Hi Curt! Hope you are doing well today. Once you get a cat, I suggest you keep the cat inside. Some cats are indoor/outdoor - I would recommend the cat stays indoors only. (You will need to make certain your feline friend has plenty of inside entertainment.) Also, consider wearing a mask and gloves if you are cleaning the litter pan. I've never been a big fan of animals in the bed. Our cat is trained to know that he does not sleep in our bed, and I keep the door to our bedroom shut.
Of course - ask your cancer care team. However-- pets make life so much better! They do provide wonderful emotional support. Good luck, and God bless! ♥️

We took our cat with us to Mayo Clinic during Andy’s SCT. I always handled her box and food etc. She was always an indoor cat. He had zero problems. Sadly, my cat passed away while we were there. We are looking to get another. It will come with all shots, medically checked, spayed/neutered, and be an inside cat. I will continue to take care of his/her daily needs. We have not been advised against it. He misses having a pet companion as much as I do. 🐈 Pets provide enormous mental/physical benefits. Follow what your doctor says and your own heart/common sense.

Curt I hope a cat 🐈 is in your future😃

Hello Curt! Your immune system will be low for quite a while! That will show up in your blood tests as IgM levels. As long as your white blood cells are normal, it means you are doing the right things to ensure your good health while your immune capabilities mature. After all this time, my IgM is still below normal. I only have to take the preventive measures that others without MM do - wash your hands, wear gloves when gardening, and ensure you are eating, sleeping and exercising (walks count!😁). Get a dog, a gerbil, or a cat - just try to have someone else do the kitty litter as the dust particles may contain bacteria. Cleaning it daily and using a clumping litter will help. The other risks are scratches and bites. You can get a serious infection from either. If the area is swelling, warm to the touch or red, see your doctor fairly quickly. They can prescribe oral or cream antibiotics. Actually having the antibiotic cream Fucidin on hand in the house can be very helpful. I've used mine quite a few times! By the way, I've had cats and rabbits before, during, and after treatment - a pet is so emotionally uplifting. Take care, rest, and you'll be just fine!

Having a cat can be a big emotional support especially if you live alone. As long as the cat has it's injections and you take care with litter trays, as has been mentioned, find a mature female to rehome you will have a new friend.