My girlfriend wants to move in but is allergic to my cat, should I shave it and make it a little coat?

Question

Or will I have to give it away?

Answer 1

You can't just make it a coat, it'll need at least pair of trousers as well and probably a hat for the winter months.

Answer 2

I'm assuming you are fond of the cat and reluctant to part company - if not then it would be kinder to find it a more loving home anyway.

If your girlfriend's a fit person to have move in with you she won't be put off by the cat, and you can work out together, over as long or as short a period as it takes, whether there's some way the two of them can co-reside, or, if not, what to do about it.

I'd be worried if she's saying "it's the cat or me" already. You could end up with neither!

Answer 3

I used to wash my cats because other people who moved into the house were allergic - worked a treat. You can get cat shampoo for use regularly (see healthgoods link below) - you need to keep them secure and warm after washing - if they don't mind the hair dryer that is a bonus.

You may have to wash them every five weeks or so - usually people are allergic to the dander or the dried cats saliva from when they wash thermselves!

If she will take an anti-histamine all the better.

To me a pet is part of the family - so who is more important ? Pet or g/f? Once you cave in on one thing everything else is expected to fall - you need to compromise to keep a relationship going.

Good luck whatever you decide. These sites give good , if in the case of the BBC toungue in cheek, advice. Don't take the BBC advice literally I don't advocate cat cruelty, but cat washing is a necessary activity in some households.

Answer 4

I would tell her if she is moving in she needs to get some medicine b/c you are keeping your cat. You cant give your pet away. But then again if you are even considering it then maybe you should because you sound like you dont care about it too much to get rid of it just b/c your girlfriend wants to move in. Maybe you could find him a new home where someone will love him......who was there first is what i agree with. Your girlfriend shouldn't care shes the one wanting to move in!

Answer 5

Oh, don't give up the cat. If allergy medicine and/or a good air purifier won't help the girlfriend, let her live in her own house. Unless you guys are serious enough to be getting married soon (and sometimes even then), your cat may turn out to be the more loyal of the two.

Answer 6

It depends - what means more - keeping the cat or having your girlfriend move in with you. She could try some allergy pills and see how she gets on, but I find that these don't work for me. At least then you will have tried. Or ask her if she minds not moving in until you have found the cat a suitable home. I'm sure she would understand and then you won't feel too guilty about getting rid of the cat.
Good luck.

Answer 7

I was gonna tell you to give away the girlfriend (but only coz I'm jealous!), but I can't talk because my mum really does have my cat after I moved in with a boyfriend who is allergic to them!

What do you do if you're allergic to the boyfriend though?

Answer 8

Hi there... The primary cause of allergic reactions to cats is caused by allergens found in the cat sebaceous glands in the cat's skin, rather than the hair of a cat such as the allergenic glycoprotein called Fel D1(short for "Felis domesticus"), it is also secreted via saliva in lesser quantities. When cats lick themselves, they spread this protein, which is rather sticky, and glues itself onto dust particles, the home, your clothing and their fur; whether it's long, short, straight, curly, or naked. As all cats have sebaceous glands, all cat breeds can potentially cause allergies. Allergic allergens are also found in the faeces, serum, urine, mucous, dander, and hair roots of the cat. A study of 321 patients with allergies showed that dark-coloured cats where 4 times more likely to cause more sneezing, wheezing and overall allergy-symptom than light-coloured cats did.

There are over the counter allergy products such as Allegra, Singulair, Claritin, Zyrtec that helps alleviate allergy symptoms. Each are different so have her consider experimenting to see which works best. Additionally, there are allergy injections that can be taken monthly, however most of the oral antihistamines work quite well.


Here are some additionaly helpful ways to reduce dander buildup in the home:

1. Brush the cat daily and bathe him weekly with daily dander babywipe products such as Nature's Miracle found at any pet store worldwide.

2. Use a dander-reducing spray for kitty's coat that will minimize dander such as Nature's Miracle or Allerpet.

3. Replace curtains and drapes with solid blinds, carpeting and rugs with hardwood floors or tile.

4. Minimize overstuffed furniture in your home, which absorb dat dander more easily. Or cover the furniture with a sheet that can be removed and washed regularly.

5. Vacuum very regularly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.

6. Invest in an air purification appliance. Compare the Honeywell and Alpine Air systems.

7. Wipe down walls and flat surfaces regularly.

8. Keep the cat out of the bedrooms where allergic family members sleep.

For more helpful ideas about pet allergies:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1278&articleid=144

Answer 9

By shaving your cat you are going to expose more of the dander that causes allergies. There are some fantastic air purifiers out there. I live with 5 cats and had allergy issues until i got an air purifier, and i can breathe again.

Answer 10

What causes an allergic reaction is not in the cats hair, its the dander it produces. Even a bald cat produces dander. There are 2 things that can help. One is bathing the cat often and lather your pet weeking with a dander decreasing shampoo. It is sold at any petco/petsmart etc.. OR Zyrtec is approved for pet dander. Have your girlfriend talk to her docter to get a perscription if she is willing to take a daily allery pill. Good luck!

Answer 11

Well. do not know how YOU feel but If I had that choice, I would get rid of the girlfriend.. The cat would come first.. NO.. I would NEVER shave a cat. A dog/cat needs their fur as part of their normal everyday functions with elements