Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/29/2008

Question
Hi,
I have been through hell and back in my trek to get a cat. My first experience
ended poorly. I found the perfect cat. A black tabby that I rescued from a
shelter. She was a very shy cat originally according to the foster mom. She
came out for the first time when I came in and followed me around. So in a
sense she chose me. So I Got her home, let her walk around, showed her the
litter box, showed her some toys and let her relax. Of course she hid for a
while. Not comfortable. Finally that night out she comes. She starts scenting
me and getting comfortable with me. Immediately after she started scenting
me I noticed my skin Hiving up.  I was allergic. The more she touched me the
worse it got. I thought maybe it was just all the rubbing on the skin and
hoped it would get better. I had to leave that night for a short period to run
an errand and thought that would give me a break to relax skin wise. I left
and came back to find she pee'd on the sofa. Yes she knew where the litter
box was.. I  saw her use it at the shelter so she is well trained and saw her
use it at my place. But she used the sofa. My question is why did she
randomly opt to do it there? Was she saying she didn't want me to leave? How
does one fix that?  In the end my allergic reaction never stepped it got to the
point where I had to get rid of the cat. The reason I ask this is because I have
now had allergy testing done and gotten all that I need to counteract my
reaction and have even played with some cats at shelters and the like with no
reaction. Thank god. So I wondered if you might answer this question about
what my prior cat did so in case it happens again I know why and how to fix
it. Thanks.

Answer
Adam,

I'm sorry our other expert is no longer available so I am trying to get her questions answered.

Every cat is different with different personalities, temperments, and experiences.

The other cat may have had a urinary tract infection, in which case she would avoid the litterbox because she would associate the pain of peeing with the litterbox and go elsewhere.

She may have been upset, stressed, and scared when you left and 'had an accident'. The bladder is a cat's stress point.

When you get a cat, it's best to get two. They are comfort for each other when they are alone, they have someone to play kitty games with, and to snuggle with. It's easier having two because they learn together and it takes the pressure off of you to keep the cat amused.

I hope this helps and that you have a good experience this time.

Tabbi