As a loyal reader of Kristi Barlette's upbeat column, I was offended when cats were listed along with rodents in her "What a girl likes, or not," Aug. 18, column.
I learned she has "an allergy to cats so severe [she has to] carry an epiPen." However, listing them with rodents, who are placed by most on the level as vermin, was totally inappropriate. Cats that are not tossed aside as trash by ignorant humans to become terrified and feral are domestic animals that many of us have as pets.
Having worked in physical therapy in Capital Region nursing homes, I was awed at the comfort and companionship resident cats brought the elderly. They were quiet and easy to care for and offered mutually appreciated companionship when given a lap to sit on. Charlie the Cat at the former Eddy Ford Nursing Home in Cohoes gave comfort to the most seriously ill residents, right up to the moment of their deaths. Many who dislike and even hate cats have never had one. They insist upon comparing them to dogs, which is absurd. They are totally different species.
Even rodents have found a positive place in man's life, even if it happens to be their misfortune to be used as research animals.
Ms. Barlette was not up to her usual intelligent and high-class standards by placing cats along with rodents in that context. Cats suffer enough.
Frances Bartholomew
Albany