1. Why did you write the book?
This book is really a companion volume to my “Sneeze Free Dog Breeds” book. I know so many people who love animals but are fearful that, because of an allergy, owning a pet is impossible. That’s simply not true for most people. Careful management and wise precautions usually make pet owning possible. In the book, I have developed a three-prong approach: treating the allergy, treating the cat and treating the environment, with many options for each. I also include a list of cat breeds that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in many people, though there is currently no truly “non-allergenic” breed.
2. What was your inspiration?
My allergic friends.
3. What is your writing process?
I write off and on all day long, starting early in the morning until about 8 or 9 at night. I take frequent breaks to run my dogs, read, work with my rescue group, talk to friends and teach my classes. I teach philosophy and religion at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa.
4. Do you have any other books?
Currently, I have 31 published books on topics that include Buddhism, precious stones, dogs and cats, horses, gardening, myths and multiple other topics. Besides responsible pet care, I have a strong interest in myth and magic. “Good Catkeeping” is my newest book on cats.
5. What has the feedback been on the book so far?
Even I am surprised by how many people are interested in the topic! But then allergies are pretty common; more than 50 million Americans have them, and it’s estimated that between 2 and 5 percent of the world’s population is allergic to cats.
6. Are you a cat owner? How many do you have?
A life without cats is no life at all. I have two right now: Hollyhock (whom I found in my barn as a small kitten) and Meadowsweet, adopted from our local shelter.
7. Do cats influence your writing? How so?
The ancient Egyptians imbued cats with all sorts of divine qualities, and sometimes I wonder if there isn’t something in it. There is truly something special, perhaps magical about this species. There is also something demonic about them, as anyone knows who has ever had a cat on her keyboard while she was trying to work. So, yes, they certainly have influenced my writing — but to what end is an eternal mystery, at least to me.
8. Were certain parts of the book more difficult to write than others? Which ones?
All writing is both a pleasure and a challenge, and in some ways the most challenging parts are also the most fun. Immunology is a complex topic, and I had to spend a good deal of time getting familiar with the allergic response and how it works. Terms such as “perennial allergic rhinitis,” “Fel d1” and “immunoglobulin E” are not day-to-day usage either. Even tougher is trying to write about them in a way that makes clear sense. I do try to use lots of humor in my writing to help the reader get over the tough spots.