I'm really thinking I want one, just not sure if my body can handle it.
2007-03-26 14:51:26 · 12 answers · asked by jam_please 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Get a dog. They are loyal for life
2007-03-26 14:58:42 · answer #1 · answered by cookie monster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm terribly allergic to cats, but it's controlled because I've been desensitized to my cats and take Claritin each night. However, he does not sleep on my bed, I do not pet him for long periods of time, and I'm sure to wash my hands after handling him. I also vacuum regularly, feed him TOP quality food (EVO), and he stays indoors.
Hair length has little to do with it as allergies are caused by dander, not by hair.
Doing a "pet interview" or playing with a friend's cat also isn't a great litmus test. I can't touch my friends' cats because I am not used to them. Even while on medicine, I'll get fairly bad reactions if I stay extended periods of times in a cat "dirty" room at a friend's house.
You could contact a rescue group and tell them your situation (after getting on a medication) and ask if they would let you foster an adult cat. If your symptoms decrease as the days go on, keep him. If they don't, give it back and you'll know for sure that you can't handle one right now.
And any cat that you get needs to be kept indoors. It will redcue allergens and will be better for the cat.
Good luck to you.
2007-03-26 22:43:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some new drugs out there that you could possibly try, or, I don't know what your financial lifestyle is, but if you have the money, you can get on the list for the non- allergenic cat. I believe the list is fairly long and I know the cost is pretty high. You could also see how you fair with a Sphynx, maybe with no fur you would be better. Also a lot of people do better with Persian cats as they don't have fur, they have hair, and don't have dander.
These are things to look into.
2007-03-27 04:12:55 · answer #3 · answered by lochmessy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm also allergic to cats but somehow ended up with three. I read somewhere (sorry, can't remember the source) that when you live with a cat/dog/animal you're allergic to, you develop a tolerance to that animal. However, you are still allergic to other cats. In my experience, this is true. I'm fine around my cats but other people's drive me crazy! I would suggest, though, that you keep them out of the bedroom. My cats got used to sleeping with me, and that does sometimes irritate my allergies, but I take Claritin and I'm usually fine. Hope this helps!
2007-03-26 22:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by bendypants 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a Sphynx or Devon Rex or one of those almost hairless cats... a bit pricey though. A Domestic Short Hair, especially if the hair is really really short (like one of my cats) may work too as long as vacuum fastiduously and get one of those "ionic breeze" gizmo that pick up dander and other allergens from the air. Also, there is always Claritin!
2007-03-26 22:04:21 · answer #5 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Prescription antihistamines work for many people, but everyone's allergies are different. I recommend asking your doctor for some samples of different kinds of antihistamines so you don't waste a ton of cash. Take the medicine and play with a friend's cat for a while. If you don't have a severe allergic reaction to the cat and don't feel any side effects from the drug, you're good to get your kitty!
2007-03-26 21:58:47 · answer #6 · answered by Joe 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you're allergic to cats and you get a short-hair cat, you should have less of a problem than if you got a long-haired one... be sure to vacuum OFTEN and use those lint-rollers with the sheets you can tear off and throw away... As long as you keep your house clean and open windows to air it out once in a while, you should be relatively alright.
Also, Over-the-Counter Claritin is a GODSEND.
2007-03-26 21:54:58 · answer #7 · answered by Allo 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
All the people that have allergies have given good solutions for you. My boyfriend is allergic to cats, but is used to ours - although his allergy is very mild. I have also read that getting a female cat is good, because they produce less of the protien that people are allergic to. Basically - people are not allergic to the hair, but to this protien in the cats spit. If they groom themselves, it ends up on their fur. You would want to look at a cat that either has very little fur, or one that produces less of the protien.
2007-03-27 11:01:18 · answer #8 · answered by Karring Kat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't take any chances! Try being around other peoples' cats before you get one. Or go to the humane society and do a "pet interview" where they let you have the pet in the room with you to play with it. Don't just get a cat because allergic or not you WILL get attached.
2007-03-26 22:08:34 · answer #9 · answered by Kim H 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depending on how serious it is, you may be able to get away with a short haired cat and over the counter drugs. talk to your doctor.
2007-03-26 21:58:53 · answer #10 · answered by The Big Box 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋