by Abbi Sharp

Created on: March 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I have a female cat named Elvis, and I am allergic to cats. Although I have some of the worst allergies known to man I feel that cats are so much easier to live with than dogs. While dogs are needy much like children, cats have the independent spirit I need to be able to focus on my work while still having a wonderful companion to share my home with.

I never wanted to become one of those crazy cat ladies, but I'm afraid that I am. I grew up around the meanest cat that ever lived. Her name was Leaping Lena. She was a sleek black cat that belonged to my father. Stories about my childhood are filled with my battle wounds of scratches from this old, spinster-like feline. After this terrible experience it is surprising that I would even like cats.

At the age of nine I was given a cat which I named Whisper. She was a calico that my grandma gave to me. After a few years I started noticing a hay fever that I got which would leave me with itchy, red eyes that would seal shut. Later allergy tests showed that cats caused me major allergic reactions including the onset of allergy related asthma. I've always loved cats, and this news was more than just a little devastating. As the years went by Whisper passed on, and I was cat-less up until about 5 years ago. A little gray cat started hanging out around my house. This poor little stray looked small and starved so I took her in and named her Elvis. I think it's important to get creative with names.

Because I have such bad allergies I need to keep my living space separate from hers. She is allowed to sleep on her half of my double bed. When she jumps up on it to sleep I snap my fingers and point to her side and she obediently goes to her side. Sadly I've never been able to keep her off of counters and the kitchen table. The funniest thing she ever did was bring me a bird.

I have a cat door, and sometimes in the morning I'll wake up to a dead bird beside my bed. I didn't realize how thoughtful this gesture was until later. She had seen me eating and orange and when I let her smell it she gave me a look like "Oh my, you must be starving."
Being a crazy cat lady is alright with me. I don't have cat knick knacks, but I really love cats. They are sweet yet independent, and never overly needy. Dog people don't know what they are missing.

Learn more about this author, Abbi Sharp.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.