cat is acting different

My cat is litter box trained and has never gone to the bathroom anywhere except her litter box. But for the last week or so, she keeps peeing on her blanket right in front of us and this when she is finished, she acts like she is digging it as if she was in her litter box. why is she doing this ?

Answer by Kate
This is a difficult question to answer as there can be so many reasons for this behaviour. Usually it is caused when something has happened which has made the cat feel uneasy and the urinating outside the tray is there way of trying to make the home smell more like them and so make them feel more secure. The scrabbling afterwards is just a natural behavior after they have urinated.

It is important that the blanket is completly cleaned with no traces of urine smell remaining. After cleaning sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and leave for an hour before vacuuming off. This should eliminate the smell completely.

Why your cat is doing it will take some detective work on your part. Has something changed in the home, ie new furniture or routine etc. Once you know what the possible cause is, you will be better placed to try and stop the behavior. Please read my pages here about cat urination for some possible causes.