I'd really like to adopt a cat from the shelter, however, I'm allergic to them. It would be an amazing help if someone could answer a few of the questions I've been wondering about:
Is it possible to become immune to a cat that you're allergic to after a period of time?
Are there any cats that are less allergic-reaction inducing than others?
Are there things I can do to prevent an allergic reaction to a cat?
2007-12-02 13:11:39 · 4 answers · asked by J 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
The Siberian Forest cat is bred for people with allergies. Their dna and saliva has been tested negative for the allergen causing bacteria. I have known people who were severely allergic and got rounds and rounds of shots, they are now allergy free from cats. (it took them both a couple of years)
2007-12-02 13:28:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose the most important question is how allergic you are to cats. I'm seriously allergic to cats and am on 3 medications prescribed by an allergist so I could keep the kitten that showed up under my shed. I've had the cat for 14mos now and my allergies haven't gotten any better (contrary to those lucky folks who become immune to their cat over time).
There are steps you can take at home to reduce the allergens in the house. I've attached a link for your reference. The biggest are vacuuming, keeping the cat out of the bedroom and I give my cat an Allerpet bath every week to 10 days to reduce the amount of allergens she spreads around.
They say some there are cats that are less likely to cause an allergic response. I'm not one of the lucky ones there either (sigh). Maybe you are.
If you look at the worst case and you're highly allergic like me, are you willing to see the allergist and take whatever daily medications you need to take to live symptom free with the cat? It's a big, long term commitment.
If you're lucky and your allergies aren't so serious, a daily medication like Claritin or Allegra might work for you along with the steps you can take to at home.
2007-12-02 14:15:13 · answer #2 · answered by jck 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was in my early 20s I got a Persian cat, and when I brought him home I realized I was allergic to him. I kept him though, and after several months I developed an immunity to him and never had another problem with cat allergies. However, it's now 20 years later, and I am more allergic to cats now than I was then. I had many years with my cat, but I'll never be able to own one again.
2007-12-02 13:43:43 · answer #3 · answered by No Shortage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you see an allergist he can prescribe some meds that will pretty much get rid of your symptoms as long as you take them.
My wife is allergic and I have a few cats. She had to go on the allergy meds before we could get married. (Getting rid of the poor kitties wasn't an option).
We've been married 4 years, I still have the cats and she hasn't had any problems with her allergies.
2007-12-02 13:25:02 · answer #4 · answered by jd4640 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋