Oh, no. I'm sorry, too, Pete, and also sorry that I must have missed this thread yesterday.

I used to be allergic to cats though I loved them but couldn't own them unless they were outdoor stray (not feral) cats. I lived in a rural area and they lived in our barn. I kept my contact with them brief, putting out food and water and occasionally giving them brief strokes, then immediately washing my hands. Then a woman friend had several. I took antihistamines before visiting her, but when my visits went longer than the meds lasted I would stay as long as I could bear it. Eventually I got over the allergy! Even when I was still allergic, it hurt when those barn cats died. I can't imagine how sad it is too lose a cat that has been a close companion.