Allergic to my cats!

vanessab25 · Apr 13, 2007

OMG! I just found out that I'm allergic to my kitties and the stupid doctor says I have to get rid of them! There's no way in hell I'm giving them up - I'm so upset right now...!

When I asked her about alternative options she said there is NONE - stupid woman

I beleive there's something called Allerpet that I can use to reduce my allergies...has anyone ever had to use this?? I also know of steam cleaning one's home and bathing my cats will help, I'm sure...

Does anyone have any opinions on this?
I don't want to get rid of my babies - I love them and it would break my heart...

bella713 · Apr 13, 2007

I know there are people that live with cats that are allergic, I know there is something for you to take, I think u need a different Dr. that will work with you on this.

jamasmom · Apr 13, 2007

I agree with Bella 713, you need to find another doctor. I have allergies (not to my cats) mine are seasonal I take Allermax it's available online at Vitacost.com. Good Luck and keep us posted.

katiemae1277 · Apr 13, 2007

I'm allergic to my cats too, granted not that bad, but with 10 it gets to me sometimes

I'm on Zyrtec, a prescription allergy med right now, and it has done wonders for me!

catloverin_ks · Apr 13, 2007

I would definately get a 2nd opinion!! Theres no way I could/would get rid of my babies either....

Best of luck to ya sweetie.

tigerontheprowl · Apr 13, 2007

I'm supposedly allergic to cats and dogs but lucky for me, I have never had an allergic reaction to a cat or a dog. If I was allergic to my cats, I wouldn't stop looking until I found a competent doctor who could prescribe something for me.

alleygirl · Apr 13, 2007

There are also things you can do to help cut down on allergies. I have heard people on here suggest wiping them down once a day with distilled water on a cloth. You can also vacuum daily with a vacuum that uses a HEPA filter, even if you have wood floors. The one thing everyone suggests is to not let them in your bed. Which may be hard if they are used to sleeping with you, but that is one place it will bother you the most. There are a lot of things you can do to help. You don't have to get rid of your cats. I know I have seen a lot of threads on this subject so do a search around and you will find a lot of help.

vanessab25 · Apr 13, 2007

Originally Posted by AlleyGirl

There are also things you can do to help cut down on allergies. I have heard people on here suggest wiping them down once a day with distilled water on a cloth. You can also vacuum daily with a vacuum that uses a HEPA filter, even if you have wood floors. The one thing everyone suggests is to not let them in your bed. Which may be hard if they are used to sleeping with you, but that is one place it will bother you the most. There are a lot of things you can do to help. You don't have to get rid of your cats. I know I have seen a lot of threads on this subject so do a search around and you will find a lot of help.

Thanks AlleyGirl, and thanks to everyone's responses - I really appreciate it, it's made me feel much better

I'm off to the shops to buy a steam cleaner and distilled water.

AbbysMom · Apr 13, 2007

I'm allergic to cats.

Did your doctor prescribe any medications for you?

Here are some suggestions:

Â·\tSet up a cat-free zone, preferably the bedroom. Your cat should not be allowed in your bedroom. You spend a good amount of your time home sleeping, and this would be the best choice for a cat-free area. Dander can build up on your sheets and blankets, exacerbating your allergies. It is worth it to buy zippered, allergy-proof cases for your mattress, boxspring, and pillows.

Â·\tReduce the amount of textiles in your home. Dander gets trapped in soft surfaces like carpets, upholstery and curtains. Consider switching to hardwood or tile floors, leather furniture and blinds.

Â·\tPlace washable blankets and throws where you cat spends the most time. Wash these frequently in hot water.

Â·\tClean your home frequently, wiping down all hard surfaces. Wear a dust mask while cleaning. Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, or use high filtration cleaner bags

Â·\tBaseboard heating systems are better for cat allergies than forced hot air systems. If you do have a hot air system, change filters frequently.

Â·\tBrush your cat frequently. If possible, have a household member that is not allergic take care of this task.

Â·\tWash your hands after petting your cat, or handling any of their toys, beds, bowls, etc. Do not touch your eyes until your hands have been thoroughly cleaned.

Â·\tIf you have been playing or cuddling with your cat, make sure you change your clothes before lying in your bed. Remember, your bed and bedroom is a cat-free zone.

Â·\tInvest in a HEPA air purifier

Â·\tWeather permitting, allow some fresh air in your home every day to clear out some of the allergens

Â·\tBath your pet or wipe them down with distilled water. This reduces the allergens on their coat and skin.

vanessab25 · Apr 13, 2007

Originally Posted by AbbysMom

I'm allergic to cats.

Did your doctor prescribe any medications for you?

Here are some suggestions:

Â·\tSet up a cat-free zone, preferably the bedroom. Your cat should not be allowed in your bedroom. You spend a good amount of your time home sleeping, and this would be the best choice for a cat-free area. Dander can build up on your sheets and blankets, exacerbating your allergies. It is worth it to buy zippered, allergy-proof cases for your mattress, boxspring, and pillows.

Â·\tReduce the amount of textiles in your home. Dander gets trapped in soft surfaces like carpets, upholstery and curtains. Consider switching to hardwood or tile floors, leather furniture and blinds.

Â·\tPlace washable blankets and throws where you cat spends the most time. Wash these frequently in hot water.

Â·\tClean your home frequently, wiping down all hard surfaces. Wear a dust mask while cleaning. Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, or use high filtration cleaner bags

Â·\tBaseboard heating systems are better for cat allergies than forced hot air systems. If you do have a hot air system, change filters frequently.

Â·\tBrush your cat frequently. If possible, have a household member that is not allergic take care of this task.

Â·\tWash your hands after petting your cat, or handling any of their toys, beds, bowls, etc. Do not touch your eyes until your hands have been thoroughly cleaned.

Â·\tIf you have been playing or cuddling with your cat, make sure you change your clothes before lying in your bed. Remember, your bed and bedroom is a cat-free zone.

Â·\tInvest in a HEPA air purifier

Â·\tWeather permitting, allow some fresh air in your home every day to clear out some of the allergens

Â·\tBath your pet or wipe them down with distilled water. This reduces the allergens on their coat and skin.

Thanks so much, these tips are going to help a lot

Thank goodness there's somewhere on the web that I can get info from

clairebear · Apr 13, 2007

I have heard of lots of things that you can do to reduce pet allergies. If this doctor says there's no other option than to get rid of your kitties, then I would look for a new doctor.

ladycat · Apr 13, 2007

Originally Posted by ClaireBear

I have heard of lots of things that you can do to reduce pet allergies. If this doctor says there's no other option than to get rid of your kitties, then I would look for a new doctor.

I think I've only known one person that i would have to say I understood with allergies, she got hives every where even after doing everything under the sun to still keep them and she was very upset, and I've known many people that are allergic and quite happy with owning cats....look at this site!. when I was little i was told I was allergic to cats (I think only certain ones though, various types of dander?).

arlyn · Apr 13, 2007

I'm also allergic and have 6 cats.
I take zyrtec and as long as I keep them off my pillows I can still share the bed with them.

strange_wings · Apr 13, 2007

There are treatments for allergies. People that have a lot of food allergies obviously do not stop eating, doctors treat it.

DH used to be allergic to a lot of food, he had to do 2 years of shots when he was younger. Now he only slight reactions to some foods.

Make your doctor do her job or find one who will.

mybabyphx · Apr 13, 2007

Originally Posted by AbbysMom

I'm allergic to cats.

Did your doctor prescribe any medications for you?

Here are some suggestions:

Â·\tSet up a cat-free zone, preferably the bedroom. Your cat should not be allowed in your bedroom. You spend a good amount of your time home sleeping, and this would be the best choice for a cat-free area. Dander can build up on your sheets and blankets, exacerbating your allergies. It is worth it to buy zippered, allergy-proof cases for your mattress, boxspring, and pillows.

Â·\tReduce the amount of textiles in your home. Dander gets trapped in soft surfaces like carpets, upholstery and curtains. Consider switching to hardwood or tile floors, leather furniture and blinds.

Â·\tPlace washable blankets and throws where you cat spends the most time. Wash these frequently in hot water.

Â·\tClean your home frequently, wiping down all hard surfaces. Wear a dust mask while cleaning. Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, or use high filtration cleaner bags

Â·\tBaseboard heating systems are better for cat allergies than forced hot air systems. If you do have a hot air system, change filters frequently.

Â·\tBrush your cat frequently. If possible, have a household member that is not allergic take care of this task.

Â·\tWash your hands after petting your cat, or handling any of their toys, beds, bowls, etc. Do not touch your eyes until your hands have been thoroughly cleaned.

Â·\tIf you have been playing or cuddling with your cat, make sure you change your clothes before lying in your bed. Remember, your bed and bedroom is a cat-free zone.

Â·\tInvest in a HEPA air purifier

Â·\tWeather permitting, allow some fresh air in your home every day to clear out some of the allergens

Â·\tBath your pet or wipe them down with distilled water. This reduces the allergens on their coat and skin.

carolpetunia · Apr 13, 2007

A doctor who specializes in allergies might have a greater variety of options for you to try...

And I saw in a pet groomer's brochure that there's a special type of grooming for cats that supposedly removes the undercoat... not sure if that might reduce the allergens for you. In any case, good for you for not even considering giving up your cats! I can't imagine how losing a beloved pet could possibly be good for anyone's overall health.

That doctor. Hmph!

miagi's_mommy · Apr 13, 2007

I went to the allergist to get an allergy test and I found out that I am allergic to both dogs and cats (I have both) and I told them once I found out there is no way in heck I am giving my babies up. I took allergy shots, but I am not deathly allergic and so I saw myself getting better and I stopped taking them because I am not severely allergic. I would get a 2nd opinion and ditch that doctor.. there are people who live with cats and dogs and other animals they are allergic to and they manage and wouldn't give up their pets either like myself. I am sure you won't give them up either because you obviously love your babies.

Karen (Abbysmom) gave some great suggestions what you can do to deal with your allergies. good luck!

cococat · Apr 13, 2007

I am not allergic to anything (thank goodness) but have a sister who is allergic to cats. As a kid she used to try to keep them, but never could, even with shots from the doc for her allergies. 4 years after her last attempt with a hairy cat, as an adult, she was amazed that she can comfortably live with Sphynx cats (2). She was worried at first, but long term it has worked out just fine. She gives them a bath often, which I guess does help. She is also very clean and washes everything all the time as far as bedding goes, and has hardwood floors. We have a Sphynx and an in-law of mine is allergic to cats, he never even noticed and was just fine too. They are not hypo-allergenic or anything like that, but SOME people with cat allergies can tolerate Sphynx cats.

samantha1979 · Apr 13, 2007

I can't believe your doctor would just tell you to get rid of your babies!! He/She must not have any of their own. Have you always had cats? I always heard that kids who grew up with pets were less likely to be allergic to them. I am supposedly allergic to grass, pollen, dust, smoke, and everything else that you can be allergic to... does that mean I shouldn't leave my house? lol! Keep the cats! Lose the doctor!!

vanessab25 · Apr 14, 2007

Originally Posted by Samantha1979

I can't believe your doctor would just tell you to get rid of your babies!! He/She must not have any of their own. Have you always had cats? I always heard that kids who grew up with pets were less likely to be allergic to them. I am supposedly allergic to grass, pollen, dust, smoke, and everything else that you can be allergic to... does that mean I shouldn't leave my house? lol! Keep the cats! Lose the doctor!!

That's the crazy part about it...she does have cats, but she only has them to keep away rats, mice and lizards (she makes them stay outside the entire time and never lets them in the house) She says she has no attachment to them! Shocking! What a cold woman!

I like your advice, keep the cats lose the doctor

yeah

I've only had my babies for approx 3 years now...

Allergic to my cats!

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