Have you ever wondered why your cat keeps on peeing on your bean bag? Maybe your cat is choosing to pee on your bed or even your couch. Either way, there are a few reasons why your cat might be doing this. If you identify the reasons why then there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to address the root cause of the issue.
Your Cat Isn't Naughty when they Pee on your Bean Bag Chair Cover
The first thing that you need to know is that your cat isn't purposely naughty. They aren't seeking revenge, either, contrary to what you might think. A lot of people believe that they need to punish their cats for urinating where they shouldn't, but this is not the case. There are so many legitimate reasons why your cat may be having behavioural issues. Some of them may require medical attention, as well. If you want to find out more about that, then take a look below.
Medical Problems
If your cat is peeing on a bean bag, then this could be a sign that they are having medical issues. Whenever your cat exhibits a change in behaviour, it helps to have them examined by a vet. There are no exceptions to this. After all, some serious medical issues can cause cats to stop using their litter boxes. Some of them include diabetes, arthritis and even urinary tract infections.
Peeing in Higher Places
Believe it or not, places like
bean bags and even beds feel safer to cats. Chairs, bean bags, beds and counters all have surfaces which are higher than the floor. This means that they have a better view of what is around them. The elevation is perfect for cats as it gives them the chance to identify and even escape any potential threats. You may know that your home is completely safe, but does your cat? Probably not. Survival is always their first priority, and cats don't want to be ambushed, or put in a position where they are not safe. Sometimes your cat peeing on the bed or even on the bean bag may indicate that they feel safer there when compared to going in their litter box.
Issues with the Litter Box
Believe it or not, some cats don't actually like enclosed litter boxes. Your cat might not feel secure using their litter box because from their point of view; they may be setting themselves up for another animal to enclose or corner them. If you want to stop your cat from peeing on your bean bag chair cover or if you want your cat to feel much more secure, then you may want to make a few simple changes to your litter box. Cats need changes at the end of the day, and if a single litter box doesn't feel right then, you may need to have a few more scattered throughout the home. The litterbox rule tends to be one per cat, and then one for the house. If you have four cats, then you will need to have five litter trays. The locations of them will also play a massive part in whether or not they decide to use your bean bag. If you aren't sure where to place your litter boxes, then try and put them somewhere that has a good view. You also need to try and make it difficult for other household animals to use them. Avoid closets, cabinets and small rooms if you feel as though this is the root of the issue.
Relationship Issues
Mild or severe disputes with other resident animals can cause issues for your cat. They may start to pee on the couch, the bean bag or even on the bed. Catfights often occur over territory, status or even resources. It may also happen if you introduce other animals to the house too quickly. The result? A cat who chooses to pee on the couch, on the bean bag chair cover, the bed or other locations, as it means that they can quickly vacate because of the higher ground. I f you want to help your cat here, then you need to evaluate the situation. You need to make sure that you separate any new cats and that you introduce them gradually to your other resident animals. You also need to try and add more vertical territory as well. One way that cats show their status is where they sit. If you want to help your cat, then you need to try and make sure that they have at least 5 feet of height that they can go to. In addition to this, you need to try and add some scratching posts and horizontal scratchers as this will help cats to try and mark their territory.
Separation Anxiety
Cats are not often solitary. They form very close attachments to their owners and to other animals as well. Cats who are sensitive might become anxious when they know that their favourite person happens to be away for some time. The cats might respond by peeing on the bed or even on your bean bag as it is saturated with the human scent. They will be trying to mingle their own scent with that of the person who they love. Separation anxiety really can be heart-breaking, but there are steps that you can take to try and help your cat to feel more secure when they are at home. During your activities, you need to make sure that you do activities that they enjoy. The more you do this, the less they will feel abandoned when you leave. It may also help to place smaller towels and other items of clothing that have your scent on them in a sealable bag. When you do this, you can then give them one for every day that you are away.
Training your Cat
If you are the proud owner of a new cat, then you need to show your cat how to use their litter box properly. Training your cat how to use their litter box is a straightforward affair. A lot of cats arrive in their home knowing how to use a litter box by watching their mother. If your cat needs to be trained how to use a litter box on the other hand, then there are a few things that you can do to try and help them.
What you Need
If you want to start your cat on the right path in terms of their bathroom habits, then you will need to have a couple of supplies. You will need a litter box- and as mentioned above, you need to have more than one. You will also need to have one extra for the house too. If your litterbox is just too exposed, then your cat might not feel safe enough to use it. When choosing your kitty litter, you will soon find that you have a huge range of options. Some of them are very expensive and don't clump. You also have eco-friendly options which are made from materials like pine pellets. Sometimes cats are very particular and won't use a litter box if they don't like the smell or the texture. Your best bet would be to try and start out with a standard litter that doesn't clump. When your cat is trained, then you can easily change it out for something new. You can also use toys so that you can create a positive association with the litter box. Eventually, you can wean them off, giving them a treat every time.
How to Train a Kitten
If you want to train your kitten, then you will need to start as soon as they arrive in your home. Settle your kitten in and let them sniff and examine the litter box. If you want to get the best result out of your litter box introduction, then make sure that you do not move the litter box after you have introduced it. If you do move it, then you may end up confusing your cat, and this is the last thing that you need. Set your cat in one of the boxes right after a meal or after they wake up from a nap. If you notice your cat behaving like they might need to go, then try and make sure that you pick them up and put them in the box. Whenever you notice your cat trying to go in their litter box, then try and reward them and praise them too. Never punish them or scold them if they have an accident on your bean bag chair cover. If you do, then this will cause them to experience stress and anxiety. If you are not careful, this will make the problem even worse.
Cleaning your Litter Box
It is so vital that you take care of your litter box. This will help you to eliminate that cat smell from your home, and it will also make using the box a nicer experience for your cat as well. Scoop the box out on a daily basis and replace any soiled water if possible. Clean and disinfect the box whenever you change the litter and also make sure that you use mild soap and water. If you use disinfectants or harsh chemicals, then this might end up being harmful to your cat and this is something that should be avoided.
Litter Training, an Older Cat, to Stop Peeing on your Bean Bag Chair Cover
Typically, older cats will be used to the litterbox by the time they come to live with you. You might run into a challenge if the cat you have is a former outdoor cat. That being said, they have all of the instincts to help them to learn what the litter box is for. Getting them used to the box might end up being your biggest challenge. If you want to help them, then fill up the box with some outdoor soil and then gradually and more cat litter so they become used to the scent, and stop using your furniture.
Troubleshooting Your Cat
Some cats can be very picky about the litter box conditions that they go in. If you don't feel as though your cat is litter trained properly then you may need to change the size or the shape of the box. You also need to make sure that you look into whether or not the box is covered, and if you can do anything to give them more privacy. If you have an older cat, then it may be that you are dealing with joint pain. The sides of the box may be too high for them to climb over, or it may be that they need to try and step on something. Of course, if you have a bean bag, then they can climb up this relatively easily, and this may be what is providing your cat with a comfortable place to go. If your cat uses the litter box regularly and then stops, and uses your
bean bag, then this could indicate that there is an underlying problem. You may find that your cat is experiencing some stress or anxiety. If this is the case, then you need to try and talk with your vet. When you do, you can then count on them to give you the help and support you need. If you want to try and stop your cat from peeing on your bean bag, there are a few things that you can do. And if you follow the above tips, you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to stop them. It may also help to replace the bean bag chair cover, because if that still has their scent on it. This may be encouraging them to go. This is the last thing that you want, but a new cover will remove the scent entirely.
