OT Cat allergy help

[Merriwind]

Dear Disers-

As you can see from my signature, our beloved cat Cinderella died earlier this year. Her loss was devastating and DD8 did not want to get another cat right away. Well, today she decided that she wanted to go to the shelter to see about volunteering and to look at kittens. Well, don't you know, we have welcomed Anubis, a 5-month-old male kitten, Siamese and some breed of long-hair mix home.

I am allergic to many, many things, including cats, always have been. Was having great success with Zyrtec. With Cinderella gone, my allergies were really great. Spending the day in a cat shelter really aggrevated them. I have showered, put my clothes in the hamper and stacked Sudafed (the original pseudoephidrine HCL) on top of the Zyrtec. I am still miserable. Here I thought Zyrtec was a wonder drug, but being cat-free was really the key. Is it possible that I got so over-stimluated at the shelter (we were there a couple of hours--300 cats) that it will take me a day or two to calm down. Is it possible that I am terribly allergic to Anubis; I hope not?

Any tips anyone has for dealing with bad allergies would be great! I'm keeping him out of my room and limiting handling. Really, I am looking for drug info. Is it possible to double up on Zyrtec? Another allergy med that's great for pet allergies? Something holistic/vitamin/etc? I am planning to call the DR Monday, but like to have some info before talking to them.

Thanks!

 

[alloyd1170]

I have pet allergies, but have a dog and cat. Initially I had problems when I got them, but now I dont. My cat sleeps next to my face at night! Now if I dont wash my hands after petting our dog and rub my eyes, I have problems. At some point, I become immune to my own pets. However, if I go to someones house, including my brother who had our 18 yr old family cat (he died last week) I have problems.

I did use a spray or wash on my cat when I first got him to help cut down on the pet dander. I dont know if that would help or not. You might just have to take your meds and eventually stop taking them to see if you have a reaction.

alison

 

[Traveliz]

Gosh I have to say with cat allergies you are just better off without one - I have had the allergies forever and very bad at that. Its so bad I cannot go to most people's homes with cats ...My stepson has one and if I do the drugs ahead of time I can manage a few hours.

I will say though I have found that young cats/kittens are far worse on me that older/about to pass on cats.

Its nothing scientific but I have personally found that to be the case.

I just have a no cat rule, can't come to your house if you have cats, it might sound harsh but my throat swells up in minutes and I am miserable for several days....just not woth it.

Liz

 

[TAKitty]

I have a cat and am allergic to him, but I love him so much. I have noticed that this Aug. my allergies have been horrible in general. There is something in the air by me that is really getting to me. You can wash the cat weekly. We also have aller-pet C which you wipe on the cat once a week to reduce allergens.

 

[newman7501]

Allergic to cats but I have mostly outgrown it. When I was young I could be around one or two cats and have mild symptoms, but when I was real young(before my parents even knew I was allergic to cats) I went to visit a family friend who lived on a farm and had a bunch of cats. My reaction was so bad that my eyes swelled shut and it took a few days to even recover. So you might just be on cat overload. You also just might have to build an immunity to the new cats as your body is not used to having cats around anymore.

 

[Merriwind]

Thanks to all who replied. I was very wheezy overnight and this morning. Today wasn't too bad, though. A few puffs on the inhaler and right now one side of my face is itchy. I'm hoping I am calming down from cat overload. We got an anti-allergen shampoo for Anubis today and I will look for the aller-pet c and see if that helps. I am washing my hands and keeping the door to my bedroom closed. Plus, I am handling the kitten as little as possible, which is good. He knows already that I am the "mom," but I want him to see DD8 as his caretaker, so she is doing everything.

PS - I know that I would be better of allergy-wise without a cat. However, losing Cinderella was so tough. The house was empty without a cat. And DD8 just fell in love with Anubis. She is so happy. She is an only child, so I think that having a pet is important. We got Cinderella when DD was 3, so they really grew up together. We just need to have a cat here. Thanks again!

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Check with pharmacist/Doctor but:

I am allowed 1 benadryl at night in addition to my allegra per allergist.

Cat allergies are supposed to be the hardest. Good luck!

 

[jennifer293]

I would say that over the years you kinda grew immune to "Cinderella". Then you went without having a cat for a little while and your body got used to that. Then you went into an animal shelter which are not the cleanest places in the world and I am SURE the cats were covered in dander so that is what got you the worst. I bet if you keep the cat really clean and you don't let the cat have free reign of the house you will be fine.

I am allergic to cats and dogs but I have a dalamation who I have had for 10 years now and at first I had pretty bad reactions. I got over it and I am fine now, but I cannot be around anyone elses animals.

 

[jaycat]

I have allegers to almost everything, including my cats. I take allegers shots once a week, and I must tell you that it can take up to a year to remove all traces of cat from your home. My allegers shots usually do the trick to remove most symptoms, but I can also take a Singular and/or a Claritin D, both prescribed by my doctor. Good luck with your allegers.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Welcome to your new baby. I would just talk to your doctor, listen to others and research on the net. I am a google nut! I google everything...

My DF is highly allergic to animals; we have 2 Russian Siberian cats (Sashenka and Nikita - Sasha and Niki for short) and they are hypoallergenic.

I believe over time your body will become adjusted to the new kitten...

 

[GatorGal]

It's my understanding that most people that are allergic to cats are allergic to their saliva. I had a cat for 16 yes and I'm allergic to cats. I bathed her regularly (about once a month) and found that helped tremendously. It's not easy bathing them, but if it helps with your allergies, it'll be worth it.

 

[FutureMrsC]

Flonase helps me

 

[shaylahc1]

I am allergic to cats but have owned them for many years. My allergist said you should NEVER allow a cat in to your bedroom if you are allergic to them. That alone will help tremendously. I also have an air purifier I run at night which helps. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Your DD can help Our cat is long haired and trust me when you kitty "blows his coat" (which most pets do twice a year) there will be hair EVERYWHERE. My allergies tend to get worse when kitty is blowing his coat.

But otherwise, I don't have to take allergy meds or anything. I keep the cat out of my room as much as possible and off my bed 100% of the time. I make sure I wash my hands as soon as I touch the cat. And so far, I have been able to coexist peacefully with cats for the better part of 17 years

 

[Em_in_FL]

GO TO AN ALLERGIST AND START GETTING ALLERGY SHOTS!

I've always heard people tell me to do this my whole life... I'm very allergic to dust and cats and dogs...

Allergy shots help your body naturally build up it's own immunity so you don't have to rely on medication...

I've been getting shots for about a year now... and it's been MIRACULOUS... and the longer you stay on the shots, the more permanent the effects can be!

I don't have to take medication anymore!