is it possible to own a cat if you have allergies?

Question

if you can become immune to the cat, about how long would that take? (or is it different for each person?)

Answer 1

yup, I have 3 and i am allergic to all animals, trees, smoke, pollen, mold, dust, etc etc etc

i take my allergy pill everyday right along with my birth control pill, that way i never miss either. If i have an attack anyway, i have nasal crom to help control symptoms, and then i take benedryl right before bed (since it knocks me out) and by morning the allergy attack is gone.

i also give my cats baths once a month with a tub full of water and shampoo for cats or a gentle human shampoo. and brush them regularly in between. you'll also want to vacuum often. try to block off any places that your cat could hide in that's not easy to get to to clean, because hair will collect there, causing you pain, and you'll never know its there.

they also make a product called aller-pet that is a liquid that you spread on the cat to help with allergies.

as time goes on, you'll be less and less susceptible to your own cats, but other people's will still get to you. but this is over a couple of years.

Answer 2

Depends on how severe your allergies are. I have many cats and allergies and am ok. Yes, I'm sure I have more symptoms than if I didn't have cats. But I love them and their worth it (the cats, not the allergies) However it would be fair to your prospective pet to check first. Some peoples allergies are severe enough that they can not even enter a home with a cat. Go to a friends that has a cat or more... see how you do. If you don't run out of the house in misery, you'll probably adjust alright. Stock up on some allergy meds and enjoy your new friend!
Good luck

Answer 3

Yes.

You can take allergy medicine if the allergy is not too severe.

If you have a serious allergy, you can take shots. Doctors discourage people from taking them because the oral medicines are so good. However, the advantage of shots is that after you take them for a while, you are actually immune.

You can get a Sphinx which has no hair, or a Cornish Rex which has 1/2 the hair of other cats.

You can wipe the cat off with a damp cloth every day. People are actually allergic to saliva proteins (not dandruff) that the cat leaves in its fur when it washes itself. By wiping it off every day, you greatly reduce the amount of allergen.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Depending on how bad your allergies are yes you can. You need to get a prescription allergy medicine that works good for you and make sure you take it religiously. I have seen many people in the medical field that own animals they are allergic too and still be able to live with them. The key is finding the allergy medicine that helps you the most.

Answer 5

I'm allergic, but I can't help it I love cats. I've had my since I was 3 and now I'm 16, so maybe I've just grown immune to her, but there are some days where my eyes water and stuff goes on. But I wouldn't give her up for the world!♥

Answer 6

eventually you will become immune to the cat hair and dander. Depending on the individual, it possibly could take weeks or even months.

Try getting a dog instead.

Answer 7

yes if your around a cat for a long enough time you can become immune to the cat.

Answer 8

Yes. My step-dad is allergic to cats and my parents have 2 (and one is a long haired cat). My step-dad takes these liquid vitamins called Liquid Life. They seem to help him. Or you could always go with the hairless cats, they look weird but they are very sweet.

Answer 9

Yes, I own a sphynx (hairless cat). Also some shorthair breeds like a bombay korat are hypo-allergenic felines. You might want to do some homework before getting cat. Not evereyone reacts the same.

Answer 10

the best thing is to talk to your doctor about having a cat in a home if you have allergy to cat fur.