Is there anything more fun than harassing a feline you love? Actually, I'm very good to her, but I do have time to fill now that I'm not eating constantly. Besides, she purrs as she digs her teeth into my hand....

Hi Gia, Assuming you haven't already figured something else out... I am so sorry to hear you are struggling with allergies in your home! When I was a child I had very severe allergies (constant skin rashes, in fections, congestion, etc.). I can't tell you how many stinky ointments and awful medicines I had to try as a small child and how many holidays I was dragged home early with hives. I was finally diagnosed and treated properly when I was a teen... at which point my dog had to stop sleeping in my room. I was allergic to over 90 of the 110 allergens they tested me for... even ****roaches--as if I wanted to pet them! Anyhow, cats and dogs were both on the no-list. I went through a partial series of allergy shots, but I quit about half-way through. I was still allergic to both cats and dogs at that point. Here's the interesting part. I was tested for allergies again last year--10 plus years later. I have had cats for about 2 1/2 years (never had tem before). I am no longer allergic to them. I think my system may have adjusted as some of the people here have suggested can happen. I remain allergic to dogs, though, and I had dogs growing up. This may be the sort of thing that is individual. Still, if I followed all of the advice my allergist gives me to this day, I might as well live naked in a glass bubble. If you decide you can't keep the cats, I would also strongly advise using pet-finder. It is your best bet, but don't put too much stock in it working out. Summer is a very difficult time of year to place cats -- shelters and rescue organizations are bursting at the seams with kittens. In fact, I witnessed a rescue organization turn away a tiny black kitten two weeks ago... they already had over 1000 cats in their system and had no place to put one more. I would be surprised if you could get a rescue organization to take your animals at all. That is an excellent reason NOT to take them to the pound now -- they are much more likely to be euthanized. If you keep them, there are things you can do in the long-term to make your home more allergy-friendly. Next time you replace your flooring or find another place to rent, look for a home with wood, laminate or tile floors. Carpets contribute immensely to allergy problems. See if you can keep your baby out of your freshly-vaccuumed house for two hours. All of the dander and dust kicked up by the process can settle back down in that time, causing fewer problems. Wash linens frequently in fragrance-free mild detergent, and keep the animals out of your baby's sleeping area. There is a lot more you can do... hopefully you can find a solution that will work well for the whole family. Best, Nikki Johnson

Okay, I need to try out Royal Canin! I looked at their product selection, and the page for the feline Oral Sensitive formula - designed for cats prone to plaque and similar dental problems - has a photo of a young Chartreux. 1. This breed is indeed prone to tartar problems! 2. I've bred and shown Chartreux, and my sole remaining purebred is a boy from my first litter. (we also have a random-bred girl) Yeah, I'm easy. Just ask me which wet cat food I bought when Sheba used a Chartreux for their ads. And I live 1/2 mile from a Petsmart...

I raised mine on Science Diet and they tended to like it.. but they weren't real finicky eaters. When Sadie died in 2003 (she was 18) that all changed as Mraz is showing his true, finicky eater colors!! Currently I'm using Purina ONE indoor weight control formula (mine are free feed, too) and they seem to like it (maybe too much?) but I do give them Iams and will occasionally use a food I get at PetsMart called Royal Canin. The kids love it and there are lots of formulas to choose from.. based on age, environment, even breed.. unfortunately, they grow little piggy noses and piggy tails when it comes out and we go through it too fast! But it's good stuff and I do recommend it. Stef

My cat used to get Meow Mix and seemed to like it just fine. My cats vet recommended IAMS and Science Diet to me. I tried the IAMS and he didn't like it at all. Then I switched him to the Science Diet Senior ( he is 8) Hairball control and he seems to like that alot better. And it triangular.