I love cats and I am allergic to them - is there any hope?

[Political Heretic]

So... I've recently accepted the reality that I love cats.

I come from a family of dog lovers and owners. So it took me awhile to discover my love of cats. Complicating matters is the fact that I am allergic to them, so I've never had one of my own.

Is there any hope for me? I have a moderate skin reaction to cat fur -- example, if a cat rubs up on my face, I itch for a long time, sometimes can have a bit of a rash reaction. If a cat scratches me, its sorta misery.

I have some other allergic responses, like sneezing and such, but that seems to have diminished over the years. Many years ago I stayed with someone who had many cats in the house for a week. The first night I had big problems - spent most of the night up feeling like I couldn't breathe. But by the end of the week, I didn't have that problem.... which made me think maybe there's hope.

The answer may just be - no, I'm cursed to love cats from afar. But I wondered if there was anyway to get over this, build up an immunity of some sort or find some other way around this barrier? :)

Can any of you cat loves help me out?

[deucemagnet]

1. Yes!

There are hairless varieties of cats and a breed that lacks the saliva protein that causes allergic reactions in most people when it's shed as dander. I don't have links, but a quick google search should give you names.

[trof]

2. You must love them from afar.

Ah...unrequited love.
;-)

[bettyellen]

3. some cats are less allergic than others... like mine

they are short haired cornish rex...



<a href="" target="_blank"><img src="" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


and other breedss you can find on the Purina Breed Selector website.

also, if you wash (or wipe down) a cat every few weeks the problem can be much less severe. if you start when they are young, they may be agreeable to it.

[Political Heretic]

5. Interesting.... thank you (and others!)

[bettyellen]

10. their hair is actually so fine it feels like cashmere (except Caindy's bald rubbery belly)

and it's invisible. so there's no shedding to vacum. and they are smart very playful and affectionate, much like dogs.
check out Rexphiles and ask Swag what he thinks.

[Roon]

17. OMG!!

They are sooooo CUTE!!!

[bettyellen]

18. why tks, Roon! ask the Swag how fabulous they are...

he and Aitch have met them, loved them and are honorary aunt and uncle now.
they will tell you cute yes, but so much more. total love muffins.

[Roon]

19. You are very lucky! eom

[bettyellen]

20. maybe you could get one two- my gals are also rescues- "bad mammas" from Tn

and there are always some out west in seems.

http://www.rexphiles.com/rescue.html

[Roon]

23. I have three kitties already

I can't afford another one. :(

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. If you come anywhere near a cat you will die instantly, some say (note the sarcasm)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x7466797#7466852

But read the rest of this thread, not just the silly part linked here. There's a lot of good advice. Many people with cat allergies find ways to have cats around the house.

[Political Heretic]

6. Wow I admit I didn't even think to see if there was a recent thread on this....

Sorry about that.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

15. No problemo.

I just mentioned it because there were some, er, interesting differences of opinion.

[Flaxbee]

7. I had asthma and allergies as a child

and I still am allergic to other people's cats, but am fine with my own - I think I've been able to build up an immunity to the allergens.

If you were OK after a week, your body was coping with the allergens. Perhaps you could find a foster situation for a cat and see if you can handle the cat after a bit; just make sure there are no problems for the cat if you have to give him/her back. And keep antihistamines handy, and some neosporin for scratches.

I don't want to advise you to do anything unhealthy, but it sounds as if your body can find ways to deal with it. Good luck! We have seven cats and I love them all dearly.

[applegrove]

8. I was allergic to my family cat. But didn't stay away from him. Just accepted that

if we cuddled, I'd get red eyes and an itchy rash. One day I got over the allergy. So there is hope for you.

[yawnmaster]

9. As said above, try different breeds

Depending on your type of allergy, you may find that there is a breed that is okay, or that you can gain immunity.

I have almost always had cats, but there has been a number of times when coming in contact with other cats that I've noticed the sneeze and eye watering. Also for about 2 years I didn't have a cat and noticed a increased sensitivity to many cats, but then after getting cats again, it went away.

good luck!

[mike_c]

11. I am allergic to cats and currently live with four....

I take allergy meds daily, clean house a lot, etc. It's not too bad, and I cannot imagine living without cats.

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. Get a hypoallergenic kitteh

http://www.allerca.com/

[Political Heretic]

21. Wow... that is mind blowing!!

Thanks :D

[GreenPartyVoter]

24. You bet! :^D

[Redstone]

13. Yes, there's hope. You don't HAVE to have cats in your house.

Not to be a wise-ass, but the answer is pretty simple.

Redstone

[Celebration]

14. If you don't mind spending some money and time

And are open to alternative therapies, try

www.naet.com

This technique has really helped my family with allergies.

[liberaltrucker]

16. One word: Claritin

Works wonders (LTWife has the same problem) and is OTC.

Good luck!

[BuelahWitch]

22. The suffering is worth it, IMO

I can't live with long hair cats anymore. Babysat two last summer and was miserable. But my current Baby is a short haired cat. Personally I would rather take meds, use a netti pot, whatever the rest of my life than do without my little furry sweetie pie. :loveya: