Improper elimination on beanbag

Question
Hi,
I have a nearly 2 year old short haired tabby.  He actually looks and acts a little like an Abyssinian and I wonder if he may have some in him.  Recently he has taken to peeing on my $400 bean bag.  The bag is very large so cleaning has been an ordeal.  I have completely removed the odor multiple times yet he still returns to it to pee on it.  I have even caught him in the act and scolded him.  Still, he continues to ruin this once great piece of furniture.  His little box is always clean so i can't see that as the issue.  I am starting to think the only solution is to catheterized him while I am not home.  Can you recommend anyone for this?  I'm not opposed to doing it myself but I just have no real experience in that area.  I do work with my hands a lot since I fix computers for a living, so I feel like I could learn pretty quickly,  I'm just obviously concerned for my cat's well being here primarily.  There are a number of strays in the neighborhood so I could practice on them I suppose.  What do you think?  Thanks in advance for any help you can offer with the catheter idea.

Answer
Hi Erik,

Many people have this issue, and most don't know that there can and usually is a very simple solution.  It is more than likely the material of the beanbag that elicits your cat's instinct to pee on it.  While I always recommend seeing a vet because urinary tract infections are so common and can become serious, it certainly doesn't hurt to rule out the simplest solutions first.  Keep the beanbag locked in a bedroom or closet and ensure he is not peeing anywhere else.  If he isn't, there shouldn't be anything wrong.  My oldest cat Indy will pee on plastic bags, dirty clothes, and cardboard boxes.  I have no idea why; she is in great health, the boxes are always clean, I have the right amount for the number of cats I have, etc.  So I remove those three items from her reach and there is no problem.  My youngest Neira will pee cardboard boxes, so I don't leave any out.  Some cats just get triggered by a certain texture or smell.  For the record, cats will also pee on things when they are stressed or to get your attention, so rule out the texture of the beanbag first.  There is NO reason to catheterize him unless there is a diagnosed medical reason.  Please let me know if you have any other questions or if he starts peeing elsewhere.

Best regards,

Holly Martin
Cat Care & Behavior Counselor
Texas A&M University
B.S. Animal Science