need a box for each plus one. If the box is dirty then they will go elsewhere. Cat urine is hard to remove I suggest you get rid of the throw rugs for a while.
  
  Good luck