im allergic to cats and so is my brother but i really want a cat.?

Question

all my friends have cats,and they love them, is their any type of cat or way i can have one?? like is their a breed that i could get? see my brother has really bad asma and allergies and i am just allerigc normaly.. plz help me

Answer 1

Sorry, the hairless cats won't help much. What you're actually allergic to is called dander - it's the skin flakes, saliva, urine, and all that gross stuff. Hairless cats still have that!

This article will help you with how to live with a cat: http://cats.about.com/od/allergiesandcats/a/allergictocat.htm. My husband is allergic to cats, and I have asthma, and these tips really do help. If you really want a cat, use these tips and check in with your doctor - don't let people tell you that you absolutely can't have a cat.

By the way, when you bathe your cat, use the kitchen sink, not the bathtub. Use hotter water that you would for yourself (cats' internal temp is about 101, ours is 98, so they're more comfortable with warmer water) and wear a plastic apron. Hold the cat's front paws between your fingers in one hand, and wash with the other. The washing doesn't have to be too involved - after all, cats bathe themselves constantly! Use a mild soap and rinse well.

Answer 2

I too am allergic to cats, but I have one and I love her. :-)
Try to get a cat with short hair. The shorter the hair, the less dander they tend to have (and dander is often the source for allergies).
Just be prepared! Have a lot of allergy mediciation on hand and take it when needed. (but don't overdose!). I took Benedryl when I first got my kitten. Try to hold out from taking it as long as you can. This helps your immune system get used to the allergen (the cat). After about a month and a half, I'm totally fine now. I rarely sneeze and my throat doesn't swell anymore.
Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm also allergic to cats ( became allergic after I had my son), he is also allergic. He says that if he keeps his cat inside only, then it isn't too bad. Me, I just sneeze and sniffle ALL the time, but I wont my 2 cats stay inside. I vacuum a lot, and wash my hands often. I LOVE my cats!!! In regards to your brother, could your cat maybe stay outside..garage or porch? Or maybe you ought to wait till you no longer live in the same house?? Oh, I almost forgot...get a real good air purifier for your house, and, of course, check with your Doctor first, maybe he can help with a course of de-sensitizing? Good luck, but remember, the longer you have to wait for anything the sweeter it becomes when you do get it.

Answer 4

my neice used to break out in hives when she was even near cat fur but then she started getting these allergy shots twice a week for a whole year and can now comfortably be around cats. My son is also allergic to cats but we own 6 and after prolonged exposure to the cats day in and day out his immune system built up immunity and no longer shows any signs of allergies to cats.

Answer 5

Unless you know precisely what type of allergy he has, and how it may be able to be controlled, I am sorry to say you will likely have to forgo a cat. At least while you are living at home with your brother.

There are cats that are advertised as being allergy safe, but they are also very expensive. In addition, there is no guarantee that it will work out.

Answer 6

Maybe you will think Leapord Geckos are cute, reptiles cause the least allergies of all pets because they don't have fur etc.

I wouldn't reccomend getting a pet you are allergic too, it will not be good for you or the Cat.

Anyway Cats don't exist.

Answer 7

Don't do it, unless you want to go get the shots once a week it will make your brothers asthma a lot worse, its not worth having a cat, I know they are cool, but they all get dandruff, and that makes us have an allergic reaction, and with your brother, his throat can close up

Answer 8

No real breed. Best thing would be to get a short hair or no hair cat.

I used to be allergic too. I got it and for two weeks my eyes were swollen. After that my body got used to it.

You can beat your allergy, But I would suggest having a stock of Claritin D until you win. (Helps A LOT)

Answer 9

If your brother has bad astma in addition to allergies, the continuous presence of a cat in his home could be life threatening

Answer 10

You can get a hairless cat, since your allergy is actually to their dander. Alternatively, you could take a daily medication to mitigate your symptoms depending on how strong they are.

If this doesn't work out and you want something furry that will cuddle with you, I would recommend a rodent since you're probably also allergic to dogs. Rabits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, and hamsters can all be very affectionate and soft to the touch.