While picking up a rental vehicle, a woman from San Diego noticed a young cat crawling from underneath it, and despite her feline allergy, she decided to take her home. But the cat came with a big surprise.
In a viral TikTok video shared in March, the poster said that because of her allergies, she thought that “disqualified me from being a part of the cat distribution system,” but she was wrong.
“Not only was I incredibly wrong, but also clearly, the person who got offered before me said double it and give it to the next person, because the kitten that chose me, that came out from underneath my U-haul that I picked up on Saturday, is heavily pregnant,” she says in the clip, as she sits in the tub, helping her.
After taking the cat to the vet, the poster discovered that she was heavily pregnant, and was in fact about to give birth, so she went home, and started nesting with her, and now, the cat won't leave her for a minute.
“I'm so confused because the people at U-haul said she was a feral cat, but like she is just the sweetest velcro baby, if I move she moves, which is why I'm sitting in the tub, because I was sitting out of the bathroom and she was meowing for me so I was like alright, we'll go nest together.
“Anyway, I've been calling her Lou, because she's my U haul Lou again, and I'm allergic, so… I feel like I have to keep her though. But… I guess I have a cat now? I guess I am about to be a grandma?” she continues.
The poster, Emily Gay, told Newsweek that despite growing up with animals, she developed a cat allergy in her teens, which for her means dealing with swollen sinuses, nosebleeds, and puffy eyes.
“It's frustrating, especially since it adds extra stress on top of everything else going on—but at the end of the day, it's worth it. Lou needed a home, and I wasn't going to let allergies stop me from giving her one!” she said.
Dr. Erin Tate, vice president of clinical development at CityVet, told Newsweek that about 10 to 30 percent of the population is allergic to cats, and most react to a particular protein, Fel d 1, which is produced by cats' skin, anal glands, saliva, and tear glands.
While cat allergies can't be eliminated, there are precautions you can take to avoid getting a reaction.
Dr. Nita Vasudevan, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek that allergic cat owners can use HEPA filters in their home to trap dander particles from the air and avoid a reaction.
Vacuuming frequently and using allergen-reducing sprays on furniture and fabrics can also help. You can also brush, bathe or wipe down your cat weekly with vet-approved wipes to help reduce dander on their coat, if your veterinarian approves.
“As always, washing your hands and changing clothes always helps decrease spread of fur and dander. Some cat owners also find success with prescription allergy medications or allergy shots (immunotherapy),” Vasudevan said.
“If symptoms are severe, working with an allergist alongside your veterinarian can help find a personalized solution.”
If despite trying multiple solutions your symptoms keep getting worse, you may consider limiting direct face-to-fur snuggling and always washing your face and hands after petting your feline.
@uhaulou
Gay confirmed that Lou gave birth to four “perfect kittens,” which she's still unsure about keeping.
“I will actually be moving onto a ranch in a few weeks. And while they are actually looking to add some barn cats to the property, I have never had an outdoor cat and I worry about their safety. Time will tell what happens I guess,” she said.
She also found a way to manage her allergies while giving Lou the best home.
“Right after taking in Lou, I checked in with my doctor, and she prescribed me a daily antihistamine that's a bit stronger than over-the-counter options. I also use eye drops and a nasal spray when I'm feeling extra stuffy,” she said.
Air purifiers and window fans, have also helped her keep the air circulating throughout the day, clearing some of the dander particles out of the way.
“Starting my mornings with a steamy shower really helps clear out my sinuses, and I wear a mask anytime I do a deep clean of Lou's space or scoop the litter. It's definitely an adjustment, but worth it,” she said.
By sharing Lou's story, in her very owner profile, @uhaulou, Gay wants to show internet users the reality behind caring for animals, especially newborns/babies.
“I used to work in a shelter and I found that kittens and puppies always got adopted and often returned within a few months because of how much work they are,” she said.
“While this entire process is adorable it would have been much easier if it was an elderly cat that had crawled out from under my U-haul.”
The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 455,000 views and 59,300 likes on the platform.
One user, PatientZero, commented: “Antihistamines. The distribution system does not acknowledge allergies as a valid exemption.”
TC said: “Congrats on becoming a mother AND grandmother all in one day!”
Elisa Caballero added: “I live on permanent anti allergy meds bc my three cats are more worth it than my respiratory system.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
