We home inspectors are processing a huge amount of information as we pass through a house. Distractions can lead to the inspector forgetting something or making a mistake. While most inspectors use a checklist of some type, part of the job is intuitive and there is lots of data to record and any number of curve balls might be thrown at us along the way. Sellers who bring the wild kids along and, while the inspector concentrates, various underage family members tinker with things --- like the burners on the range -- can be a real risk as well. There are situations that are out of the "norm." Situations where a homeowner has something setup differently than the average homeowner can be a sign of rough waters. You know, the fire-door to the garage is propped open for the pet raccoon, duct tape keeps the broken furnace cover in place. These oddities, and trying to get things back as they were, can drive an inspector to drinking. I had one the other day where it took me, and the realtor, ten minutes to get the hot water shutoff to a tub. I know it was like that before I began, but nobody provided a warning. Sometimes the inspector has to connect the dots to cover the rear appendage. Case in point: Cat. Some people teach the cat to use the toilet. Clue: green insert and kitty litter. I have no clue where said cat was. I know he was in the house because I saw a flash of orange when I was on the outside. Once inside, he was hiding from me. Most homeowners want the lid left down on the toilet. Inspectors get used to doing that as a courtesy. I was done inspecting this first toilet of three and I put the lid down. Then I saw, psychic abilities on my part, a potential "stupid home inspector" complaint in my future. Fact: Despite the cat's low indoor profile, there was a cat lurking nearby. And this was a smart cat, obviously a reader and a doer -- a cat of action. I had to assume that he was used to indoor plumbing because, despite my seeing a scratching post and food and toys, I saw no kitty litter box. If I was to, in my absent-minded delirium, close the lid on this critically situated toilet, I would be putting the cat's urinary tract and digestive system under duress. And, if the cat decided to go elsewhere, I could visualize the call in my future. The phone rings, and I answer: "Hey you inspected my house and you owe me a new rug and a new hardwood floor. And, frankly, the poor kitty needs mental health counseling. What kind of dummy are you? My cat uses the toilet in the master bath, has for months now, and you put the lid down. You are such a moron, couldn't you figure that one out? I hope you are insured and have deep pockets because this is going to cost you a pretty penny." This sounds far fetched, and probably is, but anyone who has been doing this for a few years knows that homeowners think that inspectors are psychic and can foresee all future eventualities, even when the homeowner has some odd ball situation at his or her house. I could have dodged a nearly invisible bullet that time. This is not a profession for those who are easily rattled or stressed-out by accusations or controversy. Thanks for stopping by, Steven L. Smith
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Great writing Steve. YOu physic abilities aren't bad either. Have a great day.
Steven, I wish I could train mine to use indoor plumbing! And you know? No cat could do that much damage in that short a time. Pul-eeze!
Interesting and entertaining post. In the real estate field, you can expect the unexpected. At least you can say that your job is not boring!
Pat,
I have four cats so multiply by four
Too strange -- too strange -- the owners need a sign that says "Cat uses this toilet."
Steve, my daughter had a cat they trained to use the toilet without one of those handy training devices----no idea how they did it :) My idea of a "good time" however IS watching a cat do its thing :)
I learn more from you and Charles than I have from 10 years of inspections I've attended...
Have a great weekend my friend,
Paul
Charlie,
That is one thing that I find weird about you, the things you like to watch.
Steve ~ I don't own any cats and had no clue that there was a green liner thing to put in the toilet for the cat to use it. I would have put the lid down!
Dawn,
Clearly you are hanging with the low-end, bottom feeder, type of feline.
Hi Steve ~ Growing up my father's cat used the toilet - it let itself in too via a tree branch, the roof and an open window. Cats using and / or flushing the toilet are one of my all-time favorite genres on youtube.
Liz
Very astute of you, to observe this. Now if we could only teach cats to flush...
I have never seen that! But, now you have concerned me enough that you have driven me to drinking another hot chocolate.
I have never seen that and would love to teach the cat to use the toilet. Perhaps you should potty train your assistant since he goes in peoples homes quite frequently.
What a great story Steve. I wish my wife's old cat would learn to do that.
Steve:
Wow! This post is a classic. I love my cats, and wish they could use indoor plumbing, so I could get ridof my elaborate litter box setup.
Oh gracious -- you gave me great memories with the kitty on using the home plumbing. Many years back while I was spending 12 years overseas I was "kitty sitting" a friends Siamese kitty while they went on vacation -- this kitty was people toilet potty trained. Fortunately I didn't neglect my duties tooooo long, Thinking "Kitty" was missing its folks I made sure I visited the first day of their leaving. Thanks heavens I did as the poor thing was crying in the bath tub in misery as they had left the potty lid down!!
That was one happy kitty when I turned it up!
Sue of Robin and Sue
Steve - Great idea. I wonder if you can get rid of the liner once they are trained to use the toilet.
What an absolutely awesome post!!!! I have three inspections today for my buyers, so I will watch for this!
Steve, I agree with michael. It would be great if mine used the toilet but I would want her to flush.
Steve, No wonder this post made Pat Kennedy's Weekly Bests! Hilarious. And I'm sure the kitty was glad you understand how he was a reader and cat of means!
Hello Steve - I've seen a few of these. I really hate the litter box here at our house. Maybe we can train our cat! Thanks for the post.
That is so funny. I have never seen anything like this.
Steve, maybe we need to have a class for training cats to flush!
Smart cat, even smarter inspector.
Man I wish I could get my cat to go in the toilet. Wouldn't that be nice! If you have to find some crazy stuff while you are there I guess this isn't too bad huh? It could have been worse...they could have had a pet alligator in the tub. LOL
Steven - I once had an exceptionally smart cat that tought himself to use the toilet. He even would try to flush but wasn't strong enough! He didn't require a special insert for the toilet!
Steve - I have friends with a cat who is both indoors/outdoors. The cat can be indoors for several hours and waits to go outside to relieve himself. It's amazing, no litter box and definatly the cat does not know the first thing about indoor plumbing.
Myrl,
We got one cat who opens doors. That applies to rooms we do not want him in by the way. That would be the one at the right with the yellow collar, although they are hard to tell apart other than by the collars as you will see.
Steve, I've been too busy to do much reading or blogging so I missed this delightful post. I had no idea cats could be trained to use the toilet. I've gotta suggest this to my daughter for her cats.
Steven,
I came from Maureen's reblog. What an interesting situation. i heard of cats trained to use toilets, but was taking more like an urban legend.
Good thing your psychic abilities kicked in, or someone else's psychotic abilities might have.