older cat urinating outside of box

Question
Hi there.
I have a male cat whom we adopted 8 years ago when he was an adult. I don't
know his age, but think he is around 12. He's a lovely cat, but has scratched
my furniture to shreds and lately he has been urinating on any type of fabric
left on the floor - curtains that pool onto the floor, any laundry or clothes left
on the floor, small rugs, even one sock that my husband left there this
morning. He's recently been to the vet for a check up and I don't think he has
a urinary infection, but maybe I need to take him back. He also uses his box.
We love the cat, but if this continues we won't be able to keep him. What can
we do? Is this common in older cats? Oh...he did this before about two years
ago and then stopped. This time, it it worse. Thanks for any help you can
offer!

Answer
Hi Leslie,

Take him back to the vet to get him rechecked. It could be cystitis. Or because of his age it could be diabetes or hyperthyroidism.Or it could be arthritis and he is having a problem getting into his box.  All of those affect litter box behavior. If he gets a clean bill of health from the vet write back and I will help you with his behavior. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen