General Discussions => General discussions => Topic started by: mina.magpie on January 03, 2009, 08:11:46 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: mina.magpie on January 03, 2009, 08:11:46 AM
Post by: mina.magpie on January 03, 2009, 08:11:46 AM
Does anybody have advice for dealing with cat allergies in a natural way? I love kitties but can't have them in the house 'cause I DIE. *Urkhgurrrrgle.* I don't want to use anti-histamines though 'cause they really don't accord well with me either.
Any ideas?
Mina.
Any ideas?
Mina.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Jeatyn on January 03, 2009, 08:47:56 AM
Post by: Jeatyn on January 03, 2009, 08:47:56 AM
When I first got cats I felt like I was dying for ages, it gradually got better though. I guess my lungs got used to being full of hair all the time ;D My love of cats outweighed my love of breathing. I've had 7 during my life and will be getting more. Crazy cat person right here :laugh:
I only take my allergy pills when things get really bad. I also have inhalers. I also take a herb called echinacea, it's meant to help with asthma and things like that, I don't know if it helps but I feel like it does and that's what counts.
This probably seems obvious, but vacuuming at least once a day and opening windows to keep the place fresh definitely helps; and brushing the cats to get rid of loose hair so it doesn't end up in the carpets and in the air. Don't let the hair build up. And definitely don't get those super fluffy cats, that's just asking for trouble ;D
I don't take this advice, but if you keep the cats out of your bedroom you will be able to sleep just fine. I let the cats sleep on the bed and usually wake up feeling like death because of the allergies.
I only take my allergy pills when things get really bad. I also have inhalers. I also take a herb called echinacea, it's meant to help with asthma and things like that, I don't know if it helps but I feel like it does and that's what counts.
This probably seems obvious, but vacuuming at least once a day and opening windows to keep the place fresh definitely helps; and brushing the cats to get rid of loose hair so it doesn't end up in the carpets and in the air. Don't let the hair build up. And definitely don't get those super fluffy cats, that's just asking for trouble ;D
I don't take this advice, but if you keep the cats out of your bedroom you will be able to sleep just fine. I let the cats sleep on the bed and usually wake up feeling like death because of the allergies.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Selene on January 03, 2009, 08:57:13 AM
Post by: Selene on January 03, 2009, 08:57:13 AM
a lint roller is your friend as well!
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Lisbeth on January 03, 2009, 09:31:52 AM
Post by: Lisbeth on January 03, 2009, 09:31:52 AM
Mrauw?
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Rachael on January 03, 2009, 09:34:27 AM
Post by: Rachael on January 03, 2009, 09:34:27 AM
Solving alergies?
Shoot the cat.
Shoot the cat.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Nero on January 03, 2009, 10:21:16 AM
Post by: Nero on January 03, 2009, 10:21:16 AM
No. I have to wash my hands and change my shirt every time I touch my cat.
It was easy to deal in my youth but now that I'm older, it's really become a problem. I love my cat but don't think I'll get another when he passes (he's elderly). It's sad though, I really love cats, just my face breaks out in hives if they get near it. :(
It was easy to deal in my youth but now that I'm older, it's really become a problem. I love my cat but don't think I'll get another when he passes (he's elderly). It's sad though, I really love cats, just my face breaks out in hives if they get near it. :(
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Nero on January 03, 2009, 10:24:10 AM
Post by: Nero on January 03, 2009, 10:24:10 AM
I'd also like to add that I have a lot of guilt because I can't spend as much time with him as I'd like. it's just too hard. His hair is toxic to me almost.
I have heard of certain prescription meds that help it though. So you could try those. But if you cant find a way to put the allergy into remission, and you get a cat - pretty soon it will be such a hassle to have to wash your face and hands and change clothes everytime you pet him. So you won't be able to give him as much as you wish and you could end up feeling awful like me.
So sorry Mina. I know how much you love them. Me too. :(
I have heard of certain prescription meds that help it though. So you could try those. But if you cant find a way to put the allergy into remission, and you get a cat - pretty soon it will be such a hassle to have to wash your face and hands and change clothes everytime you pet him. So you won't be able to give him as much as you wish and you could end up feeling awful like me.
So sorry Mina. I know how much you love them. Me too. :(
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Shana A on January 03, 2009, 11:10:30 AM
Post by: Shana A on January 03, 2009, 11:10:30 AM
Unfortunately the best solution is probably not to have cats :(
Z
Z
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: mina.magpie on January 03, 2009, 12:15:04 PM
Post by: mina.magpie on January 03, 2009, 12:15:04 PM
I have noticed since going vegan that I seem to have a better tolerance for cat and dog hair. I still get terrible hayfever eventually, but it's not nearly as bad or as quick as it was. Sadly though it hasn't been a cure. Sigh. Maybe I should just change my avatar to a kittie again. Close as it seems I'm gonna get. :(
Mina.
Mina.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: TamTam on January 03, 2009, 12:50:00 PM
Post by: TamTam on January 03, 2009, 12:50:00 PM
Aren't there hypoallergenic cats? ???
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_allergy#Hypoallergenic_cats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_allergy#Hypoallergenic_cats)
And they're not all the hairless kind! :D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_allergy#Hypoallergenic_cats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_allergy#Hypoallergenic_cats)
And they're not all the hairless kind! :D
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: tekla on January 03, 2009, 01:00:33 PM
Post by: tekla on January 03, 2009, 01:00:33 PM
I guess shaving the cats, or wrapping them in plastic is not going to work?
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Arch on January 03, 2009, 01:05:02 PM
Post by: Arch on January 03, 2009, 01:05:02 PM
I guess this won't help you much if you already have the cats, but it might help in the future. I have three cats. I am allergic to only one of them. So perhaps you just need to pick out the right model next time.
Oh, and Claritin worked pretty well for me when my allergies were raging.
Oh, and Claritin worked pretty well for me when my allergies were raging.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: tinkerbell on January 03, 2009, 02:09:25 PM
Post by: tinkerbell on January 03, 2009, 02:09:25 PM
Unfortunately if you want kitties in your house, there is nothing (except for medication) that will help you with allergies. My allergies are very severe. I was on Seldane many moons ago before the FDA removed it from the market. *sigh* Hence, I was left with Allegra, a similar drug which helps a lot but will never compare to Seldane IMO.
tink :icon_chick:
tink :icon_chick:
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Windrider on January 03, 2009, 03:25:19 PM
Post by: Windrider on January 03, 2009, 03:25:19 PM
Yeah, I'm allergic to cats too. I found that I could handle one, long haired cat, hence we have Bailey. Longer haired cats tend not to spread their dander as much as short haired cats. You can acclimate yourself to your cat, but that will take time. I still need to wash my hands after playing with Bailey.
I'll be on Zyrtec and inhalers for the rest of my life due to allergies. Not much else can help unfortunately. Without the drugs I get repeated sinus infections and I've ruptured an eardrum due to one backing up into my ears.
Sorry!
WR
I'll be on Zyrtec and inhalers for the rest of my life due to allergies. Not much else can help unfortunately. Without the drugs I get repeated sinus infections and I've ruptured an eardrum due to one backing up into my ears.
Sorry!
WR
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Lisbeth on January 03, 2009, 07:16:47 PM
Post by: Lisbeth on January 03, 2009, 07:16:47 PM
Quote from: Starbuck on January 03, 2009, 09:34:27 AM
Solving alergies?
Shoot the cat.
*spits loudly and shows fangs*
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Osiris on January 03, 2009, 08:54:18 PM
Post by: Osiris on January 03, 2009, 08:54:18 PM
The only way I know of is not having any. My family had always had cats up until I was 16 and we're all much better off without them. Sucks cause I do like cats, but I'll like them from a distance. :P
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Ell on January 03, 2009, 09:02:40 PM
Post by: Ell on January 03, 2009, 09:02:40 PM
Quote from: tekla on January 03, 2009, 01:00:33 PM
I guess shaving the cats, or wrapping them in plastic is not going to work?
Heheh.
this solution is very extreme, but here goes: give up coffee drinking.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: mina.magpie on January 03, 2009, 10:16:05 PM
Post by: mina.magpie on January 03, 2009, 10:16:05 PM
Quote from: Windrider on January 03, 2009, 03:25:19 PMWithout the drugs I get repeated sinus infections and I've ruptured an eardrum due to one backing up into my ears.
>_< Oooh yeah. I had those, along with bronchitis, all the time growing up. That's cleared up 'cause of the veganism, but I still suffer from allergic reactions, sadly. So then, it sounds like I will have to take drugs. Oh well ... Thanks everybody!
Mina.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Rachael on January 04, 2009, 03:19:05 AM
Post by: Rachael on January 04, 2009, 03:19:05 AM
Quote from: Lisbeth on January 03, 2009, 07:16:47 PM*reloads and fires again*Quote from: Starbuck on January 03, 2009, 09:34:27 AM
Solving alergies?
Shoot the cat.
*spits loudly and shows fangs*
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: mina.magpie on January 04, 2009, 05:18:15 AM
Post by: mina.magpie on January 04, 2009, 05:18:15 AM
Quote from: Starbuck on January 04, 2009, 03:19:05 AMQuote from: Lisbeth on January 03, 2009, 07:16:47 PM*reloads and fires again*Quote from: Starbuck on January 03, 2009, 09:34:27 AM*spits loudly and shows fangs*
Solving alergies?
Shoot the cat.
I take it you're more of a dog person huh? :P
Mina.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Rachael on January 04, 2009, 06:35:30 AM
Post by: Rachael on January 04, 2009, 06:35:30 AM
Oh no, i love cats, i just find the 'zomg i have cat allergies! how can i solve this?' somewhat darwinian...
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: mina.magpie on January 04, 2009, 07:45:25 AM
Post by: mina.magpie on January 04, 2009, 07:45:25 AM
Quote from: Starbuck on January 04, 2009, 06:35:30 AMOh no, i love cats, i just find the 'zomg i have cat allergies! how can i solve this?' somewhat darwinian...
Well sweetie, seeing as I'm so much less evolved than you, feel free to not waste your wisdom on me. Kay? Bye now. :-*
Mina.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Chrissty on January 04, 2009, 07:50:35 AM
Post by: Chrissty on January 04, 2009, 07:50:35 AM
UURRGG....ROWLLFF...UGG..UMPFH....HIC
FURBALL!....
Yep, I'm allergic too... Siamese in particular for some reason...
Still lookin' for something cute?...how about these as a non sneeze alternative......
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi404.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp123%2FChrissty-11%2FAhhhhhh.jpg&hash=6021f4feb75ccd5e2851bc9ec4a9fab52ca2215d)
FURBALL!....
Yep, I'm allergic too... Siamese in particular for some reason...
Still lookin' for something cute?...how about these as a non sneeze alternative......
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi404.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp123%2FChrissty-11%2FAhhhhhh.jpg&hash=6021f4feb75ccd5e2851bc9ec4a9fab52ca2215d)
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Rachael on January 04, 2009, 08:08:43 AM
Post by: Rachael on January 04, 2009, 08:08:43 AM
Quote from: mina.m->-bleeped-<-ie link=topic=52902.msg327578#msg327578 date=1231076725Huh?Quote from: Starbuck on January 04, 2009, 06:35:30 AMOh no, i love cats, i just find the 'zomg i have cat allergies! how can i solve this?' somewhat darwinian...
Well sweetie, seeing as I'm so much less evolved than you, feel free to not waste your wisdom on me. Kay? Bye now. :-*
Mina.
you missed my point... Any sane person with cat allergies would just not hav a cat.... its amusing when they miss that rather obvious point.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: mina.magpie on January 04, 2009, 08:34:55 AM
Post by: mina.magpie on January 04, 2009, 08:34:55 AM
Quote from: Starbuck on January 04, 2009, 08:08:43 AMyou missed my point... Any sane person with cat allergies would just not hav a cat.... its amusing when they miss that rather obvious point.
Oh no, I got your point. I'm just not one to ... settle for sane and obvious. Sometimes asking obvious questions can turn up novel answers, and a problem you thought you had to live with turns out to be easily solved with a new idea.
Mina.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Lisbeth on January 04, 2009, 08:41:40 AM
Post by: Lisbeth on January 04, 2009, 08:41:40 AM
Quote from: Starbuck on January 04, 2009, 03:19:05 AMQuote from: Lisbeth on January 03, 2009, 07:16:47 PM*reloads and fires again*Quote from: Starbuck on January 03, 2009, 09:34:27 AM*spits loudly and shows fangs*
Solving alergies?
Shoot the cat.
*ears back and a bottle-brush tail*
Quote from: Starbuck on January 04, 2009, 06:35:30 AM
Oh no, i love cats, i just find the 'zomg i have cat allergies! how can i solve this?' somewhat darwinian...
Are you suggesting that you're getting out of the gene pool? Cats will always remain the fittest to survive.
Quote from: Chrissty on January 04, 2009, 07:50:35 AM
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi404.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp123%2FChrissty-11%2FAhhhhhh.jpg&hash=6021f4feb75ccd5e2851bc9ec4a9fab52ca2215d)
Oh! I've wanted a hedgehog for the longest time! I have a saucer of milk for you, Spiny Norman.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: Rachael on January 04, 2009, 01:06:06 PM
Post by: Rachael on January 04, 2009, 01:06:06 PM
Quote from: Lisbeth on January 04, 2009, 08:41:40 AM*sigh* the catlovers that insist on having cats still are :PQuote from: Starbuck on January 04, 2009, 03:19:05 AMQuote from: Lisbeth on January 03, 2009, 07:16:47 PM*reloads and fires again*Quote from: Starbuck on January 03, 2009, 09:34:27 AM*spits loudly and shows fangs*
Solving alergies?
Shoot the cat.
*ears back and a bottle-brush tail*Quote from: Starbuck on January 04, 2009, 06:35:30 AM
Oh no, i love cats, i just find the 'zomg i have cat allergies! how can i solve this?' somewhat darwinian...
Are you suggesting that you're getting out of the gene pool? Cats will always remain the fittest to survive.
Title: Re: Advice for dealing with cat allergies?
Post by: tekla on January 04, 2009, 01:13:51 PM
Post by: tekla on January 04, 2009, 01:13:51 PM
Cats will always remain the fittest to survive.
Perhaps over humans. Cockroaches seem to have the survival deal down pat.
Perhaps over humans. Cockroaches seem to have the survival deal down pat.