Allergic --- HELP!

As a child, we had a beautiful Siamese cat, whom I loved dearly. I never had a problem with allergies. However, when pregnant with my daughter 4 years ago, I developed a terrible allergy, and cannot be around cats without sneezing, itchy eyes, trouble breathing...the whole nine yards.

I've promised my daughter that we'll get her a kitten for her 5th birthday. (It's the only thing she talks about!) That gives me a little over 15 months to either begin allergy shots, or find a breed that I will be less allergic to.

Can anyone help me? I've heard from a coworker that her Russian Blue does not bother her husband's allergy, and this month's Cat Site home page refers to the possibilities surrounding the Siberian breed ("Breed May be Answer for Allergic People").

Any assistance you can offer will be greatly appreciated!

How about a spinx? They are hairless (not really just real close coat) They look different, but I think they are so-o-o-o-o cute and very intelligent. I know there are those members who own spinx at this site and they can tell you more

I know that different people have alergies to different proteins in cats' saliva (which dries on the fur and becomes dander). I have heard about some people who are only allergic to certain breeds. Breeds you should look into are the Sphynx, the Rexes (Cornish Rex and Devon Rex) and Siberians. You will have to visit catteries and spend time with cats of that breed to see if you are allergic to them or not.

Ask your doctor for more info on the shots (or have her refer you to a specialist). It might be the best solution or not.

Let us know if you find out anything interesting.

I am so very glad you have joined us!!! I moved this thread here, because I thought you might get more responses on different types of breeds that might not cause such allergic reactions...I hope I made the right call.
Good luck!!!!

I have heard that Ragdolls are good for people with allergies. I'm and not sure if this is true. I know my hubby is allergic to cats and our 2 Ragdolls Don't bother him.

It really goes back to what Anne said. People with allergies will be allergic to different cats. People can even be allergic to the Sphynx with no hair. It is when the skin sheds it's layers and get trapped in the hair. As Anne said, the best way to know for sure is to visit each cattery and see if there may be a problem. All the cats listed above are good bets. This is the first I have heard on the Ragdoll. It sounds like your allergies are pretty severe. You may want to think about the shots. I would hate to have you stop breathing. Over time, your body may build a resistance again.

Yeah, that's the best idea! I'd go to different catteries and see how you do. My husband had no problem at the Ragdoll cattery until a pregnant female came up to him (the breeder thought it might be her dander). The first time I read about Ragdolls it said they were thought to be hypoallergenic. I wouldn't buy one until you see how it effect you though. Good luck!

By the way Sandi, Munchkins are too cute!

Thank you...yes, I thought that they were cute too..thats what got me hooked. I will have to remember about the ragdolls.

Many many folks with the symptoms you describe have been able to have Siberian cats - as a past breeder of them I have many success stories - but you need to visit with a Siberian breeder to test your allergies - there are some all over the US - may I invite you to: http://www.Taigasiberians.Homestead.com click on the breeder pages and see if there are any breeders in your area - if you have any questions on SIberians just ask - they are my favorite subject. Linda

Tray to fain a breeder as has Siberian and tray to visit them to se if you react.
It is writhen one many web page in Russia about this and the Siberians.
You scud reed about it. Very interesting.
Many people have Siberians and do not react to them in any way.

I caution you on the sphynx - if you are allergic to the saliva, then you would be allergic to the sphynx as they do lick themselves - so having hair or no hair isn't a guarentee.

I advise you with any breeds to contact a breeder and get to visit the cattery - that's the only way to tell if you are allergic or not. Don't be buying a kitten without testing it in person. If you are allergic to it, then you will have the problem of returning the kitten if you have it shipped!

sorry my error

As far as Ragdolls being hypo-allergenic, it is a myth that was created years ago, by the founder of the breed to further the breeds success. I would say if you are allergic to a cat, a Ragdoll shouldn't be any different. However, I second what some others are saying about visiting the cattery, or a home with a specific breed you may be considering, and test your allergies. I think it is pretty much a given in our home, if any of our family developed allergies, shots would be the only choice, as parting with our four legged family isn't something any of us could part with.
Are there certain things a person with allergies can do to help live with allergies easier? Frequent bathing, washing hands after petting the cat, don't let the cat lick you. I am sure there may be many suggestions to help with the allergies as well as shots.
I was allergic to cats all my life, until I became pregnant with my first child, and my allergies went away.
Good luck, and it is hard to say "no, to a beginning cat lover isn't. At least, she didn't want a monkey for her birthday...LOL

It is possible for a person to have built up an allergy from non-exposure. My sister has allergies to pets (sneezing and itching/swelling if scratched). She found that after having the same pet for a few weeks to a month, she gets used to that pet and the symptoms disappear. Maybe you could find a way to trial/test a pet like fostering before adopting. Not to mention, through the process of fostering, you help out a rescue and give a cat(s) some much needed attention and care. Just my 2 cents Good luck!

I am one who has been extremely allergic to cats all her life. My allergies are bad enough to land me in the hospital, but I'm lucky in that taking 2 antihistimines a day keeps it in check, sometimes I need more. I have discovered that I'm not allergic to Siamese (or Siamese/Himmy mix) or Bengals. Both of these cats have a different type of fur which may be the reason. I visited a Bengal breeder for a couple of hours and never once had a reaction to them. My neighbor had the Siamese/Himmy mix and I was able to stick my face into his fur, breathe in....and nothing.

I also agree that visiting catteries is an excellent idea. Some people can get use to cats they have lived with a while. My cats still bother me but at times I can go days without needing the antihistimines. Because of my allergies kicking up a few notches when I'm around new cats, that's why I've decided to start fostering for Siamese Rescue. I wanted to be around cats that won't cause me more health problems...not to mention I love the breed.