Any cat owners with cat allergies here? Advise please....

[caty]

A couple of years ago, my son and his girlfriend, Judith, took one of my cats, Cuddles, to live with them. They love Cuddles and have spoiled her royally. A few months ago, Judith found out she is allergic to cats. She is on medication for it, but the symptoms of the allergy have gotten worse. So bad that my son brought Cuddles back to me to keep for awhile to give Judith a chance to recover from a severe reaction--runny nose and watery eyes.

Has anyone here had an experience like this from your cat?
Did allergy medication help?
If you wouldn't mind telling, what medication seemed to work the best for you?

My son and Judith are going to miss Cuddles, and Cuddles is going to miss them. We are trying to find a solution so Cuddles can go back home.

[bif]

1. I have a mild allergy to cats.

But we got 2 cats about 12 years ago and I built up an imunity to them. That said, I could feel my eyes watering when I was around other people's cats.

[pitohui]

2. our family's experience

i have severe reactions such as you describe to cat dander, i got away from the cats, and over time (and i mean over two decades time, not a short period of time) i have improved to the point where i can be around a cat for a few hours instead of instantly reacting and i no longer have to take daily medication

another family member had a mild cat allergy, he kept the cats, and his condition has now progressed to asthma and he has an elevated risk of heart disease even though he's only in his 40s with no other risk factors

you cannot ask someone with a cat allergy to live with a cat, if you love them

if you want them to die an early death, slowly, sniffling all the way, then by all means, try all the tricks and play all the games so that they continue living with the cat

but please know that you are killing this young woman if you send the cat back

any responsible allergist has already told them this -- that the cat has to go if they care about her health -- and that's why they are now asking for anecdotal internet advice instead of listening to the doctor

the single most important thing a person with an allergy must do is cut out exposure to the allergen, nothing else matters if they won't do that

[caty]

4. I'm willing

to keep Cuddles as she was mine in the first place. But, they miss her and want to take her back some day. What I'm looking for is info like you just gave. I was thinking that if she found the right medication, they could take Cuddles back home and Judith would be fine as long as she took her allergy meds.

[pitohui]

5. unfortunately that is not true

there is no magic medication that does what not being exposed to one's allergan does

all allergy medication does is control the symptoms, her immune system is still over-reacting even if she suppresses the symptoms with medication

her doctor has almost certainly already told her this and she doesn't want to accept it because cat ownership is addictive (there is even some evidence that cats carry a parasite that affects human brains, but the research here is in early days)

[GirlinContempt]

10. No no, clearly you want to kill this woman

and you don't love her.

[caty]

12. Not true.....

[GirlinContempt]

13. So you SAY

:P

[Solon]

17. What. The. Fuck?

Seriously, do you exaggerate everything to such extremes? Damn, that must be a talent of yours. Do you have a cite for this supposed shortening of human lifespan that is caused by cat allergies, or are you just blowing smoke up our asses?

[pitohui]

28. talk to your allergist

untreated allergies progress to asthma, uncontrolled asthma can progress to heart disease

again, ask your doctor if you are not already aware of these facts, i got this information from my doctors, who went to medical school

to try to get around medical advice by asking invisible people on the internet is a bad idea, as we see here, with people who are so sentimental about a CAT that they refuse to think about the threat to the health of an actual living, breathing WOMAN

priorities, people

caty has already said she can keep the cat, the right thing is for her to follow through on this promise

[Solon]

30. Uhm...

who said anything about not treating allergies? There are people that are allergic to pollen, mold spores, dust, and numerous other things that are present in our environment on a damn near constant basis. Yet I don't see them develop asthma and die by the time they are 50. Considering how prolific allergies are to begin with, this would lead to a huge health care crisis. I don't see how exposure to cats is going to be any different.

You are blowing this completely out of proportion, you would have an argument if this woman was so severely allergic, she has to be hospitalized every time she is exposed to cat dander. In addition, this woman seemed to have developed this allergy recently, which isn't that unusual, there is no guarantee that its going to be a lifetime allergy. She may no longer develop a sensitivity for it later on, or whatever.

The fact is that we aren't arguing that the cat should be brought back to this woman and her boyfriend's house, but rather that YOU are a nutball.

[GirlinContempt]

32. Oh, really?

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/cardio/messages/34740.html

That's really the only applicable thing that even came up in the first 4 pages of google.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

20. Right, Debbie Downer.

As usual, you put the most negative spin on everything. Fact is, the severity of allergies varies enormously from person to person. Cat allergies (or any allergies) do not normally kill people, although some allergens such as bee stings and sometimes peanuts, can induce anaphylactic shock in some very susceptible people and in the worst cases can cause death. But that's not most people. I do not recommend giving people a cat as a means of murdering them, since that's almost never effective.

People with cat allergies will usually break out in a rash and/or sneeze, and this can make them very uncomfortable. If they already have severe asthma it could be aggravated and they could have a serious asthma attack. But each person is different and the only way to know whether having a cat or other pet is actually dangerous is to go to an allergist and get tested. The doctor will advise them whether they should not have a pet cat or whether they should avoid them completely.

I know people who have severe asthma that they control with medication, and they are able to live quite comfortably with a cat.

"Die an early death"? Give me a break. Does everything in life suck for you?

[pitohui]

26. nothing in life sucks for me

but yes, everything in life sucks for people who won't follow their doctor's advice and who are determined to hurt themselves

this young woman is apparently determined to go down the path of not proecting herself from her allergen, developing asthma and thus becoming dependent on asthma medication as well, and the reality is that asthmatics are not "just fine," they have an elevated risk of heart disease even with the best care in the world and all the money in the world

it's just a stupid thing to do

the allergist is going to tell the young woman, if she hasn't already, that the cat must find a new home

invisible people on the internet, with nothing at risk, saying otherwise are being stupid and cruel -- people do suffer respiratory distress from allergy, people do develop asthma, and people do die when they refuse to control their asthma

i'm sorry if the facts distress you because you don't want to take care of yourself, but the facts remain the facts, as our family has found out to our sorrow

i want to give advice centered on protecting someone's health

if that offends you, you need to look at yourself and ask why

[LeftyMom]

21. Maybe if she's "lucky" an eagle will eat her cat.

Speaking of taking the advice of a responsible doctor, you really might want to consider that.

[Madrone]

24. Curious...

As a pet owner w/ adult onset asthma.... Where does the elevated risk of heart disease come in?

[pitohui]

29. asthmatics have an increased risk of heart disease

especially if the asthma is uncontrolled

an example would be our former mayor of new orleans dutch morial, the first black mayor of new orleans, an asthmatic who died of cardiac arrest caused by severe cold (it was a bitterly cold day that i will never forget, dec. 24, 1989) -- apparently the severe cold triggered the asthma attack which in turn led to the cardiac arrest

he wasn't that old, early 60s i believe

take care of yourself and make sure your asthma is kept controlled under a doctor's supervision!

[GirlinContempt]

31. Since when is a cat allergy asthma?

[Betty88]

3. try something like this

http://www.petco.com/product/5985/Nature-s-Miracle-Dander-Remover-and-Body-Deodorizer.aspx

I used something like this years ago that worked wonders for a roommate who was allergic to my cat. I would wipe him down once every 4 or 5 days.

[qb]

6. Has she asked an allergist about allergy shots (to develop an immunity)?

I, too am allergic to cats, but have built up an immunity to the cats I live with. The fact that she developed the allergy after having the cat for a while may mean nothing can be done, but it's worth looking into.

[SOteric]

7. I guess that depends on what she's tried so far.

Most people allergic to cats are allergic to dander. Do they already have a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and employ it enthusiastically? Do they have an air filter with a HEPA attachment? Have they been letting the cat sleep in the bed with them? Is she the one responsible for grooming the cat?

I understand the nature of allergies, I just have no information on whether or not they're already doing things to minimise her exposure to allergens and still having no luck. Medication is one route, sure, but so are lifestyle changes.

[filosopher]

8. a cat no. a dog

yes

[MrsMatt]

9. my daughter was just diagnosed a month ago

with allergies to cats (and dogs, dust mites and mold) - she's almost 11, and we've had cats her whole life. Her cat sleeps with her, right next to her on her pillow, and has had for the past 5 years. We figure she's got some immunity to our own cats that has been built up over the years.

Her allergist gave me the following recommdations to living with her allergies:

1) Keep the cat out of the bedroom (working on that one).
2) HEPA air purifier in her bedroom (running 24/7) - it would benefit her to have a whole house air purifier, but we don't have the room or the $ to install. The air purifier we purchased was about $120.
3) Get rid of the carpet, and/or get a HEPA vacuum (we have mostly hardwood floors, and plan to invest in a new vacuum soon).
4) Have a non-allergic person clean the cat box (she's thrilled about that edict).
5) Use some sort of allergy reducing solution on the cat a couple of times a week (like Allerpet) - it is important NOT to actually wash the cat with soap, because that will cause the cat to groom itself even more (many of the allergic reactions are caused by a protein in the cat's saliva & urine).
6) She was prescribed a nasal steroid (I forget the name, but it is similar to Nasonex) and Zyrtec (currently available over the counter).

We have other recommendations, but they are more specific to the dust mite and mold allergies.

Good luck!

Forgot one:
7) She's supposed to wash her hands after petting her cat.

[caty]

11. A lot of good

tips---thanks.

[NMDemDist2]

14. yup, what you said n/t

[LoveMyCali]

15. I used to have symptoms much like you describe

plus my lips would swell. Quite the charming picture isn't it? I found that over time I just adjusted to my cat. After my first cat passed I was without a cat in my house for 6 months or so and went through the same thing when I got my second cat but eventually adjusted to him too.

Oh, I also saw an allergist and was put on 4 different medications when I had my first cat but found the side effects worse than the allergy symptoms I was suffering from so I stopped taking them and just let my body get used to being around the cat.

[applegrove]

16. I lived with a cat when I was allergic to it. But it was in a big house so

only when I cuddled with him did it get my nose and eyes going. Then I grew out of said allergy. Haven't had a problem in years and I live with two cats now in a tiny little apartment. Like they say: "the seven year itch".

[Fla Dem]

18. Have always had some allergies, but rescued a kitten 2 years

ago. Couldn't find anyone to take her. All my friend with cats didn't want any more. Couldn't give her to a shelter. So she is still with me and I adore her. Never could have pets when growing up because both my mother and brother had asthma. Now I do. Last year after I had a bad time with bronchitis (which I had never gotten before)Doctor put me on Nasonex (nasal spray which suppresses the immune system which means I'm more susceptible to infections and upper respiratory problems) and Combient(inhaler for asthma symptoms). Of course his first bit of advice was to give up the cat.

Now they are also suggesting I take Zyrtex (sp?)which is now over the counter and is a prescription level antihistamine.

Most of the time I'm ok, Nasonex has to be used everyday, inhaler before bed and when I get up. But even a head cold can become a major issue.

If you are OK with keeping the cat, please keep it. Your son's girlfriend is much better off knowing it has a good home while not suffering the effects and expense of allergies.

[uppityperson]

19. Yes, there are several things you can try.

First off, my allergist told me that I could either get rid of my cats and take allergy shots to prevent severe reactions if I was EVER around another cat, or I could keep 1 cat, and this would give me low dose exposure comparable to the shots. I have a cat in my life now, always.

Many people are allergic to cat saliva or cat dander. Cats lick themselves, and the saliva dries on their fur. It can drop/rub off, as can skin flakes (dander).
-Making sure your house is defurred often is a good idea.
-Keep 1 room cat-free, like the bedroom since you spend many hours a day in there. This will give you a break.
-Brush loose fur off cat.
-Wash your cat regularly. I know, believe me, I know. 1 of my cats is fine in the tub, the other 2 have very sharp claws and are not afraid to use them. I read an article once on how to de-saliva cat fur. It involved soaking a cat 20 minutes once a month in a container of distilled water. Right. All I could figure to do was get a 5 gallon bucket, put water in, shove cat in, put lid on and sit on it for 20 minutes. So, a more reasonable thought would be to take a damp washcloth and wipe the cat occasionally, like you were petting him/her. This would remove some of the stuff on his/her fur. It does not have to be a soggy runny watery washcloth, but a damp one, or 2 since it will get stuff on it.
-Sometimes cats pick up stuff on them from walking into or under things and I have big problems with cats at 1 sibling's house since they get into something that bothers me. This can be anything from normal dust to plant bits. Sometimes my cats cause me more contact allergies and this is why. They have been somewhere (like in insulation) and have gotten it on their fur. Wash or clean with washcloth.

People who say "you are killing her" may be over reacting. Yes, it happens, but rarely. Often it is possible to get cat reactions under control though.
Simple advice: don't touch cat then your face. Don't sleep with the cat. Cleanse the cat when you can.

[Dangerously Amused]

22. Something else to consider:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13492&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&N=2002&Ntt=allergy&Np=1

[crispini]

23. The Dyson. Best vacuum ever.

Will suck up that cat hair like nobody's business. :thumbsup:

[LynzM]

25. Flax Seed Oil

Several tablespoons per day, mixed into yogurt or spread on toast or however it's easiest for you to take it :) Has made a huge difference for my husband!

[Jamastiene]

27. Get used to the congestion and itchy skin.

Yes, Jama is allergic and still has 3 cats. Lots of Febreeze Allergen Reducer is used around here. I'm stopped up now as I type. Oh well, I love my babies. They aren't going anywhere.

[mike_c]

33. checking in-- I have four cats and I'm allergic to them....

I take Zyrtec-- I've taken it daily for the last ten years or so. I'm about to try switching to Claritin because the Zyrtec seems not to be working as well lately. It helps me a lot to vacuum regularly, change the furnace filter every couple of months, etc. I sleep with my bedroom windows open no matter what the temp because the fresh air helps (and there is always one or two (or more) cats on the bed with me.

The cat that I seemed MOST allergic to died last year-- that helps a little. Mostly though the allergy meds keep things tolerable. Full disclaimer-- I can't imagine life without cats. I find them incredibly compelling companion animals. Also, the ones I have now are young and healthy, so I simply have no choice but to deal with the allergies for as long as it takes for me to discharge my responsibilities to them-- and then I'll likely take on more.

[badgerpup]

34. My ex-step father was 'allergic' to cats...

...which meant Wolf (yes, he was a cat, and the name fit him just fine) and Jasmine got a bath once a week to help eliminate the dander.

Seemed to help with his allergies...he quit bitching about it. :shrug:

[lildreamer316]

35. I am slightly allergic to my cat. Here's what I do:

Fortunately, I have a glassed-in back porch that is very comfy for my baby, so when my tolerance is low, I put her out there for a couple days,and visit her. But when I let her in, the best way to calm the dander for me is Arm & Hammer allergen carpet powder, and the Febreeze Allergen spray.
But I have a very, very mild case. These would probably be just good addendums to more serious measures, but they do tend to calm the dander floating around in the immediate area.
Best of luck!