Question about cats peeing on carpets

My friend has 4 indoor only cats that she loves. The problem is that they have peed on the carpets throughout her house. Her husband is very upset and has spent over $6000 replacing carpets throughout the house hoping this would eliminate the problem- but it hasn't.

Her cats are now only allowed in the kitchen and her husband has put a barrier up stopping the cats from going into other areas of the house. He told her that it's either the kitchen only, or her cats must go.

I think she's at a loss of what to do. I'm worried for her cats (but I can't take them in, as I already have my own with their own issues)

Do you think that keeping these cats in the kitchen area only is mean? I can see his point, but I know my friend is devastated. She won't find other homes for them because she loves them.

Any advice I can pass along to her? (I'm trying to talk her into joining the board, so she's probably reading this.....)

Yes keeping them confined to one room only is mean (unless its for a short time).

First, she needs to have them checked for any medical problems relating to urinary track infections (are they all neutered/spayed)? Is it one or two or all of them peeing on the carpet?

How many litter boxes? What type of litter used?

Just replacing carpet is not gonna stop them - if the pad is not replaced and the floor (wood) under it has absorbed the pee.

Its a process of elimination - not just a one thing fix.

Have your friend read this thread:

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9563

It outlines all the steps to take to get rid of the problem.