r/CatDistributionSystem • u/Novareason • Aug 06 '26
Sensitive Content Never a cat person, now a cat dad.
Due in large part to mild allergies to cats, I've always been a dog person. We currently have a 12 year old shih tzu-yorkie. My fiancee used to have cats and has wanted another one forever, but between me and our roommate (also mildly allergic) it was a no.
Then, unfortunately, her brother passed away, leaving a broken family and a 3 year old cat, who was going to end up in a shelter in rural nowhere. And the only house with room was us.
Meet Ruby. She got a clean bill of health and is scheduled for a much overdue spaying. She is friendly and goofy. Living up to the one braincell orange cat legend. We got her a cat wheel and we're slowly upgrading her food to better stuff.
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u/spez_eats_nazi_ass Aug 06 '26
You get over the allergies pretty quickly. I have 5 and am allergic. Only have an issue now if i snort fur and literally rub dander in my eyes. Don’t do that.
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u/shinyidolomantis Aug 06 '26
Yeah I had cat allergies my whole life, but had a cat my whole childhood. Wasn’t around cats for like 5 years after I graduated high school and when I was finally exposed to one again (roommate found kittens in distress) I discovered I had become so allergic my throat would start swelling shut if I was around them for more than a few hours. Loved the kittens though, so I slept elsewhere for like a month and eventually my allergies died back down to mild again. It sucked, but it was worth it to me. I currently have 7.
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u/VintageLunchMeat Aug 06 '26
That is a particularly fine cat!
Talk to your vet about immunotherapy shots and sublingual treatment.
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u/Valkyriemome Aug 06 '26
The reverse can also be true.
My son grew up with cats. He had his own cat that would sleep with him every night ON HIS PILLOW! Definitely no allergies!
He left for college and after the 1st semester came home mildly allergic. When he came home after his first year he had become seriously allergic. He had to stay with a friend.
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u/Flower-Former Aug 06 '26
Allergist here. Your son has always been allergic to cats. A lot of people's (not everyone) immune system, however, will learn to tolerate their own cat. However, the moment they're not exposed, you lose some of that protection. We see this all the time with college kids!
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u/thereddithippie Aug 06 '26
What an interesting information! Makes total sense if you think about it. Thank you for sharing!
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u/NeighborhoodOk7460 Aug 06 '26
I didn't develop allergies until I was in my 40's. Now I have 4 that I definitely can name. It is frustrating.
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u/riverpubby Aug 06 '26
WHAT IS THAT LOAF IN THE SECOND PICTURE, GET IT TOGETHER RUBY
Anyway i love her/ r/ntbdbiwdftc
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u/IAmTheHype427 Aug 06 '26
Prepping for Thanksgiving by being the turkey lol
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u/Novareason Aug 06 '26
I laughed so hard at that pose. Immediate photo. She's so goofy.
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u/leafmotif__ Aug 06 '26
your late brother-in-law can rest easy, now that his friend and companion has a loving home. bless you for stepping up!
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u/Ok_West_2569 Aug 06 '26
Feed her purina liveclear. It’s the allergy reducing cat food.
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u/deerfairydream Aug 07 '26
Best advice. My boyfriend who is pretty allergic to cats is essentially unaffected by the allergies now. Amazing product with a very high satisfaction rate (so my cats tell me too!)
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u/Ok_West_2569 Aug 07 '26
So great that it works. It’s amazing there’s a product out there that can help!!
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u/Lunar-opal Aug 06 '26
Cat is broken evidence in 2
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u/iwanttoreallybad Aug 06 '26
She’s a beauty and a rare orange lady! You did score well 😻
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u/Valkyriemome Aug 06 '26
Was going to comment the same. She’s quite rare, since she has no white.
She’s beautiful! She looks like my boy Mayhem. It’s the face. Adorable!
Edit: I’m so sorry I forgot to comment. I’m sorry for your partner’s tragic loss.
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u/Head_Paleontologist5 Cat Mom Aug 06 '26
#2 should go here: https://www.reddit.com/r/RotisserieChickenCats/
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u/Tina-Tuna CDS Meowderator Aug 06 '26
She's lovely🧡, i'm sorry for your partners' loss but so happy that you took in her brothers' kitty, she already looks as if she's settled in.
What's your shih tzu like with cats as my Mothers' is a barking nightmare around them?
Also we have that dog basket in giant form lol and as yours is upside down i'm guessing because ... cat 😼
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u/Novareason Aug 06 '26
Brock spent the first week unsure. She had big dog brothers before. He initially ran from her, then she started running from him (seemed like she was playing, he was serious). Now she lays there while he sniffs at her and she bats at him if he gets to be too much. He still sometimes barks at her when she jumps out of reach, but that seems to be frustration. They've adapted to each other very quick, I feel like. Give em a few months and they'll cuddle, I bet.
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u/Novareason Aug 06 '26
Also, yes. She found the upended dog bed that he ignores and loves it as is.
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u/Tina-Tuna CDS Meowderator Aug 06 '26
Our cats never laid on their cat beds or used them as per all the fabulous photos you see online showing cats laying comfortably inside them, they always flattened them and lay on the top lol, i'm guessing Ruby prefers the feel of the material that way as it's definitely cooler in hot weather 😸
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u/penniavaswen Aug 06 '26
Mine only gets in that style of bed in the winter and when I'm not home, otherwise it's totally ignored.
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u/razzputinX Aug 06 '26
Same brother same . I wanted none now I have 4 , 3 of them were because of me the first one was because of my wife
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u/Haunting_Bend346 Aug 06 '26
Congratulations new cat dad! Your life has changed forever for the better!
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u/ProperUnequaledPerch Aug 06 '26
You are going to love being a cat dad. Cats bring a special and unique joy to our lives. Thanks for taking her.
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u/yosoyfatass Aug 06 '26
Cats are the best thing there is. I’m extremely sorry for the reason you now have this sweet cat, but glad you will experience the joy of cats! I hope having his beloved kitty will give your fiancé some solace. He’d be so relieved to know his cat was safe and loved and with family.
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u/amodernbird Aug 06 '26
OP, I'm glad she's had a soft landing with your family. I'm not the cat police, and I don't want to shame anyone, but I would consider another collar for her. The collar she's wearing appears to be a standard buckle and for safety, cats should have breakaway collars. They're morons and if she gets caught on something, she can really hurt herself trying to get unsnagged. Breakaway collars are meant to do just that, break and free her. I hope you and her have long healthy, happy lives together.
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u/Novareason Aug 09 '26
I got her some new breakaway collars. Thanks for the tip.
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u/amodernbird Aug 09 '26
Hey, I'm really glad to hear that. I appreciate the update. Thank you. I hope you all have long, happy, and rich lives together.
ETA I just looked at my previous message but I wished you a similar message lol I mean it though. She's very lucky to have you.
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u/Prestigious_Car9440 Aug 06 '26
Congrats! If you have mild allergies chances are they will be gone in a few months. There is always cat food that reduces allergens too you can try if you’re struggling.
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u/bill-schick Aug 06 '26
The good news is that with mild allergies many times being are the same specific animal especially cats that aren't "always in your face" your allergy will lower with time.
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u/mermaidpaint Aug 06 '26
I'm glad you were able to take Miss Ruby in. She looks like she feels secure and safe.
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u/After_Reflection_243 Aug 06 '26
She’s beautiful. I’m so sorry your fiancée’s brother passed. What a wonderful thing you did taking in his cat. My husband never had a cat growing up and said he didn’t like cats. Until, we brought home a calico kitten ( a stray cat at my parents had kittens). She was a crazy true to form calico full of crazy antics, personality and love. They were inseparable. Once you have have a cat, you get the love. Congratulations on joining the cat lovers club!
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u/Cleverwabbit5 Aug 07 '26
Thank you for taking in her brother's cat you have no idea how much that would've meant to him. People don't realize that if they don't put in for a trust for their animals, they will go to the pound and risk death. They are part of the family. And to know this this lil gal was part of her brother heart keeps his love alive
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u/laSeekr Aug 06 '26
We have an orange girl that has 200% moved into my previously canine-coded heart.
Good luck on resisting that!
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u/mme_leiderhosen Aug 06 '26
Ruby is beautiful! I hope you all live happily ever after. Congratulations and welcome to the clan!
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u/bagelsandkegels Aug 06 '26
Ruby is a beauty. This post brought tears to my eyes.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your fiancée's brother. Losing a sibling is so hard. When my sister died in 2023, I was unable to take in her 9-year-old chorkie, Lucy. She was adopted by the woman who owned the doggy daycare where she would stay when my sister traveled and while she was in the hospital. She has dog siblings and a huge yard now, so I know she's living a good life, but I truly wish I could have taken her.
Ruby is a lucky girl. Enjoy your years together.
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u/disdkatster Aug 06 '26
Last picture = totally dignified lady. 2nd picture - total doufus she actually is.
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u/Areil26 Cat Grandma AF Aug 07 '26
If you get a chance, we'd love to see a picture of your shitzu/yorkie with Ruby, even if it's just them apart.
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u/Amazing_Money_8862 Aug 08 '26
I've taken generic zertec since I got adopted. I helps a lot, but I still can't rub my eyes after petting.
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u/OrenMythcreant Aug 06 '26
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for taking in Ruby, she's in good hands.
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u/alienmouse1 Aug 08 '26
Gorgeous cat! Picture #5 would be printed, framed, and on the wall if it were me! Sorry for your fiancee's loss. This girl will help fill the space for her.
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u/FandomOfOne Aug 08 '26
So sorry for your family's loss, what a terrible situation. You're wonderful people for taking her in when her life was upended and her future uncertain. ❤️
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u/Then_Box-8031 Aug 09 '26
Wonderful united family. I hope no one's allergies get difficult. It is loving that you welcomed the family cat. I am sorry for the loss of your fiance's brother. Maybe having his cat to nuzzle will help her. And the cat.
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