Kitty sweaters

[phorsenuf]

So in a few weeks my son and DIL are coming for a visit.
We have 2 cats and unfortunately my DIL has an allergy to cats For one week we will be at Disney and the other week here.

She has her meds and all and is ok with staying here but we want her to be as comfortable as possible. I intend to brush brush brush them (with a furminator) before they get here and we'll vacuum real good. The cats have never been allowed in the spare bedroom so that should help. We plan to keep them on the porch as much as possible during the day and in our room at night.

But I was trying to think of a way to control the hair and dander. I was thinking maybe some kind of kitty or doggie sweater (lightweight, maybe t-shirt material) might help contain things. Does anyone put their kitties in those? Do they mind wearing it? Do you notice any difference with hair?

 

[mamacatnv]

No advice on the sweaters, I cannot imagine mine putting up with it but I have a friend who has 5 Sphinx kitties and they all wear knitted sweaters because they get cold.

My SIL is allergic to cats and my Brother has always had a cat, she takes her allergy meds, vacuums often and she wipes down the kitty regularly. She swears by the wipes that one can buy to wipe down the cat and remove the dried spit. I guess the majority of cat allergies are to the dried spit and not the hair itself.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

some of mine wear them and they do seem to keep the hair in. Make sure you get one with elastic around the belly, it makes it harder for them to pull off. I have one cat that will lay on the floor shivering (shes very thin and thin haired) and still pull her tee off

 

[lovetoscrap]

PLEASE promise me that if you decide to put sweaters on them you will have someone video you trying to put them on them and send it to me!

I think the wipes are probably your best option as well as keeping them out of the house or confined to one room and doing a complete vacuuming in the rest of the house--and then throw away that vacuum bag. You can also find Allergy reducing/eliminating cleaners (they are expensive) that will help to neutralize the allergens on surfaces and in carpets/furniture that you might want to try. Also make sure to change your air filters right before she gets there. You will find enough cat hair on the old ones to knit yourself a kitty sweater!

Cat spit is the most common allergen from a cat, with dander 2nd. So as long as your cats are grooming themselves and shedding then the allergen will be around. Minimal exposure to the cats as a whole is really the only way to help. Plan on doing a whole lot of things out of the house.

 

[bicker]

We use leg warmers whenever we need to keep the kitties from licking open a surgical wound or something like that. It isn't 100% effective at that, but it's a great kitty sweater.

 

[akcire]

If you want to help out with her allergies, give the cats a bath. I always give the cat a bath (gets out a lot of loose fur) and then blow dry the cats before my neighbor comes to dinner.
***NEVER get the cat's head wet, ears are easily infected. Only wipe off cat head with a damp rag/washcloth ****
Our house is normally fur and odor free, but a couple of days before the meal the kitties get a bath. Then I go through the extra vacuuming and dusting of the whole house routine. According to the neighbor, our is the only cat house she can stand (with her medication) for a few hours. In summer months we just eat outside, and she goes home (next door) if she has to use the bathroom.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

PLEASE promise me that if you decide to put sweaters on them you will have someone video you trying to put them on them and send it to me!

YES PLEASE!!! I wanna see too! And if you can't do video, pictures... PLEASE!

 

[bicker]

Hehe... it's actually not that interesting. I just tuck Maia's paws up under her chin and the thing just slips on. :shrug:

 

[BCV513]

I'm allergic to cats too and I think you're so sweet to worry about your DIL.

When we had a cat, we made sure to vacuum every day or every other day. He wasn't allowed in my room ever (you've already got that covered). If I touched him, I washed my hands right away. And I always took my allergy meds.

I think you're in great shape already. I wouldn't torture the cats with sweaters. But if you do, post pics.