cat urinating on curtains

Question
my calico is 8 years old I have had her since she was 3 weeks old, she has always used the litterbox without fail, in the past few weeks she has started urinating on curtains and in corners all over the house, why?  I don't understand what has changed to cause this behavior.  Can you help, I am at my witts ends with her.

Answer
Sherry,

The most common medical reason is a urinary tract infection. They are painful and the cat associates the litterbox with the pain so they go elsewhere. It could also be her kidneys. I would take her to the vet to have her examined.

The most common behavioral reason is that she is upset about something. If it is not a medical issue then you need to be a detective to zero in on what is making her upset. Some change in the household or to her routine? Have you left her alone lately? Are you playing with her and giving her the attention that you used to?

She may be seeing a stray cat outside that she can't get to. Calicos are territorial and since she can't get outside to defend her territory, she is marking inside. If that is the case you need to block the window where she can see a cat outside. If it continues, the stress of seeing the other cat or cats may change her personality permenantly.

I would rule out a medical issue before determining it to be a behavioral issue.

I hope this helped.
Carol