I had a very sad weekend. I had to return Nikko to the SPCA (from where I adopted him seven months ago) because I was having severe allergic reactions. Nikko was my first cat, and it never occurred to me to get tested for an allergy to cat dander prior to adopting a cat.
Nikko, a two-year old orange tabby, was my buddy and companion. He was (and still is) a great guy, totally mellow and extremely easy-going. My vet told me that orange tabbys are known for their gentle and friendly personalities. When strangers came over, he would walk right up to greet them, let them pick him up, and even roll over and let them rub his belly.
About a month ago, I started sneezing and sniffling. I assumed it was to molds and dust as the apartment I live in can be a bit drafty. I went to an allergist and had no less than fifty pin pricks on my forearms to test what I am allergic to. Everything was negative, except for cat, which swelled up to the size of a pea.
I was heartbroken. The doctor sympathized, but said for someone with my type of reaction that there really is only one solution. Shots and medications would not be recommended and, if left untreated, the allergic reaction could lead to serious and life-threatening complications such as asthma.
Sadly, I drove home and gave Nikko the biggest hug. I called SPCA, they understood, and said it is very common for people to return cats for this very reason. I debated about when to take him back. Tomorrow. Later this week. Next weekend.
But, ultimately, I knew it would never get easier. And as the days went by it would become even more difficult. That afternoon, I took out his cat carrier (which he despises) and opened the door. Then I gave him some turkey breast, his absolute favorite food, and held him for a very long time.
As I gathered up his food and litter to donate to the SPCA, he actually went into his carrier and stayed there. He has never done that, but I suppose he knew something was to happen, that perhaps his gift to me was an acknowledgment that he knew our time together was short and that he was not going to fuss with the carrier this one last time. Like I said, Nikko is a very special boy.
The SPCA gave me a number I can call to check on his status. I called today. He is getting his teeth cleaned today, and will be put for adoption in a couple days. I pray that he finds a new master that gives him love that is equal to what I gave him. I miss Nikko, but I also know that this was the only decision.
If you know someone who is thinking of adopting a cat and they have never owned one, please ask them to have an allergy test. If they are allergic, it will save a great deal of sadness later on.
Sorry this is so long, but thank you for reading. If I figure out how to do it, I will post a picture of Nikko.
Patrick
Nikko, a two-year old orange tabby, was my buddy and companion. He was (and still is) a great guy, totally mellow and extremely easy-going. My vet told me that orange tabbys are known for their gentle and friendly personalities. When strangers came over, he would walk right up to greet them, let them pick him up, and even roll over and let them rub his belly.
About a month ago, I started sneezing and sniffling. I assumed it was to molds and dust as the apartment I live in can be a bit drafty. I went to an allergist and had no less than fifty pin pricks on my forearms to test what I am allergic to. Everything was negative, except for cat, which swelled up to the size of a pea.
I was heartbroken. The doctor sympathized, but said for someone with my type of reaction that there really is only one solution. Shots and medications would not be recommended and, if left untreated, the allergic reaction could lead to serious and life-threatening complications such as asthma.
Sadly, I drove home and gave Nikko the biggest hug. I called SPCA, they understood, and said it is very common for people to return cats for this very reason. I debated about when to take him back. Tomorrow. Later this week. Next weekend.
But, ultimately, I knew it would never get easier. And as the days went by it would become even more difficult. That afternoon, I took out his cat carrier (which he despises) and opened the door. Then I gave him some turkey breast, his absolute favorite food, and held him for a very long time.
As I gathered up his food and litter to donate to the SPCA, he actually went into his carrier and stayed there. He has never done that, but I suppose he knew something was to happen, that perhaps his gift to me was an acknowledgment that he knew our time together was short and that he was not going to fuss with the carrier this one last time. Like I said, Nikko is a very special boy.
The SPCA gave me a number I can call to check on his status. I called today. He is getting his teeth cleaned today, and will be put for adoption in a couple days. I pray that he finds a new master that gives him love that is equal to what I gave him. I miss Nikko, but I also know that this was the only decision.
If you know someone who is thinking of adopting a cat and they have never owned one, please ask them to have an allergy test. If they are allergic, it will save a great deal of sadness later on.
Sorry this is so long, but thank you for reading. If I figure out how to do it, I will post a picture of Nikko.
Patrick
