Lilla writes:

Subject: Toilet Habits&Psychology

6 months ago, a friend of mine moved in with me, bringing with her a 7 week old male kitten. We have shared the responsibility of him, but she has spent rather a lot more time out of the house than I, as I am unable to work at present. Although never having owned a cat before, I do feel that I have trained him alone, teaching him not to use his claws and teeth during play etc.

I have recently had a complicated knee operation and my friend has moved out temporarily whilst my Grandmother comes to stay in order to help me recover. My housemate comes back a few times a week to see the cat/ collect clothes etc.

My Grandmother went home last week and my friend returned yesterday to find that the cat had urinated on her bed and managed to get inside the duvet cover to defecate. She seemed unaware of the psychological possibilities for his doing this, claiming that he was still learning. I see this gesture of that as an unhappy one, but can't find any articles to back up my theory.

I have spoken to various people and we all seem to agree that he has done this for a reason, perhaps he feels unloved or that she doesn't give him enough attention, or is this a sign that he doesn't like her very much anymore? I do feel that he is now my cat as I care for him and have arranged all of his vaccinations etc.

My friend is intending to move abroad after Christmas and I really feel it would be best for the cat to remain here rather than be rehomed.

Do anyone else have an opinion on why he may have done such a thing?

Thanks!