I wonder if there are any other cat lovers here with a cat allergy?

Question

I have been tested and diagnosed with a cat allergy a few years ago (asthma, sinus problems). Giving my cats away is of course NOT an option. How do others cope? Any tips?

Answer 1

Hi there...I have some friends who love their cats and will never part with them despite their allergies. This is a list of suggestions they have found helpful to manage their allergy symptoms to live with the cats in harmony:

There are several allergy products such as Allegra, Singulair, Claritin, Zyrtec that helps alleviate allergy symptoms. Each are different so 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 additional 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.

More helpful hints: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1278&articleid=144

Answer 2

Seattle had some great suggestions. Another thing is the new All small and mighty has something in it that helps clean cat dander and dust mite dander off your clothes (these are the top two allergens). I use that on all our laundry, along with vacuuming at least once a week and brushing my two cats twice to three times a week. If I can (and I have help) I bathe them once a month with a shed-reducing cat shampoo. It doesn't happen too often, since holding a 14 pound cat still in water is like trying to hold a wildcat still. If you can't bathe them, some PetSmarts have a groomer that will bathe cats. It is a little expensive, but every few months it is worth it. My cats are allowed in the bedroom, but not up on our pillows or the top of the bed (only one stays on the bed near our feet). I also use the Febreze allergen reducer spray on the couch, comforter, and carpets after I vacuum. I'm on an allergy nasal spray (Nasonex, but Flonase is good too) and used to take prescription allergy pills. Talk to your allergist or regular doctor and see what they think you should do as far as medication.

Answer 3

I have been tested and I am allergic to cats. Still, that didn't stop me from buying one earlier in Autumn. Love her! My symptoms are basically stuffed nose. The first week was hell... constant sneezing and runny nose and other sinus related stuff. As time went by, my body grew accustomed, so the symptoms only occur if I sleep with her in my room or on the couch in the basement.

I just have to clean regularly and make sure she doesn't leave her fur all over the place; which means the vacuum must be passed at all cost. Other than that, I'm fairly fine with my darling Selene.

Answer 4

I am a extreme cat lover who has been allergic to cats my whole life. When I was a baby I would get really high fevers. But now, I am fine. I do get the sniffles every now and then. But nothing serious. I just try not to be around my cat 24/7.

I am sorry, my answer isnt much of help to you.

Answer 5

First of all, your life is not over even though you have been diagnosed with allergies!
There are some good management hints here in terms of cleaning your house and keeping up with the kittie's dander, but coming from a very busy person who is allergic to nearly everything alive, sometimes the vigilance in cleaning is not possible.
Claritin D changed my life. 3 cats and all my free time is spent in a barn thanks to pharmaceuticals!!
Talk to your doctor, I am sure you can find something to help you manage.

Answer 6

not me, personally, but my cousin has cat allergies. She doesn't allow the cats into her bedroom and takes allergy medicine if she's going to be around them a lot a certain day or her allergies are acting up. She also takes medicine when she's cleaning her house, because her cats shed a lot and stir up her allergies

Answer 7

when I was younger my sister REALLY wanted a dog.. she knew she had dog allergies.. and didnt want one of the "hypo allergenic dogs" so she went to the doctor every 2 weeks and got allergy shots..
now I know allergy technology has improved so you should talk to your doctor

feeding better foods will help reduce the dander (all foods in grocery and Wal Mart are CRAP too much filler not enough real meat for cats - this creates increased dander)

good luck - glad you are not giving your cats away!

Answer 8

Im allergic to both cats and dogs and yet I still have them. I simply cant part with them. And on top of that I have sinusitus. To deal with this I keep fresh pillowcases around to change often (I have a water bed which to my cats translates as giant squishy heating pad. I've given up trying to keep them off of it.) I keep all bedding and fabrics fresh and clean.

My cats are only fed high quality foods (Iams, Eukanuba, ScienceDiet) to prevent excess dander and I keep lots of Febreeze Allergin reducer on hand.

I find the best thing to do is just keep things nice and clean and make sure I wash my hands after playing with them, lint roll the fur off of myself and keep its contact with my face at a minimum.

Alot of people think Im nutty for having as many as I do with my allergies, but if you adore them, you'll find out what works and stick too it.

Answer 9

I easily have 3 cats! a million. A DSH 15 twelve months previous orange tabby which I have been given from an advert interior the paper whilst he replaced into basically a toddler. 2. A DSH siamese-calico dil, she'll be 2 years previous in December. I accompanied her on the humane society whilst she replaced into 6 months previous. She has FHV. 3. A DSH calico dil. i in my view do no longer comprehend how previous she is. I accompanied her additionally on the humane society in July, 2007. They advised me she replaced right into a million twelve months and 2 months previous yet i think of she is approximately 3 or 4 years previous. Love all of them very lots!

Answer 10

I am fine as long as I keep the cats out of my bedroom. We used to let them sleep with us but one insisted on sleeping on my pillow. Since making the bedroom a cat free zone I don't have much issues now.