I wasn't going to relate the second part of the story because it may be too horrible for more sensitive readers - not to mention the ridicule I am subjecting myself to.
The Browning XT was laying in a foam lined Americase, which was open. After I came back into the room, I closed the case and put it away. My cat had left the scene of the crime, and cat pee is essentially invisible. However, after 24 hours in a gun case, it develops a particular odor that is hard to miss. Also it contain certain chemicals that a nickle hydride finish is not resistant to.