question for feline behaviorists

[lazygardner]

As soon as I come in the door at home from work the kitties greet me, but as soon as Nickie (youngest of the bunch, female and wannabe top cat), gets into the litterbox and pees... every morning. It is like she says hello, oh its you, now I have to pee?????? I admit, sometimes I come in running for the bathroom, but I have a long drive home and no litter box or bathroom in the car. What is her excuse?

Another amusing note: the favorite cat toy in the house right now is a small rock. it is about an inch and a half across and about a half inch thick; a rounded cylinder shape. I think I brought it inside because it is a fossil.

[newtohosta-no more]

Maybe the excitement of your arrival puts stress on her little bladder? Or maybe she wants you to see her using the litter pan so you'll know she's a good girl? Who knows with cats??

[PeggyC]

Good answers Joan!

[Snow]

I know a lot about feline behavior. And the one thing I know the best is that you can rarely figure out why they do what they do

[lazygardner]

Both excellent answers!

I guess I won't take it as an insult, since no one said she is telling me, "Eh! You are finally home! I pee on you!" *to be said in a gruff french accent*

[doublemom2]

Not to get personal here... but our cat's litter box is in the laundry room which is attached to our downstairs bathroom. She HATES the door to be closed so when she sees anyone headed for that bathroom, she rushes in also. Not always, but often she heads for her litter box when any of us head for the toilet. Kinda like "see, I can do this too!" We just think it's funny and try not to analyze it too much.

Andi

[newtohosta-no more]

I guess we'd need some analysis ourselves if we devoted too much time to analyizing why our cats do what they do. They are mysterious critters and they like it that way.