I think I'm allergic to my new kitten

HELP! I've adopted an 8-9 week old kitten and I think I have an allergy to him.

I've had 3 cats for years but recently moved out of the house leaving them behind with my husband who I've separated from.

I had no exposure to cats for 3 weeks until adopting this little guy - could this sudden exposure to a new cat set off allergies that might have been able to settle over the years through prolonged exposure to cats?

It's not fair to take him back to the shelter. It's not his fault.

Are there any suggestions as to what I can do to settle my symptoms?

Thanks in advance )

Yeah, sometimes being away from cats for awhile can make your body "forget" not to be allergic. It could also be the contamination from the shelter. So a bath for him and some Claritin or Zyrtec for you! Hopefully your body will adjust soon.

I grew up with cats but then I went to university and wasn't around them for 8 months. When I came home for the summer I had allergic symptoms to the cat I had lived with for 6 years. I adjusted pretty quickly and was able to live with him over the summers with just a bit of discomfort.

When I left home I got 2 cats from a shelter. It took 2 weeks for my body to adapt to their fur/dander but once I did, their fur/saliva only causes a mild reaction if I don't wash my hands after I touch them and then rub my eyes or if they lick me. Lots of hand washing and allergy medication will help in the transition, but your body should adjust to him eventually.

Good luck!

Thanks guys!

This article may help a little


http://www.thecatsite.com/a/living-with-cat-allergy