first, everlastingly first, make sure there's not some sleeper health issue with your little gift-givers. remember that a major reason for close encounters of the out-of-box kind is urinary tract infection. if everything checks okay, you've probably got some separation anxiety going on. when things are hectic at my house, i have one dear little kitty, Isak, who loves to plot a course for my most intimate items--pjs, bed linens, towels--and leave little decorations of both numbers. i have learned that if i calm down, speak softly, don't get too upset, my sweet Issy responds in kind. Cats are very sensitive creatures, and they do these unpleasant things because they are trying to tell their people something, usually that something is distressing them.

so, please bear with these felines. i put a vinyl shower curtain, covered by a washable blanket, over my bed after it is made--cleanup is simple. i don't leave piled-up laundry sitting where Isak can find it, because it is an invitation to her to tinkle. a little imagination and creativity and calm will prevail with our kitties.

incidently, i took Isak to vet when this first began happening, and she had an extensive uti. she looked perfectly healthy, but she was a sick girl. Isak is also clever and intelligent, with an awesome sense of humor, and she reacts to my mood. if i'm upset, i can expect a poopie on my pillow. she's a mood barometer. what i mean is, examine your behavior to see if that is what affects your cat. if it's separation anxiety, there are steps you can take to reduce the stress for the kitty, like a wind-up alarm clock that simulates a mother's heart beat, or a personal item with your scent on it, or a tape of your voice played at strategic times throughout the day. let your imagination and compassion be your guide.