Expert: Becky - 1/1/2006

Question
 Hi Becky, this is more of a behaviour issue.
Our 10 year old female cat has always been pretty well behaved. Except for recently she has began peeing in the laundry basket. We clean her litter box every 2 to 3 days, she always has easy access to it as well. We do not have any other pets. Why is she doing this?
Thanx for your help! Deanna

Answer
Hi Deanna!

This probably has a lot to do with her age. She may also have a urinary tract infection.  Cats will use other places when this happens.  I had a cat that kept going in my sink, could't figure it out, took him to the vet and sure enough, he has an UTI.  You may want to have her checked to be sure that's not the problem.  As I said, it may be her age. As cats get older, they begin to act elderly, much like humans, in that they forget things and start acting senile.  Ten is not really old, but it may be the start of senile behaviour.  Remember, compared to  humans... a cat of ten would be 70 years!
I would take her to the vet to rule out UTI.  Then, I would remove anything from her access that she might pee in.......like the laundry basket.  If she continues to pee in odd places,  put her in a bedroom or bathroom with a litter box when you aren't home, and keep an "eagle eye" on her when you are home.   You're gonna have to use lots of love and patience on her.

God Bless,
Becky