Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my birthday. It was good fun with great food, horror movies (my favorite) and presents. Thank you to everyone who sent me presents and cards! I love all of my gifts!

The most surprising gift of all was my present from Brian. He bought me a cat. Of course, we have had her for almost a week so it wasn't a surprise. However, we wanted to make sure I wouldn't be allergic. I'm sorry I haven't posted pictures until now. I was just nervous that I was going to jinx myself and develop an allergy. Luckily the worst that has happened are sneezes. I don't think they are allergy related though; the cat has been sneezing too! She has been kicking up dust exploring areas of the apartment that Brian and I do not frequent. She has an adorable sneeze that sprays everything around her.

The Decision to Get a Cat

Last weekend Brian suggested that we get a cat as my birthday present. We both immediately became obsessed with the idea. I began searching the internet for information on cats and allergies, as well as information on shelters in the neighborhood. I read online that there is some evidence (questionable evidence) that Russian Blue cats are naturally hypoallergenic. Also, female cats are supposed to less allergenic than males.

The Shelter

So, we made the decision that we would go to a shelter on Sunday just to "look around." We trekked an hour away by subway, to the far reaches of Brooklyn, to go to the New York Animal Care & Control Center.

We entered a room with cats in cages lining the walls. Some hissed, some meowed and lots were sleeping. We saw her and immediately Brian was attached but I was still skeptical. I thought that I would want a new little kitten and I wanted to go look at them first. I went and looked at the kittens. They were cute but the deal was already done.

We went back to her cage and took her into a special room where we could hang out with her for and get to know her. She was so sweet. She is a 3 year old Russian Blue that was found on the street in Queens. We had to have her.

So, we filled out the paperwork and left her overnight to be fixed at the shelter. We went out and bought tons of cat supplies. Monday she was ours.

Her Name

We have named her Livia after the Roman Empress Livia Drusilla. I wanted to name her after that historic figure because I know that the cat will be as manipulative with us as Livia Drusilla was with her husband Augustus.

What She is Like

She is a terrific cat. She likes to be scratched. She likes to sleep all the time. She has no interest in treats or catnip. She also likes to hide under the bed (recall: dust). Livia found the litter box immediately and likes to curl up next to us regardless of where we are.


She is the birthday present that keeps on giving.