Calico Peeing on My Bath Mats

by Mark Rotner
(San Jose, California)

My Maddy

Hi from Maddy. I have a long haired Calico, Maddy. She is a love and is adored. I try to cater to most of her needs.

At night while reading in bed she is on the bed either kneading my shoulder or the comforter; a behavior I know is really positive.

She walks around most of the time with her tail in the air. She is very shy and will only come to me or let me pet her. I am her best friend (and she is mine).

For the past 1 1/2 years we have had a problem with Maddy eliminating on my bath mats. Only on my bath mats and nowhere else. I took her to the vet and there were no problems physically.

Last year I realized it started when someone new came into the household. That person is gone and the behavior curtailed for a while. For awhile, I ran out of bath mats and was using old towels on the floor, she even went on those.

Recently I bought all new bath mats and all of a sudden the behavior has started up again. I *think* the behavior has started since I got a new lounge chair in my bedroom. I sit in the chair and watch TV at night.

Maddy cannot get close to me when I am in the chair; something she is used to doing when she so desires. I have picked her up and held her while sitting in the new chair; something she does not care too much for.

She is happy and well adjusted. There does not seem to be any other changes in her environment. Could I be right about the chair? Any observations, help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.