Living with a cat even though you're allergic

[Callie]

Also the pros outweigh the stuffy nose!
These are my sister and I's cats. I watched her for 6 weeks after I had surgery. Best companionship

 

[Kiersten]

Both my mom and I are allergic to cats and we have six of them! I just make sure I'm stocked up on Allegra-D. I'm too much of a cat lover to get rid of my cats. I'd rather suffer from allergies than live without my kitties. My mom is allergic to their saliva though so it's easier for her. I'm allergic to the fur so I make sure to dust and vacuum every day. One of my cats likes to sleep on my chest though so I wake up with a stuffy nose every morning. I can't say no to her though because I found her in a parking lot in the middle of 100 degree July heat when she was a week old and she gets away with everything!

 

[sonnyjane]

Maybe I'm being selfish for not getting a puppy and do admit to feeling guilt that dh would tough out stuffy noses and watery eyes because I don't want to add the responsibility of all the training that comes with a puppy.

It's my firm opinion that you would be selfish if you DID get a puppy after knowing you can't devote the energy to it right now. DH has wanted a dog for the last DECADE but we are not home enough. It wouldn't be fair to the dog. I have to remind DH of this at least once a year lol.

 

[justgrace]

I don't have experience with animal allergies (fortunately!), but just wanted to say that it is extremely important to be sure that you will keep the cats and not rehome them later if things don't work out.

I'm not saying that is something you would do or even talking specifically to you, but I've seen it happen all too often where people adopt animals and then for some reason things don't work out and then the animals are just given away. That situation isn't fair to the people who had adopted them (getting attached to the animals) or to the animals themselves.


On another note: Cats are so fun!! We have two kitties and they are such a joy to have! Hope you and your family find something that works out!!

 

[PollyannaMom]

I know I'll be flamed but I don't understand why a pet is taking precedence over your husband's wellbeing. If you had the pet prior I would be on the other side (obviously you couldn't get rid of the pet then) but since this is a new pet I'm throwing in my 2 cents as knowing first hand allergy misery. Good luck whatever you decide!

No flames here! I would also be for doing everything possible to keep an existing cat if an allergy situation arose afterward, but I don't think I'd purposely decide to get one if I already knew.

 

[Christine]

I am "mildly" allergic to cats and we had them when I grew up-- 2 or 3 cats and dogs. I suffered those years with watery itchy eyes chronic sinus infections due to runny/stuffy nose and the need for rescue inhalers at times. I did take allergy meds as well but suffered some side effects ( dry mouth etc). Allergies can also cause irritability. I used to think that's life, but once I went away to college and beyond wasn't able to have a cat for varying reasons I haven't had any of these issues and frankly it is wonderful. If your husband has "mild" allergies when visiting for a few hours imagine daily symptoms for the life of the pet. Yes you can do a lot to mitigate the symptoms but he will still be allergic. I miss having pets but now am married to someone who has severe cat allergies so they are out of the question. One of our children is also allergic to cats and dogs, so neither a dog or cat will work for our family though our older son begs for a dog. I think the thing I regret the most is our children don't know that type of companionship but we choose alternate pets (ie hamsters, Guinea pigs, and the recent request a gecko "shudder"). Older DS can also get a dog later in life if he chooses. I guess I don't understand why one would choose a pet that he/she or a family member is knowingly allergic to? That it is an ok solution for the allergic person to take meds etc to mitigate the symptoms for years? Does your son understand dad may suffer? I agree if your husband can do allergy shots that may help but it may be years of dedicated shots before showing efficacy. My husband did this for 2.5 years so he can now tolerate if we visit someone with cats , but he still takes Claritin prior to a visit and takes a rescue inhaler. I know I'll be flamed but I don't understand why a pet is taking precedence over your husband's wellbeing. If you had the pet prior I would be on the other side ( obviously you couldn't get rid of the pet then) but since this is a new pet I'm throwing in my 2 cents as knowing first hand allergy misery. Good luck whatever you decide!

Because her husband is the one who seems to be pushing it as well. I'm sure if he said no (I hope) the OP would forget about it.

 

[dizzyinwdw]

Because her husband is the one who seems to be pushing it as well. I'm sure if he said no (I hope) the OP would forget about it.

I grew up not knowing what it was like to not have allergic reactions due to cats so I was used to it most of my childhood. I think that going the opposite way may be tougher. I hope DH truly understands what he is possibly in for and is supportive. It would be awful if he couldn't tolerate the cats to the degree they would have to give them up.

 

[leebee]

In this case, I wouldn't restrict the choices to cats, then! I agree that a puppy is huge time commitment (one I wouldn't take on either) but what about a guinea pig? They're much bigger and cuddlier than hamsters, and my DS is very attached to his! They're way more of a "real" pet than you'd think, and not difficult to take care of. The biggest expense is bedding for the cage. Plus, the cage could go in your DS's room, so A, he would really feel like it's his pet, and B, if your DH finds out he's allergic to those too, the hair wouldn't be all over his stuff.

My daughter has allergies... cats, dogs (ok, their dander, same thing in the long run), dust mites, pollens, mold, etc. She actually has more problems with my niece's guinea pigs than with our cats. Maybe she's just adjusted to the cats? I don't know, but those guinea pigs just kill her when we go to visit. We also think the bedding exacerbates her reaction; it's a double-whammy of allergens, animal and plant. Just something to keep in mind if you are considering the guinea pigs.

We had DD's cats before she had her allergies. As an only child, "the boys" are practically her siblings and so we decided to keep them and see how it went. We always thought it was OK- we keep them out of her room, clean regularly, vacuum furniture, etc., and she thought she was OK with it. THEN she went to college and moved to a dorm/apartment, and her breathing really improved! She'd come home to visit and immediately noticed the difference. She frequently commented that she never realized how compromised her breathing was when she lived here, but now it's obvious (and she takes allergy meds regularly). She's moved back home for a year to work and save money while her boyfriend finishes his degree, and her allergies are more active again.

I would just tell my son sorry, we can't ask Dad to be sick all the time, and I'm not up to managing a dog (I SO understand that!).

 

[nugov2]

Because her husband is the one who seems to be pushing it as well. I'm sure if he said no (I hope) the OP would forget about it.

Yes, it is definitely dh. I would never be considering it if it wasn't him insisting he'll be fine. I think we'll pause and see how we feel in a month.

He also has been around cats longe than just a quick visit, but I still get that isn't the same as living with them. I wish we could foster and see how it goes, but I think that would be hard for the kids too if it didn't work out.

I appreciate all the advice and tips

ETA that my son has no idea we're even considering it. He thinks it is not possible because dad is allergic. It was my Dh who goes to a local animal shelter all the time who started researching it more. My DH isn't a cat person but he loves animals and I think he misses the companionship of a furry friend too.

 

[ozliz]

Yes, it is definitely dh. I would never be considering it if it wasn't him insisting he'll be fine. I think we'll pause and see how we feel in a month.

He also has been around cats longe than just a quick visit, but I still get that isn't the same as living with them. I wish we could foster and see how it goes, but I think that would be hard for the kids too if it didn't work out.

I appreciate all the advice and tips

ETA that my son has no idea we're even considering it. He thinks it is not possible because dad is allergic. It was my Dh who goes to a local animal shelter all the time who started researching it more. My DH isn't a cat person but he loves animals and I think he misses the companionship of a furry friend too.

Are you sure DS isn't allergic too? If one parent has allergies then kids might have them too. Something to consider before making a final decision.

 

[Christine]

Are you sure DS isn't allergic too? If one parent has allergies then kids might have them too. Something to consider before making a final decision.

So true. My father was allergic to cats and I inherited that trait. Didn't show up until I was about 6 years old though (after we already had a cat).

Of my two children, one of them inherited the cat allergy.

 

[nugov2]

Are you sure DS isn't allergic too? If one parent has allergies then kids might have them too. Something to consider before making a final decision.

Yes I'm sure, he spends the night with them all the time with them and never has a reaction. None of the kids have ever showed any signs of a reaction and they have spent 3 nights sleeping in the same house where the cats are allowed free reign of the house. My son especially is always holding /petting them.

We have decided not to get them. I think we should wait until the fall to make any decision. When all the kids are in school f/t(I still have one in preschool this year) and I have the house to myself we will consider if we a ready for a puppy. Summer with a house full of friends and being on the go is not a good time to be training a new puppy. Too much stress.