Colorado Cat Returned Over A Runny Nose Finds The Exact Person His Heart Needed
When a sweet shelter cat was returned by his first adopters due to a minor medical quirk, he had no idea his true forever family was just around the corner.
Love At First Sight
Not every pet finds their perfect match on the very first try.
For a sweet cat named Floyd, his first adoption didn’t work out as planned. He had actually gone home with another family first, but his time with them was short-lived.
His rescuers suspect he was returned for a very specific reason: one side of his nose constantly runs.
But that minor imperfection wouldn’t deter the right people. When Suzy and her now-wife, Cami, went looking for a cat, Floyd made sure they noticed him.
While they were browsing, the affectionate feline simply fell asleep on Suzy’s shoe. For the couple, there was no debating it—this was going to be their cat.
A Unique Little Quirk
Once Floyd was home, his new family quickly learned how to manage his special needs.
Floyd was born with just one sinus cavity. Because of this rare anatomical quirk, his right nostril chronically runs.
Instead of seeing it as a burden, Suzy embraced the routine of caring for her new best friend.
Managing his condition simply means cleaning his nose with a tissue or a washcloth a couple of times a day.
Floyd might run when he sees the tissue coming, but he always realizes how nice it feels to have a clean nose.
An Unexpected Challenge
Despite their deep bond, a significant hurdle emerged a few years into their life together.
Suzy is allergic to cats. If she pets Floyd and then rubs her eye, her eyes turn bright red instantly.
As time went on, her allergic reactions began to escalate. The symptoms she experienced—sneezing and a runny nose—ironically mirrored Floyd’s own chronic condition.
For many people, severe allergies might mean making a heartbreaking decision to rehome a pet.
But for Suzy, giving up her best friend was completely out of the question.
Going The Extra Mile
Determined to keep Floyd in her life, Suzy sought medical help for her worsening allergies.
She committed to a rigorous immunotherapy regimen, getting an allergy shot in her arm every single week.
The dedication paid off. The allergy shots helped mellow out her symptoms, making daily life much more comfortable for both of them.
She still has to wash her hands frequently after petting him, but it is a small price to pay.
As Suzy puts it, keeping her best friend was “way worth it” compared to any other option.
The Mayor Of The Neighborhood
Now nine years old, Floyd is living his absolute best life.
Aside from his sinus issue and a mild case of asthma, he is a healthy, active kitty who still loves to jump and play.
When the weather is nice, Suzy puts him on a leash and takes him for walks outside.
He loves exploring his territory so much that his family affectionately calls him the “mayor of the neighborhood.”
Whether he’s greeting neighbors or sniffing the grass, Floyd approaches life with endless curiosity.
A Cat Of Routine
At home, Floyd is a creature of habit with some very specific preferences.
He enjoys playing fetch, though he sets strict limits on his participation. He will retrieve his toy about three times before deciding he’s done and moving on.
His sleeping habits are just as regimented. He spends the night curled up in his own basket.
However, like clockwork around four in the morning, he jumps up onto the bed.
He spends the rest of the early morning hours sleeping peacefully on Suzy and Cami’s pillows.
The Tail Test
Like most cats, Floyd isn’t always thrilled about taking a bath, but Suzy has developed a clever system.
She fills the tub to a specific level and performs what she calls the “tail test.”
By gently dipping just his tail into the water, she can gauge his mood for the day.
If he leaves his tail in the water, it means he is calm and willing to accept his bath.
It’s just one of the many ways Suzy ensures Floyd feels safe and respected in their home.
Mirroring Each Other
Over the years, the bond between Suzy and Floyd has grown incredibly deep.
He follows her around the house all day, always preferring to be in the exact same room as her.
Cami often jokes that Floyd is a mirror of Suzy. If Suzy goes to the kitchen to make a snack, Floyd will start eating his food at the exact same time.
Their connection is so strong that if Suzy is feeling stressed, Floyd will sometimes even get sick in response.
From the moment he fell asleep on her shoe to their synchronized daily routines, Floyd proved that the family who refused to give up on him was exactly where he was meant to be.
