Cat Hair vs. Dog Hair

babypeaches

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My father has a dog and I have a kitten. The thing is I don't know if I'm allergic to my kitten's hair. Does anybody know if dog hair is like cat hair? Since April has hit I've had bad allergies but usually related to pollen. And it's gone by June. But I'm still sneezing and my throat hurts, and I'm coughing like crazy. I was wondering if cat hair was similar to dog hair because I'm fine around my father's dog, but lately I think I might actually be allergic to my 7 week old kitten. Can anybody help?

Thanks,

Vanessa
 

hissy

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It's really not the hair you are allergic to it is the dander. There are over the counter medications you can take as well as grooming tools you can use on the animals to lift off the dander- brush them in a open, airy area.
 
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babypeaches

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What is Dander? I have a brush for her. But is there anything else that I should buy?

Thanks,
Vanessa
 

tuxedokitties

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If you have a doctor that treats your allergies, it might be a good idea to ask him or her about the kitten. I take allergy shots, and they include an antigen for cat dander. It seems to have really helped.

These links are pretty informative:
http://cats.about.com/cs/allergiesan...giestocats.htm
http://www.petplace.com/articles/artShow.asp?artID=601

I also rinse my cats every couple of weeks with warm water to cut down on the dander (it's the residue of the cats' saliva from when they clean themselves). I don't use soap - the warm water is enough to do the job. But since your kitty is so young you should probably check with your vet first to make sure it's OK (she might be too young to tolerate a bath).

Another good idea is to have someone else brush her for you, so that you're not breathing in all that dander every time you brush her.

Also, try to remember to wash your hands after you've petted her, and don't touch your face while you're petting her, or put her fur in your face (I know it's tempting).

An air filter for your house (especially the bedroom) might help, too.

 
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babypeaches

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Thanks for the suggestions tuxedokitties. I didn't know that you can get allergic to dander and I never knew what it was. Thanks a bunches.

Vanessa
 
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