When I think of cats, several memories are jogged for me:
- my first cat, Manson, at 4 weeks old, sleeping with me every night – so tiny and cute. She loved to play, remained very small as a full grown cat, had several litters of kittens, and eventually, after my move to Iowa, ended up being my mom’s cat (1994-2007)
- Luna and Mira, sisters, joined us 2 years ago despite Reuben’s allergy. Reuben’s allergic reaction ended after a month of having the two kittens and he hasn’t reacted since. They bring much enjoyment to our lives in their playfulness and cuddliness.
- Eden’s first word. Eden was enthralled with the cats from the beginning. At 8 months, she would point to one of the cats and say “kah”. By about 11 months, she would say “itty” and a month or so later, “kitty”. Eden just loves the cats and tries to catch them. They are getting more and more willing to let her pet them.
One more memory will soon be made with our little pair of cats. We are having to look for a new home for them. We are absolutely devastated and still in shock. Unfortunately, Eden is very allergic to both dogs and cats. We just found out today. About 4-5 months ago, Eden broke out in a rash on the backs of her upper arms. The Dr. was sure it was a food allergy and as we had just started feeding her strawberries, we thought she was allergic to that. Eden would scratch at her arms during naps and at night. The eczema just kept hanging around. We eliminated other foods and didn’t know what was making her scratch. Then we booked in to seeing an allergist. I had my first suspicion about the cats when we returned home from camping last week. During the week out of the house, she didn’t scratch at all. Her arms completely cleared up and she was very happy. As soon as we returned home, her nose started to run and she became irritable and clingy and again began to scratch.
The Dr didn’t think Eden would grow out of this allergy either. He said her reaction was very strong and he usually doesn’t see that type of reaction in a 15 month old. So we are looking for a loving home for our pair of 2 year old, tortoise coloured cats. If you happen to know anyone around here, please let me know. Then we’ll have to deep clean our house and we’ll invest in an air purifier. We are so sad to say goodbye…
Wow. We’re so sad for you guys! I’m glad that you now know the cause of Eden’s allergy and that she will soon be happy and reaction free, but it would’ve been a lot easier to address if it didn’t involve your beloved pets! Not fun! Big hugs to you guys!
I sure wish Eden could have a pet kitty like you had Manson; can she still enjoy visits with Zoe? I’m looking for a GOOD home!
yes mom, temporary exposure to Zoe won’t be a problem! don’t worry! I sure wish Eden could have a cat too. and maybe when she’s older? i don’t know…
so that is what the rash was when you guys were at our house? i hope it wasn’t in reaction to quincy? so sad you have to say goodbye…i hope you find a great home for the two and that they can stick together!
So sorry to hear this news!, guys. Must be very hard for all of you, and Eden will miss Luna and Mira too. Although we’ve never had cats and are not known as cat people, we have gained a refreshed understanding of the importance of pets in our lives. Boston has taught us alot, and we’ve become very bonded with her. Hopefully, Eden will be able to continue interacting with Boston when you guys visit us.
Hi Heidi and Reuben! i’m so sorry about Eden’s allergies. I just have to comment, as I have had my own allergy struggles… I developed allergies as I got older- I was always the animal lover in my family so imagine my devastation when I was diagnosed with SEVERE animal allerergies in my 20s. I knew I was allergic to cats but when they told me I was also allergice to dogs, I cried. THANKFULLY I’ve learned that there are a few breeds of dogs which are hypo-allergenic. Hopefully someday you can incorporate them into your family and enjoy the richness that animals can bring without the health problems.