I was wondering how you were doing with your new carpeting and floors.
Remember just a few weeks ago we put new carpeting in the basement and Samantha peed on the old rug in the laundry room.
Luckily she only did it a couple of times then got over it.
We did shut her out of the newly carpeted area for a few days and that seemed to help.
We also took her to the vet and changed her diet to a food that will help her lose weight and prevent hairballs.
She only had one hairball on the stairs when we were starting to change over her food to the new one.
Have you had Ripley to the vet recently for a check-up?
I wish you luck and I hope it is only temporary.
It may help to keep him out of those areas for a few days and maybe check with your vet for any ideas.