Cat randomly urinating outside litter box

Question
My female, spayed cat is 2 years old. She is extremely active and playful. For some reason, she randomly- very randomly- urinates on 1) our papasan cushion or 2) the back cushion of the couch, but only if it is lying flat on the couch or on the floor. One time she urinated on a deflated air matress that was folded on the floor, and one time she urinated on a pile of clothes. She never defecates outside her box. She is not sick, because she uses the box on a regular basis. I keep it clean, and use sweatscoop. She has a hooded box, and I would get an uncovered one, but she digs so vigorously that there would be more litter outside the box than in. I would estimate that she has urinated on the papasan about 5 times (over the course of 2 years) and the couch cushion twice (in a period of 4 months). I have the urine-off spray that is supposed to block the scent, and we dry clean them each time. The only common link between the two cushions is that they both came from houses where other cats lived. However, she didn't do this until months after I had them in my house. It is getting frustrating, even though it happens infrequently, and because it happens so infrequently, I feel like much of the info on the internet is not helpful to me.

Answer
Emily,

Her behavior may be a medical issue and not a behavioral one.

The most common reason for peeing on things is a urinary tract infection or urinary crystals. Both are painful when they pee and the cat will associate that pain with the litterbox and go elsewhere. She may not do it all the time because it is possible that they are reoccurring. If she does have them she needs antibiotics to clear it up. I would think about having her checked by a vet out for those issues.

Can she see any stray cats out the window behind the couch that she pees on? Sometimes, if an inside cat has a territorial type personality and sees cats outside that she can't get to, to defend her territory, she will 'mark' her territory inside. Try blocking the part of the window she can possibly see stray cats outside and see if that makes a difference in her behavior.

About the air mattress: rubber and plastic (like plastic bags, shower curtains used for covers, etc.) for some reason are an attractant to some cats to pee on. I have two that always use the litterbox...except if there is a plastic bag on the floor, then they will go on that. It is some 'kitty quirk' that is common, so I wouldn't worry to much about that incident.

There may be something about the papasan cushion that is an attractant to her. If it were me, I would cover the cushions and the back of the sofa temporarily with something non-absorbent (like a shower curtain) BUT cover that with a bedspread, throw cover, etc., and see if that makes a difference. It probably won't if she has a urinary tract infection or crystals, but it may give you an idea about her behavior if the peeing continues in spite of a cover, or if it stops.

This may be helpful to you.
Here is a 'recipe' for cat urine odor removal:

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon of liquid soap

(3% hydrogen peroxide can be bought at most grocery and drug stores in pint and quart bottles).

Gently mix all ingredients in a non-metal container. Do not mix or shake vigorously!

The mixture is best used when fresh but can be stored. Do not keep mixture in an airtight container.  Have a VERY loose lid as baking soda and hydrogen peroxide when mixed together will release oxygen and an airtight container will explode. You can mix and keep it in large spray bottle (Home Depot, etc.) but a plastic liter or 2-liter soda bottle works just a well.

Always test for color-fastness. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent in stronger concentrations and can lighten materials that are not color-fast.

MATTRESSES, SOFAS, SOFA PILLOWS

For mattresses you must saturate the spot thoroughly to get deep down into the padding and springs to neutralize the urine. If the cat has urinated alot in one spot, the mattress can be soiled all the way to the other side! Let the area dry for 24-48 hours without bedding then reapply if necessary.

For sofas the same directions as above apply but always check for color-fastness in a hidden area before using. Cotton is used in alot of upholstery fabrics and is easily bleached. If your sofa pillow cushion covers can be unzipped and taken off (must be color-fast and washable) you can put them in the washing machine. See How to Remove from Clothing, Comforters and Bedding for instructions.

CLOTHING, COMFORTERS, AND BEDDING:

Put the items in the washing machine and pour in enough of the recipe to cover thoroughly. This might take a few gallons depending on the size of the load. Soak for at least 24 hours. Rinse and rewash using normal washing detergent. If any of the odor is still present, soak again for 24 hours, rinse and rewash.

A small area on a comforter can be spot treated by saturating the area thoroughly, letting it dry for 24 hours, then washing the comforter normally in the washer with detergent. Always check for color-fastness before using.

I hope this helps.
Tabbi