One time I started as a French character and he came with a Ship's Cat as part of his starting equipment and the cat made it so rats didnt eat my rations. Can I find this Cat item on other characters? I've checked the shop every time and never see a cat for sale. Is it unique to certain characters or is there another method of acquiring one? 

(NOTE: This topic was edited from it's original subject matter as I solved the question I was asking. For the record that had to do with Spyglasses and I found the setting to restore them to COAS default under the Mod Options section of the Options menu. I understand why it was changed for realism but in my mind an experienced captain with a good scope would be able to deduce information such as the ships guns, and what state the hull and sails are in.)