Cat allergies

My fiancée and I just got a great maine coon kitty and then the unthinkable happened.....I've been having an allergic reaction to him. My eyes get itchy and the most prominent symptom is a sore throat. I had cats growing up and have never had this issue before, is there anything else that can be going on? Is there any other option besides allergy shots and getting rid of our new kitten? I have tried Claritin but it isn't really helping much..any advice is appreciated

Sometimes you have to try different antihistamines to see which ones will work for you. Zyrtec works best for me.

If it's just been a while since you've been around cats, sometimes just waiting it out works.

I am on Zyrtec, as well as just added Singulair to my regimen for allergies.  I am allergic to dogs and cats, but them not being in my life is NOT an option.  I work daily with them as well (Veterinary Receptionist).  There are products you can use on your cat to help keep the dander down.  Allerpet C is what I use once a week at my house.

joshgw1 said:

My fiancée and I just got a great maine coon kitty and then the unthinkable happened.....I've been having an allergic reaction to him. My eyes get itchy and the most prominent symptom is a sore throat. I had cats growing up and have never had this issue before, is there anything else that can be going on? Is there any other option besides allergy shots and getting rid of our new kitten? I have tried Claritin but it isn't really helping much..any advice is appreciated

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I had a mild cat allergy most of my childhood. Because I grew up with cats, I did grow out of it -- this happens sometimes to people who are young and not too severe with their allergy.

There's lots of stuff you can try.

I can also attest to Zyrtek, though it made me a bit sleepy for the first little while I was on it.

You can try vacuuming with a HEPA filter, wiping kitty with anti-dander wipes, washing clothes or kitty more frequently, and other stuff to control to amount of dander that physically accumulates in your house or on your cat.

And you know, if you really want cats to be in your life, the shots might be worth trying. For some people, a full course permanently lessens or eliminates allergies. I think there might be a little maintenance involved -- I'm not too sharp on the details. But maybe give it a shot.

I got SEVERE cat allergies. I posted a response to a different thread a while ago regarding how to help out with the symptoms here: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/268185/help-for-someone-highly-allergic-to-cats-please#post_3444593

It might be worth to check it out - I listed all the medications I have tried and ones that work, and how they work also.

cprcheetah said:

I am on Zyrtec, as well as just added Singulair to my regimen for allergies.  I am allergic to dogs and cats, but them not being in my life is NOT an option.  I work daily with them as well (Veterinary Receptionist).  There are products you can use on your cat to help keep the dander down.  Allerpet C is what I use once a week at my house.

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I also take Singulair, but I take it for my asthma. Good call on it being beneficial for allergies too.