I am not sure what to do…

[Willow7733]

I adopted kitten recently, something I have wanted for a long long time. I love her so much. But, the past week, my asthma has been so out of control that I had to go to the ER on Friday night. My airways just closed up. I was prescribed an epipen in case it happens again.

The last thing I want to do is have to give her back…but with being allergic to her…if I contact the rescue and say I have to return her (they made me sign a contract that I wouldn’t give her to a third party), they are going to be so angry. I feel bad for them, myself and the cat. What do I do??? I can’t miss any more time at work because the blood problem I have (I have a problem with pulmonary embolisms) I have used up my sick days. It is just me here - I have a student loan, mortgage, car payment. I have to work. A lot. I can’t miss work.

I should say that at the time of adopting Nova, I was certain I didn’t have any cat allergies. I was tested at our hospital. But the ER doctor said there are allergies and intolerances, and that can turn into a life threatening allergy. 🤷‍♀️ So angry this is happening.

[fraid]

The rescue society won't be angry atall and would rather have the kitten back if you are so allergic. Presume you have tried anti allergy pills? You can't always have what you want unfortunately and not worth making yourself ill.

[Willow7733 in reply to fraid]

I have. I am also on three asthma inhalers, the Singular or pill at night…but I had a bad enough asthma experience upside to go to the ER. Now have an epipen, in case it happens again. So frustrating.

[fraid in reply to Willow7733]

Sounds like you need to return the kitten, she will no doubt get another home. 😺

[Willow7733 in reply to fraid]

They were very sorry I am allergic and they said they would take her back no problem. So relieved. I want her to have the best life - and they will make sure she gets it.

[runcyclexcski in reply to Willow7733]

I am happy for you that you now feel better and that they were understanding of your situation.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

If they made you sign a contract to return her instead of passing her on then I assume they're prepared for the possibility that people may have to return animals and want it to be done the right way. You didn't know you had the allergy when you took her, so really they would be out of line to be angry - they ought to view it as you being responsible by acknowledging you can't keep her and returning her asap.

I love cats so appreciate this is really hard to do but it doesn't sound like it is workable for you with this cat. Down the road it may be that you can look into whether other kinds of cat are an option. There aren't 'hypoallergenic' breeds as such so it isn't guaranteed, but I have a friend with severe asthma who is allergic to many cats, but not long-haired breeds like Ragdolls or Maine Coons. She now has a pure Maine Coon and her asthma is fine with him (as you may know it's not just about the shedding, it's about whether you react to the proteins they produce). I'm all for adopting but if you want a cat and you have allergies then you may need to approach it differently.

You may not have this exact situation, but I'm sharing it to show that sometimes it's not 'all' cats for all allergic individuals.

[Willow7733 in reply to Lysistrata]

Ok, I will message them tonight. I will miss her so much. She is the perfect cat.

[Birthday60]

sadly you must consider your health above upsetting the cat. I

[Itswonderful]

you are doing the best thing for you and Nova. It's very hard because you love her but you can't keep being ill. Nova will be fine. Take care.

[peege]

I most definitely wouldn't adopt any other cat in the near future, it's just not worth the risk to your health considering the financial consequences to your life - not to mention the poor puss!

[PaulRosedene]

I am very allergic to all animals now. When I was a kid we had a cat. But now I couldn't possibly live with a cat. We have to learn to live with our asthma. It looks like you can't cope with cats.

Have you seen the lizard in Death in Paradise ?

[lakelover in reply to PaulRosedene]

No-one will have problems with him as he is computer generated!

[Mrteddycat]

I had my cat Speedy for 18 years, now have a rescue cat Teddy 6 years . Both maine coon cats , love teddy to bits. Just recently been told i have asthma ( or she said could be long covid) . There will be someone whol give the kitten a loving home willow though . You need to think bout youre health and future x

Other cat i had speedy. Lol

[Willow7733 in reply to Mrteddycat]

Aw This is Nova…

Nova

[Poobah in reply to Willow7733]

Nova is gorgeous. I love cats too but can't have one as they're a big trigger for my asthma, despite Montelukast really helping (just not enough).

[Mrteddycat]

what a cutie. They are so funny n loveable

[runcyclexcski]

I love cats, and always had them as a kid. But I would never adopt one at this point, even though I am not allergic to them. Allergies can develop anew, and I do not want to face the same difficult decision you are facing now ....