5 year old cat has started weeing in strange places....

[NotdeadyetBOING]

We have 2 cats who have always used the litter tray without a problem. About 6 months ago one of them had a wee in DH's expensive leather overnight bag. Needless to say he wasn't thrilled. Since then, I've caught him squatting in bags a couple of times - looking shifty - but not caught in the act. But just spotted the familiar squat and hauled him out of a bag mid wee. Grrrr. Took him to litter tray and tried to shove him in to make the point, but he scarpered (funnily enough didn't need it having just emptied his bladder all over some shoes intended for the charity shop). Anyone else had this? Seems really odd. Might it be his way of showing stress or something? Can't think what he could be stressed about..... Or might it be sign of a bladder infection?

It can be a sign of bladder or kidney trouble, so I would get him checked at the vet to rule that out first.

'TMI' but another sign of bladder issues is your cat spending longer than usual cleaning himself around his penis, so keep an eye on him when he is grooming.

Have you changed the litter to a different type at all? Just had a similar problem with one of our three who decided that the recycled paper pellet litter we have always used wasn't to her fancy any more. She went in all manner of strange places, cat beds, cushions, playroom sofa (grr) and most notably DHs fleece lined slippers (did not go down well).

So now we have one tray with the paper litter and one with a finer, clumping litter and touch wood seem to be back on track.

We haven't changed the litter, but just found an article suggesting that it's a good idea to have more than one litter tray. Frankly anything's worth a try. Just emailed the vet - think will take him in in case there is anything wrong on the bladder/kidney front. Based on absolutely nothing, my hunch is it's more of a mental thing. Annoyed or something, although can't think why. He's also been over grooming like mad over the past year or so - and has ended up pretty hairless on his tummy as a result. Wondering if the two things might be connected......

Overgrooming can be a sign of stress; also flea allergy or skin troubles which the vet should be able to check for when you take him. When mine had kidney problems, the vet could tell just by feeling his bladder that he was struggling to empty it and then blood tests confirmed the extent of the issues.

If you rule out a physical cause, the litter tray idea is good. You could also try Feliway to de-stress him.

One of mine goes through periods of peeing on the sofa. I've never got to the bottom of the cause. They only thing that stops it is putting junk on her favourite spots. Other than that, she's the most well behaved cat you could ever meet.

We have two boy cats who are banned from going upstairs as they pee on the beds, and on any paper lying around also. Absolutely no signs of any stress or ill health, as vet has confirmed! Just bastards

I can't see how our cat could be stressed, to be honest. He has a very charmed existence with us at his beck and call. Did try Feliway once, but didn't notice any real difference. Hmm. Will see what vet says....

Madam here loves a wee in the bath, but otherwise goes outside and ignores the litter tray completely. She knows how to use the tray fine (had been an indoor cat until we rehomed her, and used it for the first six weeks or so until we started letting her out) but for some reason the bath is her preference. I think she just likes it.