I want to own a cat but I'm allergic is there anything I can take to be able to tolerate a cat in the house??

Answer 1

My husband has always been severely allergic to cats his entire life. His throat would close up when he was in a house where a cat lived.
Well he agreed to let me get a ragdoll!! Which turned into 2 ragdolls!! Yay!
He has not been bothered AT ALL. He takes no medications ever for his allergies.
Here are some suggestions:
1. get the kitten used to being bathed. This is good to do whether you have allergies or not.
2. brush your kitten once or twice a week.
3. vacuum often or whenever you can. Hardwood floors are better than carpets. We have hardwood and carpet.
4. Even though I would love love love to have the cats in bed with me at night....this is a no no if you have allergies.
5. There is a product that isn't expensive (under $20) that you can buy in good pet stores. It is called ALLERPET/C. This product cleans the animals hair of the antigens considered to be the prime causes of allergic reactions to cats. It is a liquid and you rub it on their coats and there is no smell, it doesn't bother the cats at all and I know people who swear by it!!!

Hope this helps!
Best of luck!
I hope you get your kitty!!!!!!!

Answer 2

Depends on how allergic you are. I am mildly allergic to cats and I own four of them! :) What happens is that you will build an immunity to your own cat. My suggestion is to get a kitten. Start early with a grooming routine, and use wet pet wipes. Don't let the cat go in and out. This will have to be an indoor cat strictly. This will cut down on the allergens that are coming off of the cat. Then as with other types of pets, wash your hands after handling the cat, and do not allow them to rub into your face. I find that my allergies center on very itchy eyes whenever I allow too much "face time" with my cats. But I am not the sneezing, throat closing allergic that my sister in law is. So be fair to yourself and the cat. If you are going to be very allergic and will have to end up finding a new home for the cat, then don't bother. Better to get a pet you can keep and love then one you will have to give away.

Answer 3

Get a short haired or hairless cat. Comb the hair daily with a 'slicker' brush designed to get all the loose hair out.

There are also products spray/dry bath for cats; the idea is that most people allergic to cats are really allergic to a protien in the cats saliva or dander and this product reduces that. Here is one companies website, there are probably others.

http://www.allerpet.com/

Answer 4

Your allergist might have an idea. Unfortunately you may find that you are trading life with a cat for the risks and side effects of a medication. I am allergic to cats - my reaction is an asthma attack. Although I love cats, I decided that I really didn't want to be sucking on an inhaler every few hours just so I could keep a cat in the house. The other alternatives - keeping it outside or isolating it in one room - didn't seem fair to the cat. Sneezing and gasping for breath didn't seem fair to me.

Answer 5

I am allergic to dust mites and my husband to pet hairs. We only have one long haired cat. Other than routine check up at the vet, we regularly clean the house - it works even without having a cat!
My cat goes and plays anywhere in the house. We shaved her 8 months ago and she doesnt shed as much anymore plus it helps her digestion. I take Rhinaris but my husband doesnt take any for his allergies. Your doctor should be able to give you information about living with allergies while having a cat. Good luck.

Answer 6

There is some really comprehensive information on allergies on this Bengal cat breeders site:
http://www.hdw-inc.com/allergies.htm

And this site gives the top ten tips to reducing your allergic reaction:
http://cats.about.com/od/allergiesandcats/a/allergictocat.htm

I've heard that Devon Rexes are good cats for allergy sufferers - these are the ones with curly coats, funny pixie like faces & extremely big ears.

Though there are a lot of conflicting opinions out there! Apparently, what most people are allergic to is the dander - a mix of cat saliva, skin flakes & fur ... lovely.

I've seen Siberians, Maine Coone, Bengals, Cornish Rex & Sphinx all recommended as causing least allergic reactions ... but the one that mentioned in most places is the Devon Rex.

Apparently, they're great cats, good company, fun & affectionate ... plus they have that really unique look.
http://www.catsinfo.com/devonrex.html

a cute kitten:
http://www.catsincanada.com/breeders/uploads/Tonjankev.jpg

Hope this helps

Answer 7

I am dreadfully allergic to cats, and yet we have seven indoor cats. I cycle the over the counter allergy meds every six weeks and maintain my tolerance. We invested in a Dyson Animal vacuum, which does an incredible job of fur catching. I change my A/C filters every 2 weeks. When weather permits, I keep my windows open to air out the house.

I have always been determined to not let my cat allergies rob me of the little furballs, so I just live on maintenance over the counter meds. My doctor said that they aren't harmful long term, and that the prescription stuff won't work any better for pet allergies.

Their love is worth the itchy nose and eyes, and you may find that over time, you become less and less sensitive to them.

Answer 8

My brother was very allergic but we were able to have cats because my mom kept the house very clean (vacuum every day). He had a special airfilter in his room and the cats never came in there.
Also, some breeds give less allergy problems like the short hair Abbesijn (don't know the english word for it, sorry).

Answer 9

I guess my answer would depend on how allergic you are. I am allergic to all animals, but live with 5 dogs and 3 birds in my house and work with animal all day long. But my allergies are not severe and can be controlled with Benedryl. If yours are worse, you may not be able to live with a cat. I have to say something about the suggested Allerca cats though. I think that genetic engineering is just wrong on a basic human level.

Answer 10

Must you have a cat if you have allergies? Try a fish in a tank. Anyway, Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec are some of the allergic meds out there. See your doctor to prescribe something for you.