I have two cats, and one of them, Jake, I am allergic to. If I pick him up and his fur touches my neck, I break out and itch. If he rubs up against my leg, well, the same thing happens. I have no allergic reaction at all the the other cat. Why does this happen and is there anything I can do about it?
2006-12-20 05:14:12 · 6 answers · asked by Ginny K 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
It's not uncommon to be more allergic to one animal than another, which appears to be particularly true with cats. I have this same problem with my cat Comet but have much lesser symptoms with my 2 other tabbies. Also, it's not the cat's fur that causes the allergies, it's their dander and saliva (which is on their fur, of course). To help be less allergic to Jake, you could try some of the general things that people do to reduce cat allergies: bathe Jake once a week (preferably have someone else do this for you since you're allergic), use a product such as allergy-reducing spray such as Allerpet on his fur; feed a high-quality food to improve his skin health (cat's sometimes have more skin issues depending on their food). Anyway, just so you know that you're not alone. Good luck to you and Jake.
2006-12-20 06:13:08 · answer #1 · answered by Carla W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Misconception on what people are allergic to. Cats produce an enzyme in there saliva that they use to groom themselves. This is a cleaning agent and fur conditioner. Different cats produce varying amounts or concentrations. Some cats groom themselves then others. I am sure this is the reason. The cat you do not react to probably does not clean itself as much. Keep an eye out to see if you notice this. Not much you can do. There are cats for sale that are genetically modified so that they do not produce this chemical. Very costly, buy if you are a fanatic cat lover. I do not recommend washing cats. Long hair cats can be combed and cut to reduce there grooming.
2006-12-21 01:24:00 · answer #2 · answered by Stevo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not uncommon. it has a lot to do with their dander. what they shed off that is under all that hair. i'm allergic to most dogs, because they have fur. other dogs for example the yorkshire terrier have "hair" and do not have the same dander as do other dogs. the length of the cats fur or what ever dander they let off could be what is affecting you. kind of sad because once you're attached to an animal it's hard to rid of them because you're allergic. the easiest thing to do would be to find an allergist who can treat you with allergy medications. your medical doctor will be able to do the same most likely. Zyrtec(i believe thats the spelling) or Allegra-D work well. it's all up to what fits you best. try a few things. if nothing works you might have to give the cat up to an agency or a friend. sorry - good luck
2006-12-20 15:56:03 · answer #3 · answered by LoveYouJoseph 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it is certain kind of cats you are allergic to that make you itch and break out or its the fur on the cat talk to a doctor about the situation so they can give you something for the break out.
2006-12-20 05:21:20 · answer #4 · answered by Kennesia B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds very strange!
Does Jake shed more than your other cat does? Does he eat anything your other cat doesn't, or go anywhere your other cat doesn't?
I really don't know what else to suggest.
2006-12-20 05:21:01 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are wrong. Yuo must be allergic to both of them.
2006-12-20 05:21:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋