Discussion
A bit of background. I like cats - My parents had one until I was about 3-4 years old. My other half absolutely loves cats and really wants to adopt and introduce one into our small flat. As much as I like cats, I'm allergic to them. I suffer from hayfever for 3 months of the year, which isn't much fun as it is, and I'm allergic to such animals as guinea pigs and rabbits. I'm not sure I could stand year-upon-year of sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion!
I've read that it's best to keep cats out of the bedroom, as well as hoover all rooms frequently. My other half suggested taking pills, and that I'd get used to the allergens and as such, the symptoms would lessen with time. Is this correct?
Are there any cat owners on here with cat allergies, or who have other halves with allergies? How do you cope? Do you take pills every day/night? Have you got used to your cats with time?
To be honest, I'd rather live without them (or choose another pet!) and not suffer the symptoms!
I've read that it's best to keep cats out of the bedroom, as well as hoover all rooms frequently. My other half suggested taking pills, and that I'd get used to the allergens and as such, the symptoms would lessen with time. Is this correct?
Are there any cat owners on here with cat allergies, or who have other halves with allergies? How do you cope? Do you take pills every day/night? Have you got used to your cats with time?
To be honest, I'd rather live without them (or choose another pet!) and not suffer the symptoms!
Hi there.
Similar situation with me except the cat purchase was my choice - my OH at the time was also keen on the idea! I'm in a small 1st floor flat so it's a similar space to yours.
At first I assumed I would start to sneeze, etc as I thought I was allergic to cats from a young age as well - however, cat has been here over a year now and there's no sign of my old allergy. I didn't take any pills or clean the place daily, so I think your body can sometimes get used to the presence of the feline!
Worth looking into 'hypoallergenic' cats (norwegian forest cat?) or other short hair varieties.
Good luck, they're worth it
T
Similar situation with me except the cat purchase was my choice - my OH at the time was also keen on the idea! I'm in a small 1st floor flat so it's a similar space to yours.
At first I assumed I would start to sneeze, etc as I thought I was allergic to cats from a young age as well - however, cat has been here over a year now and there's no sign of my old allergy. I didn't take any pills or clean the place daily, so I think your body can sometimes get used to the presence of the feline!
Worth looking into 'hypoallergenic' cats (norwegian forest cat?) or other short hair varieties.
Good luck, they're worth it
T
I'm allergic to catsI've heard that Siberian cats are one of the better breeds for allergy sufferers - Do you reckon it would be best to foster a cat first? By fostering, can we return him/her if my allergies do flare up considerably?
Ali, did you have terrible symptoms beforehand? So just a couple of anti-histamines and you've been fine for months/years? Perhaps there is hope!
Ali, did you have terrible symptoms beforehand? So just a couple of anti-histamines and you've been fine for months/years? Perhaps there is hope!
I don't generally get hay fever, but I'd always had bad reactions to cats, much as I love them!
My cousins 2 especially - sneezing and brought me up in hives & swollen eyes within seconds of walking through the door, I always got over it quickly with tablets tho.
My SiLs ex was worse & 1 tablet a day enabled him to visit.
My cousins 2 especially - sneezing and brought me up in hives & swollen eyes within seconds of walking through the door, I always got over it quickly with tablets tho.
My SiLs ex was worse & 1 tablet a day enabled him to visit.
To add my own experiences.
Dogs kill me. Seriously, put me in a room with something like a collie and I'll be a wheezing soggy heap in no time
Cats? Well, I had a cat for 21 years back at my parent's place, and was fine with her. After she died, there was a gap, and they bought a pair of British shorthairs, I was less fine with these but I managed it ok.
I then had another gap of a few years sans a cat, until Jan this year, when I decided I had to have one. So, after a bit of research, I adopted a 7yr old Bengal. Sometimes I'm ok, other times I'm a sneezy mess - there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to my reaction. I'd say I'm getting better with time, and I tend to avoid taking antihistamines, as A) I don't want to diminish their effect by taking them a lot and B) I want to build natural defences / tolerances against the allergens.
Avoid doing stuff like stroking the cat then touching your eyes, lips or nose. Get an enclosed litter box with a flap, and get your OH to be chief litter emptier.
Get a decent vacuum with a proper HEPA filter - I've just bought a Miele C3 Cat & Dog for this purpose.
Keep the cat out the bedroom, and avoid stuff like putting fresh towels or clothes down where the cat sits, as that will then transfer from the textile to you.
Get your OH to be on litter tray empy
Basically, go for it
Chances are it you'll flare up in the first period of ownership, but it'll calm down as your body becomes used to the allergens (hopefully!)
Also, are you intending to have a house cat or one that can come and go as it pleases? The latter will make life easier for you
Dogs kill me. Seriously, put me in a room with something like a collie and I'll be a wheezing soggy heap in no time
Cats? Well, I had a cat for 21 years back at my parent's place, and was fine with her. After she died, there was a gap, and they bought a pair of British shorthairs, I was less fine with these but I managed it ok.
I then had another gap of a few years sans a cat, until Jan this year, when I decided I had to have one. So, after a bit of research, I adopted a 7yr old Bengal. Sometimes I'm ok, other times I'm a sneezy mess - there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to my reaction. I'd say I'm getting better with time, and I tend to avoid taking antihistamines, as A) I don't want to diminish their effect by taking them a lot and B) I want to build natural defences / tolerances against the allergens.
Avoid doing stuff like stroking the cat then touching your eyes, lips or nose. Get an enclosed litter box with a flap, and get your OH to be chief litter emptier.
Get a decent vacuum with a proper HEPA filter - I've just bought a Miele C3 Cat & Dog for this purpose.
Keep the cat out the bedroom, and avoid stuff like putting fresh towels or clothes down where the cat sits, as that will then transfer from the textile to you.
Get your OH to be on litter tray empy
Basically, go for it
Chances are it you'll flare up in the first period of ownership, but it'll calm down as your body becomes used to the allergens (hopefully!)
Also, are you intending to have a house cat or one that can come and go as it pleases? The latter will make life easier for you
Edited by TheJimi on Wednesday 7th October 14:45
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