Pet allergies

[BRISTOL86]

Bit of an odd one this...

Grew up with cats in the household permanently and have been around them pretty much all my life. Haven't had one living in the same place as me for 5 years but am around them every time I'm at my parents (a few times a month on average)

Never shown the slightest sign of allergy or any ill effects

Yesterday we rehomed a cat from a shelter and I've not stopped itching, around the neck and on my hands. Little heat bumps surfacing and then going again after a couple of hours. When my neck flares up its irritable for around an hour and then goes away and doesn't bother me for a few hours, then comes back.

Any ideas why this would flare up out of the blue when I've never suffered before? Is that normal? The missus has INCREDIBLY sensitive skin and has had no issues whatsoever so I don't think it can be anything like fleas, especially as my irritation is 90% in one area.

Is it worth me consulting a GP or should I try an over the counter hay fever/allergy pill? Any particular one considered better than the others for pet allergies?

Thanks

[slipstream 1985]

has the cat got flees?

[BRISTOL86]

slipstream 1985 said:

has the cat got flees?

I'd be surprised - the OH has shown no signs of any effects and he's been here nearly 48 hours now. Her skin is normally irritated by everything as well!

He's up to date with preventative flea treatment so it shouldn't be that.

[Lady_Beefmaster]

I grew up in a house full of cats and dogs. When I was 19 I suddenly developed allergies to anything with fur. Dr's said people can suddenly develop allergies later in life but offered no other solution other than a prescription for antihistamines