Is there something that I can do (and still keep both)?
2006-09-10 16:28:32 · 12 answers · asked by Lissa 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
i have asthma and i'm also highly allergic to dogs and cats, but also a happy owner of two cats.
i take Allegra-D every morning and i have never had a problem with my cats in my house-they even sleep in my bed with me at nite.
you could buy your boyfriend claritin over the counter but it's pretty expensive so check with his doctor first to see if he can get a prescription for something if he has insurance to cover it. my allegra runs me about 7 dollars a month for 30 pills compared to the 13.00 per box of claritin which i think only carries about 15 pills. zyrtec works really well for pet dander-i couldn't take only b/c it didnt treat my reactions to dust and pollen. prescription allergy medications are non-drowsy so he won't feel groggy or sleepy. most over the counter allergy meds like tylenol allergy/sinus or advil allergy made me sleepy-even the non-drowsy formulas.
you can help reduce the pet dander in your home by using the vacuum frequently and it's best to use one with a heppa filter in it, they work best at pulling dirt and allergens out of the carpet. you can also use an air purifier-this will also pull the allergens out of the air and help your boyfriend breathe easier.
pets are like family to most of us who have them and i know you love your boyfriend too so getting rid of either of them is not an option. try doing the things i've suggested and you all should be happy soon-good luck
2006-09-10 22:06:41 · answer #1 · answered by prncessang228 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your boyfriend is really allergic to cats, then make a choice between your cat and your boyfriend. There is no way to remove all the dander from a cat's skin (it's not just the fur) that will stop an allergic reaction. In fact, if your boyfriend is constantly exposed to that particular allergen, he could get worse and possibly develop asthma. If he develops asthma, you are dealing with a potentially life-threatening emergency, as that particular trigger is a potent one.
2006-09-11 03:01:43 · answer #2 · answered by AFL lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A study by the U of Wash showed that if you bathe your cat in 2 liter of water once a week for two months that you may be able to reduce the amount of allergens on the cat to a level that most people with cat allergies can tolerate. After 8 baths, you can reduce the frequency to about once per month. You must also wash all surfaces that the cat is on and vacuum thoroughly with a Hepa vacuum bag. Investing in a hepa filter might also help reduce the amount of allergens in the air. This takes a lot of work and dedication not to mention scratches and hisses if you have cats that are not accustomed to baths. We have 2 cats that we did this to and they were both kittens when we started bathing them. We did 2 baths a week instead of one. It would be much healthier for your boyfriend to do this rather than load up on allergy medication all of the time.
2006-09-10 23:41:45 · answer #3 · answered by petlover 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I bathe my cats to keep their dander down. There is a product called Aller Pet available at Allergy stores.
2006-09-10 23:34:30 · answer #4 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope... if it is anything like me.... cats and me are a bad mix - a deep allergy capable of triggering asthma attacks - not to be trifled with.
What does it say to expect someone need to go through shot therapy or take drugs continuously to be able to be comfortably in your company?
I feel sorry for you and him. Be gentle but keep in mind while he is fighting the allergy don't expect him to be the best of moods.
2006-09-10 23:45:23 · answer #5 · answered by Steve D 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well, get your guy something for the allergy. Vacume a bit so there are no cat hairs and keep them far away as possible. Some ppl do get use to cats after a bit...
2006-09-10 23:33:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do not Know of any way that you can cure this type of allergy. I am allergic to cats also.
2006-09-10 23:33:15 · answer #7 · answered by jc 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell him to see an allergist. He may need medication or allergy shots.
Brush your cat's coat outside so the hair stays out there.
Inside your house, use an Ionic Breeze or similar air purifier, and make sure your vacuum has a HIPPA filter.
2006-09-10 23:32:25 · answer #8 · answered by Eric 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
buy him some Claritin or other type of Allergy medicine. It takes a few days but it will help.
2006-09-10 23:32:07 · answer #9 · answered by Lucille 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shave the cat. All boys love shaved kitties.
2006-09-10 23:52:52 · answer #10 · answered by JEFFREY K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋