Dear Abby: A cat would do wonders for my mood, but my husband refuses to allow one

DEAR ABBY: I have been medically retired for three years. My husband, who has always been a stay-at-home dad, is now on Social Security and is home with me. He has a variety of interests and is healthy and able to get around more than I am.

Earlier in our marriage, I had a cat, “Miss Kitty,” who was my companion and whom I adored. She would greet me at the door and lay with me when I was sick. I had her for 22 years. At the time, my husband helped with her litter box and feeding.