Many of us have experienced a fair share of allergies. Imagine the discomfort of ongoing itchiness, scratchiness, and wheeziness. It’s enough to make even the most amiable of us feel irritable. Now, picture a cat in the same situation, dealing with itchy skin in an unfamiliar shelter environment. It’s not a pretty sight.
Here’s the story of a gorgeous senior kitty, Ivy, who found herself at a New York SPCA with severe skin allergies. Her story is another reminder that adult cats can be like diamonds in the rough in any shelter environment. Given a chance, they shine and make purrfect companions.
Allergies Were Making Ivy Grumpy
When Ivy arrived at the Dutchess County SPCA, she was a beauty with pale blue eyes and a white coat crowned by her distinct black head marking. However, her chronic allergies irritated her skin. Naturally, she didn’t want anyone to touch her because it didn’t feel good. Besides that, being in an unfamiliar place was scary. Most cats in such an environment are on high alert, whether they have allergies or not.
Given the situation, it didn’t look like Ivy could find a home anytime soon. But then she met a caring long-time volunteer named Mary.
Images via Dutchess County SPCA/Facebook
Ivy Finds a Foster Mom
Given Ivy’s needs, the shelter kept her to herself in the office. Unlike the other cats, she needed a special diet and medications and didn’t enjoy interaction much. Even so, something wonderful happened when Mary met her.
“She had no hair on her tummy or the inside of her legs, and she was pulling her hair out due to the itching,” Mary explained.
Knowing Ivy couldn’t thrive in a shelter environment, the staff asked Mary if she would foster her. Once at home, Ivy blossomed, and the bond between them only grew stronger. As the kitty’s allergies subsided, her true purrsonality emerged. Rather than shying away from touch, Ivy loves being cuddled!
“One of her favorite things is to sit in windows and watch the birds, rabbits, and chipmunks. She also loves to sit on laps and get lots of cuddles, especially from me,” Mary said.
The Rewards of Adopting a Senior Kitty
Given their strong bond, Mary and her family wonderfully decided to adopt Ivy. They knew they could ensure ongoing treatment for her allergies. By that time, they had fallen head over heels in love with the sweet senior.
“She bonded with me, and we fell in love with her, so we decided to give her a forever home. We also realized that she needed medication to help with her skin, and we were willing to provide that for her,” she said.
When the DSCPCA asked Mary how Ivy had changed her life, she explained how rewarding caring for her has been. As Ivy’s health improved, she became a happy, funny, and cuddly companion.
“Adopting Ivy has made me realize how rewarding it is to adopt a senior special needs animal. They are often overlooked at the shelter because of their age and health problems. They have so much love to give and need to have a family and home in their remaining years,” she said.
You can see more on the DCSPCA website, Facebook, and Instagram.
