The Cat Aunt

Beset with debilitating cat allergies, a North Carolina woman fights for her right to feline companionship.

Photo by Pacto Visual on Unsplash

Many feel that most would not want to succumb to the solitary fate of a ‘Cat Lady.’

But not Louise LuAnn Marshall. Louise LuAnn Marshall would die for the opportunity.

Afflicted with rolling sinus infections since age five, coupled with torrential cat dander allergies, Louise quickly discovered she’d always be a Cat Aunt, and never a Cat Mom. Even the supposedly hypoallergenic breeds sent her spiraling into anaphylaxis.

Despite her afflictions, her love for her sister Eugene’s cats never wavered. When Eugene needed a cat sitter, Louise leapt to the front of the line. Every time. And every time she’d swallow four Benadryls and get a shot in the arm, just so she could enjoy a few sweet hours with her sister’s tabbies.

“My cats are killing you, Louise.” Eugene would scold her, threatening to withhold her felines.