We've had her for 14 years. boobalah has developed such severe allergies and his doctor is now telling him that Max is killing him. We've had her since she was a kitten so this is very hard on us.

I'm searching for NO KILL shelters.

If any of you in the Bay Area would like Max the cat, I'd like to meet you.

I used PetFinder.com to find my two. I did a quick search in San Francisco and found:

http://www.givemesheltersf.org/index.htm

You might be able to get the information you need there. Sorry about Max. I happen to be mildly allergic to cats, but have two anyway.

(I'm also mildly allergic to dust, pollen, grass, etc. so what's one more irritant.)

so sorry that you have to give away Max. I'd take her if we were in the area, but I know you'll find someone who'll love her like you do.

I'm so sorry. Such a hard thing to do.

You might look into a cat/pet rescue group instead of a shelter. They usually have fostering programs which would be a more comfortable environment for Max until he's adopted. Here's one of many I found while googling rescue groups: http://www.bayareacatrescue.org/.

Also, contact your vet. Often they know of people looking for pets.

Good luck.

So sorry Mare...hugs

I thought I was in the Sabres forum where everyone is lobbying to get rid of Max Afinogenov! LOL (Max has GOT to GO!)

Seriously, though, this stinks and an unfortunate part of life. I've been the recipient of two cats that were ousted from their home due to allergies. I was so happy to give the kitties and good home and the owners peace of mind that their cats were in good hands. Its important to let prospective owners of Max know that, although kittens are so cute and adorable, they also miss the litterbox...that is when they finally get used to using it...and they like to chase things like toothpaste caps around the house at ungodly hours of the night. Hence, older cats are GREAT additions to people's homes because they're calmed down and very polite roomates...unlike kittens that can be furry terrorists that like to shred whole rolls of toilet paper just for fun.

Good luck finding Max a new home. I know this hurts, but if you find him a good home with someone you know, at least you'll be able to visit and your house will be much more tolerable for...boobalah?

I got a very nasty email from a rescue organization yesterday.

"No we can't. We can't possibility understand how you can give up a 14 year old cat when you can put it in a separate room."

This person obviously doesn't understand how bad allergies can build over 14 years and that pet dander is all through the house and will be until she is removed and we've had some deep cleaning done.

I'm still looking. Thanks for your good thoughts for all of us.

Some people can be so cruel that are 'pet people'. We had some really rude breeders respond to us when we were looking for our dog, Junior. He's an Old English Sheepdog and we had always heard that they are great with kids, so we were shocked when we got a reply from a woman that yelled at us for considering getting an OES with a toddler. "How DARE you!" she said. Well, we got one anyway from another breeder and Junior is just like one of the kids around here!

Ignore that lady...she's cold and insensitive. You'll find the right home for Max...just keep looking.

Aww, I'm sorry this happened to you! You're doing the right thing, so don't let this rude person make you feel bad about your decision.

Can you ask friends/coworkers/etc?

I know shelters, especially in CA and other areas with housing issues are having a really tough time. If you are able to do so, I'd also offer a donation to an organization if they do take Max in.

Someone I know had a cat show up at her house and she isn't a cat person. She has been taking care of the cat while trying to find a safe place for it. I've been trying to ask around for her but to no avail. If we didn't have 2 cats (and 2 dogs) already, I would've taken the cat myself

Mare, Have you tried http://www.towncats.org/ ? I adopted my cat from there 9 years ago and they are a no kill/resue shelter

Thanks for the links everyone. I will try those places.