What can I do when visiting relatives with cats when I'm allergic?

Question

I am super allergic to cats and I am going to another state to visit my future mother-in-law and she has cats.

What can I take that won't make me drowsy? Something over the counter, as I do not have time to get a prescription.

And what else can they do to help me out?
They aren't going to go out and buy a hepa filter or anything, so something inexpensive.

Answer 1

Yup it is good that you are asking before you go there. The best way to dodge the allergies is to start 4 days before you go. I am allergic to just about everything, and I am a scientist so I'll hook you up with basic stuff to help you out.
Ok step 1- go to your local drug store or Mart. Pick up enough Alevert (or Claratin- same thing) to last a few days longer than you are staying. Start taking them 4 days BEFORE you go. This kind of drug stops allergies way upstream of most other drugs so you have to have them in you for a few days to make sure you are protected when you are actually around the cats and you need to use it every day as the box says.
Step 2- pack extra clothes, especially PJ's and change your clothes and PJ's daily and keep them in your cat free bag- cat allergen is small and sticky it will get all over your clothes fast, so keep clean ones in your bag while you visit.
Step 3- ask if they can vacume before you visit and keep your room cat free and even open a window in there if the weather is good enough. Make this room your safe room. It won't be allergy free, but it will be cleaner.
Step 4- try not to spend time indoors, the less time you are in the house the better you will be. WASH your face as often as you can to keep your eyes and nose free of the little allergy particles.
Do not pet the kitties, no matter how cute they are.
Take pseudaphed if needed to breathe out of your nose if it is really bad. It is ok to take sudaphed with the Alevert. But I tell you the Alevert will work like a charm if you take it 4 days before and each day of your visit.
Good luck!

Answer 2

People that say they are allergic to cats usually really aren't, they just say that because they don't like them and having a medical reason to stay away from them no one can argue with. Its quite annoying. I have 3 cats, none are unpredictable, in fact they are very predictable when you get used to their routine and personalities. They are all nice cats, they were raised with TLC, they only purr never growl and they love being around people. They aren't the kind that hides under beds. I know alot of people with both cats and dogs and they get along fine. Get a kitten vs. a grown cat, the kitten will adapt better since its young. Many times cats will play with dogs and vice versa. See if you can find someone willing to take the kitten if things don't work out, your folks might be more agreeable if there's a back up plan. Be careful with shelter cats, you don't know if they've been abused but you can usually tell whether they are pleasant or mean but if you have never had a cat before I wouldn't do the shelter cat thing for the first cat, wait until you are more familiar with cats and cat behavior. The best cat I ever had was a starving stray kitten I picked up off the streets and took home, she lived over 20 years and was amazingly affectionate.

Answer 3

NasalCrom Nasal Spray - if taken as directed for a few days in advance of your visit it should help prevent the allergic reactions. Continue taking during your visit. It helps stop the allergic reaction before it starts. Antihistamines only curtail the reaction once it's begun (i.e. blocks histamine after it's released from mast cells). However, antihistamines can be used as well but some brands don't work for all people. Claritin is over the counter so i would take one tablet twice a day if you start to feel the allergies kicking in. Finally, if you plan on more visits go ask your allergist about immunotherapy (allergy shots). It is proven to help alter your immune system for the long term alleviation of your symptoms.

Answer 4

There are some really good non-drowsy, long-acting allergy medicines out there. A few are Claritin, Aerius and Reactine. I've tried them and they do work. Other than boarding the cats elsewhere and cleaning really well, there's not a lot your in-laws can do.

Answer 5

in addition to antihistamines I would recommend getting a bottle of saline nasal spray, and use it several times a day. I keep one with me all the time because I work with people that continue to wear perfume that I am allergic to. the saline doesn't make the problem go away completely but it really does help.

Answer 6

This may not be an option since these are not your cats, BUT, I have my cat bathed regularly by my vet's groomer, a couple times a year, (of course she LOVES this - -NOT). Any visiting friends, who usually react to cats immediately with the red, itchy eyes, do not have a reaction when they come to my house, and they are amazed. They make me show them that I really do have a cat.

Answer 7

Go to Wally World aka Walmart & see what's out there for allergies that is non drowsy. There are all kinds of no brand type products you can take.

Answer 8

Claritin D 24. You can buy it at any pharmacy without a prescription, but you do need to provide id. (such as your driver's license). Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, etc. have generic versions that cost slightly less--about $1 per pill. You take one a day.

Answer 9

Here's something my Mom did for me when I was young and had terrible allergies.. itchy eyes.

TEA BAGS.. plain old Lipton type tea bags, moistened, placed on itchy eyes, almost instant relieve.

Then she made me take shots and I haven't had any problems for some 35 years.

Answer 10

Claritin or Allegra