Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 4/5/2011

Question
We rescued two feral kittens a year ago b/c the mom was hit by a car. At the time of rescue, I’d put them at 3 weeks of age. For a few months now, one of the kittens has been urinating outside the cat box. She, “Curly,” is peeing on blankets (in the bed & off), in the laundry hamper, on clothes, and in the bathroom on a pair of jeans; she doesn’t do it every day, average once or twice a week and never poops outside the box. In addition, we immediately wash whatever she has peed on and include Nature’s Miracle in the wash.
    No UTI and litter boxes are clean.  We have four boxes now and recently tried puting them in more quiet areas.  Nothing has changed in our home - no new animals or sickness, no new people, and no changes to the type of litter. She is spayed and up-to-date on all vaccinations. I can say, though, that she is an extremely anxious kitty – any movement by anyone and she runs. Curly is very playful with her sister, extremely affectionate with our other cat, and us only when we are in bed lying down.  
    So my question would pertain to how to fix this or what is going on? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
    One other question – both the kittens we rescued nurse on fuzzy blankets to this day … normal? Never experienced this with other cats.
    Thank you so much

Answer
OK this is my third attempt at answering this.I had computer issues twice and now here I am.

As I am sure you know, inappropriate elimination is a very common problem with cats. Now you say that there are not UTIs but is that a guess or has she been to the vets? In our experience, cats that start doing this out of the blue are usually trying to get your attention.

Most, but not all of the time, it is because the cat is experiencing cystitis or some type of FLUTD.

Here is a link to a PDF about FLUTDs: http://www.hillspet.com/pdf/en-us/flutd_faq.pdf

Now, if that has been resolved by medication etc, then you start working on the behavioral issues. Now this can be started from something as simply as a stray cat that has crossed your yard outside.

A nervous, high strung cat will be more prone to these types of disturbances as well. Dogs barking, litter changes, new roommates, new rugs, moving the litter box, loud music, are all just a few things that can cause this to happen.

Sometimes a change in food for the better can help, but this is rather new thinking but not without merit or research:
http://www.hillspet.com/health-conditions/healthy-bladder.html

Having said that, you need to be a sleuth and look around your house inside and out and figure out what is going on with her.

So the first order is to have her looked at by the vet if that hasn't happened yet, and then if medical issues are ruled out then you can start working on the mental aspects.

Here are a few sites that might help with suggestions:
http://www.peteducation.com/article_print.cfm?c=1+2174&aid=158

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/housesoiling.html

As far as them nursing on blankets that is very normal. I have had all kinds of cats that did this and they were all weaned normally. So cats weaned too early or not do it. Some nurse on each other, some on your hair, some on blankets.

I hope you can get to the bottom if this soon!
Let me know if you need any more help.