Thread: Help! Urinating/defecating inappropriately when we are away

So as my title stated, we have a wee problem with my boy, McIntosh. (excuse the pun ha ha) We just came home from a camping holiday for 5 days, to find that despite having a house sitter and 3 clean large litter boxes, Toshie pooed on the carpet in my bedroom and weed on the mats on the bathroom floor. Last time we went away for 4 days, he chose the plush pile rug in the loungeroom to pee on. It was ruined. The time before that, he chose the bathroom tiles. I love my darling and I havn't punished him for it, because I know it's not spite, it's his way of communicating he's unhappy about something. He's always been extremely fussy about his litter trays being clean, and if they didn't meet his standards he would choose the floor instead. I went through so much litter trying to meet his standards that I decided to try toilet training him. I persevered for just over 3 months, during which time he was haphazard - pretty good for pees but preferred not to use it for poos, so I decided to ditch that as it was obviously stressing him, he yowled everytime he had to go! I've changed back to the pine litter his breeder used when he was born - pine litter in a seive tray which stays clean for much longer, and I clean them every day to remove solids and shake out the wet litter. So he has been pretty good with using his tray recently, especially now that i have multiple trays in 2 locations. If he takes it into his head one day that he doesn't like one of his litter trays any more (happens often) he has the other 2 to choose from until he decides the other one meets his approval again. It's been working well, but everytime we go away, he urinates inappropriately. This time he actually poo'd on the carpet in my bedroom, which he's NEVER done before. I have put it down to Separation Anxiety. He's very attached to me, and usually follows me around, always meows when I go outside without him, and when I get home I can hear him meowing inside the house as soon as I get out the car. He's used to me going out for a few hours a day, but if I'm away more than that, he gets very demanding, and EXTREMELY vocal. He's the most gorgeous cat I have ever owned, but I'm starting to feel like my house is going to turn into a giant litter tray!!! I really need to find a solution that will keep him content. I can't exactly give up holidays permanently just cos my cat will fret! Will another kitten help?

Current situation: He has a huge cat tree, heaps of toys, pet birds in cages and fish tanks which he finds amusing, window views outside and comes outside with me on regular but limited basis, but he is the only inside animal. I have an outside cat who comes in to eat and who can't stand him - took an instant dislike to him the day she first smelt him. He still watches her and follows her around when she comes in but has learnt what happens if he gets too close. (Doesn't stop him trying it tho ha ha) He gets on well with our cocker spaniel and smooches him all over, but as he's strictly an outside dog, Toshie doesn't get to interact with him very often. He is in excellent overall health, but has an on/off again skin problem in his feet - he is currently under review with vet as a possible candidate for pemfigus folacious, an autoimmune skin disease. He is nearly 1 year old, very playful and affectionate (with me primarily, doesn't really notice my husband exists ), has a good appetite and weighs a healthy 5 kg.

Perhaps another inside only maine coon kitten to be company for him and a play mate when he gets bored and lonely? I thought I would ask opinions tho, as I don't view getting another kitten lightly - tho I would love to!!! And my husband thinks sending him to a cattery is a much simpler option to cope with the inappropriate behaviour when we are away. I would appreciate your input. Thank you!!!!