Cat Allergy Question?

Question

My 4 yr old daughter suddenly discovered the cat. We've had the cat for 3 yrs and the cat never really liked being around the kids and stayed in our basement. It's somewhat finished...but not enough for my 4, 2.5 and 1 yr old to hang out in--so we are usually not in the same room with the cat. In fact, the cat would normally run and hide from them. But recently--like the last 3 wks--the cat has been coming upstairs due to cold and some construction we've been doing down there. My daughter was really into the cat for the past 3 days, picking her up...etc. The cat was in her room, on her bed...etc. Yesterday, my daughter woke up with one swollen red eye. She's been sneezing and has a runny nose too. This morning, her other eye is red. My other two kids are fine--and not playing with the cat. Is this pinkeye due to a cold or an allergy? No gunk in her eyes or discharge. Ideas??? Also, I rather get rid of the cat then take her for testing...

Thanks Steph. Even though she's sneezing and has a runny nose---she's not acting sick. I am giving it a week and see if any of us get sick. There has never been a time where only one of my kids gets sick. When I look at her---she looks like she has an allergy look. I know, makes no sense--but I have never seen her eyes so red. And she was putting the cat so close to her face and stuff.

I did consider the dust in the basement. However, there has been construction in the house since we moved here 2 yrs ago. Technically, it was our kitchen being remodeled...and there was some fallout, dust/nails--when the floor was replaced. It's not horribly bad, but enough to make the cat mad and she started to come upstairs. My husband, dog and I go in the basement frequently. I do laundry down there. But because the basement was never fully finished--the kids are not allowed. When the major demo started in mid January--and the kids and I were out of the house for 8 days of that. But weeks before we left..we knocked out some walls out and stuff. So, I think an allergy would have arose sooner. She has NEVER played with the cat until recently. Also, we have a brand new hepa filtration system going thru the whole house already. I would never have paid that much to keep a cat--not to be mean. And our childrens rooms have individual air filters.

Answer 1

I have allergies to cats and dust. We also have two cats that comes in and out of the house. I know that if I pet the cats my eyes starts itching really bad so I have to make sure to wash my hands before putting them near my face. Wash you face right after petting them helps too. As far as the basment goes if there alot of dust floating around she might be having a reaction to it.
I have read somewhere that most people that is allergy to cat it is because of cat dander. I believe that on the dr.foster and smith website you can buy something to spray on you cat to help relieve the allergy to cat dander ( in case you don't want to get rid of the cat). I hope this has helped you some.

Answer 2

Before getting "rid" of the cat you need to realize that if there is construction, etc. going on in the basement, it's very possible that the cat has dust, mold, all sorts of allergens on it's fur and if your daughter had the cat up to her face she very likely may have inhaled any of the allergens down there. During the cold weather the static makes all that stuff really stick on everything from cat's fur to clothing, hair etc. Invest in an air purifier for the basement as it's not healthy for anyone in your family to be exposed to the allergens,but get a hepa filter one, not one of those ionic breeze or oreck as the doctor told me they produce low amounts of ozone which can cause an actual chemical irritation in people who are sensitive. It's possible it's the cat but the cat dander has been in the air and your daughter has been exposed in the past, so I would guess it's something else. People do have severe allergic reactions to dust during construction from drywall, drylock, isulation, etc. also, if it continues, you really need to get her tested regardless of whether you keep the cat or not because she needs to know for visiting friends, etc. whether or not she's prone to certain allergies. In the mean time you can give her children's benadryl. The chewables really help with allergy attacks. Also, stay away from scented candles, air fresheners, etc as they can irritate the nasal passages as well.

Answer 3

She may be allergic to the cat. But not severely. I am allergic to cats and I have three of them. The only time it bothers me is if im petting and then touch my face.
However, your daughter could have a cold or virus. The other kids may or may not get it. The only way to really find out is to go to the doctor. She may only need benydryl and to not touch the cat.