Hi
I have tried to find somewhere suitable to post this, so hope its ok here.
Basically, my family want a cat. We have had many pets such as hamsters, rabbits, fish.. etc but they live for 5 years max and dont really compare to a cat.
The only problem is, my mum is allergic to cats. She never used to be, and even when she was young she had many cats for pets and there was never any allergy problems, till she was older and now she gets very allergic to cats even if shes just in the same room as one... she gets rashes and cant breathe well.
I was wondering if anyone knew of any breeds of cat that would not affect someone with a cat allergy... or is this just wishing? I heard Siamise (sp?) cats were ok, but my mum is not too found of their looks lol.
Any help would be great.
thanks
Cleo
Cat help?
Re: Cat help?
I read - can't remember where, maybe on this board - that you can keep a cat allergy under control with medication, antihistamine, I suppose.
I don't know about different breeds and their effect on allergy prone people.
Does your mom want a cat as well, or is it only you? It wouldn't be fair on the cat to bring her into a household where one member doesn't really want her and avoids her. Cats are very sensitive, and would suffer from the rejection.
What about adopting a dog?
I don't know about different breeds and their effect on allergy prone people.
Does your mom want a cat as well, or is it only you? It wouldn't be fair on the cat to bring her into a household where one member doesn't really want her and avoids her. Cats are very sensitive, and would suffer from the rejection.
What about adopting a dog?
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Guest
Re: Cat help?
hi
thanks for the reply. Yea she wants one too, as both my mum and dad work, but my mum is part time, it wouldnt really be fair to have a dog as it would be alone for too long, however if we had a cat it can be let out or be happy at home as theres normally someone at home every hour or so...however me and my sisters have always wanted a dog, for years. My dad would be fine with one, but i guess my mums just not too keen on the work that comes with it..
My mum said something about medications that help, but shes not happy on the idea of having a pet means she has to be popping pills everyday which I understand.
thanks for the reply. Yea she wants one too, as both my mum and dad work, but my mum is part time, it wouldnt really be fair to have a dog as it would be alone for too long, however if we had a cat it can be let out or be happy at home as theres normally someone at home every hour or so...however me and my sisters have always wanted a dog, for years. My dad would be fine with one, but i guess my mums just not too keen on the work that comes with it..
My mum said something about medications that help, but shes not happy on the idea of having a pet means she has to be popping pills everyday which I understand.
You seem to think that cats don't need as much attention as dogs do. This is certainly not the case. Especially young cats will demand your attention a lot.
I don't think it's a good idea to let a cat go outside. You are putting her at risk of many dangers. Please read this link and think about it:
http://www.cathelp-online.com/health/indooronly.php
The best solution for a cat that has to be left alone for a longer period of time is a second cat. However, small kittens shouldn't be left alone at all - neither should young dogs for that matter.
Please think about the responsibilities a pet, be it dog or cat, brings with it. I'm not saying you are not responsible or anything but you should fully understand that any animal, and especially young animals, need a lot of attention and care, and shouldn't be left alone for long hours.
I don't think it's a good idea to let a cat go outside. You are putting her at risk of many dangers. Please read this link and think about it:
http://www.cathelp-online.com/health/indooronly.php
The best solution for a cat that has to be left alone for a longer period of time is a second cat. However, small kittens shouldn't be left alone at all - neither should young dogs for that matter.
Please think about the responsibilities a pet, be it dog or cat, brings with it. I'm not saying you are not responsible or anything but you should fully understand that any animal, and especially young animals, need a lot of attention and care, and shouldn't be left alone for long hours.
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Guest
Re: Cat help?
Hi
I wasnt implying that a cats needs are any less of a dogs, but when you look at some matters they are somewhat easier to look after.
My neighbours all have cats, and a lot of my friends do, and they are allowed outside as they wish.. and they actually prefer it out plus where Iam in London its quite safe for animals.
Anyways, back to the actual cats.. if I were to get a cat it ouldnt be a kitten, my aunt has adopted 2 cats from Batersea dogs home, as they do keep some cats, and they have both been lovely pets.
Do you know of any sites that will help me with my origanal question on owning a cat, with having an allergy??
thanks
I wasnt implying that a cats needs are any less of a dogs, but when you look at some matters they are somewhat easier to look after.
My neighbours all have cats, and a lot of my friends do, and they are allowed outside as they wish.. and they actually prefer it out plus where Iam in London its quite safe for animals.
Anyways, back to the actual cats.. if I were to get a cat it ouldnt be a kitten, my aunt has adopted 2 cats from Batersea dogs home, as they do keep some cats, and they have both been lovely pets.
Do you know of any sites that will help me with my origanal question on owning a cat, with having an allergy??
thanks
Re: Cat help?
This forum does NOT advocate letting cats outdoors. If you read the link Ash provided you above, you will clearly see why it's prudent to keep them safely indoors. I don't care where you live, NO outdoor environment should ever be considered safe for cats. Please read the link in it's entirety, then you'll understand.
It is also not wise to assume a certain breed of cat should be chosen based on a human's allergies. There is no allergy-free cat. If your mom has allergies, perhaps she should find out IF in fact, she has allergies to cats, or if those allergies are to other environmental factors, which usually are the case for many allergy factors. You must understand that sometimes people with allergies get a cat(s), then decide they are allergic to them, and usually end up relinquishing them, is that fair to the cat(s)? If your MOM wants a cat, then she can take appropriate measures with allergy medications or discuss with her physician measures to take to make her environment more liveable. It is your mother's responsibility to find out what she can do through her physician if he feels she is in fact allergic to cats. There are many allergy medications available without a prescription, and if your mom is truly allergy-prone, then she is probably taking prescribed medication upon her physician's advice anyway.
Otherwise, it would be more prudent for you to be in your own home before you adopt a cat. Cat ownership is a large responsibility, they need attention, time spent with them, veterinary care, and an indoor environment that provides them safety, interest, and security.
It is also not wise to assume a certain breed of cat should be chosen based on a human's allergies. There is no allergy-free cat. If your mom has allergies, perhaps she should find out IF in fact, she has allergies to cats, or if those allergies are to other environmental factors, which usually are the case for many allergy factors. You must understand that sometimes people with allergies get a cat(s), then decide they are allergic to them, and usually end up relinquishing them, is that fair to the cat(s)? If your MOM wants a cat, then she can take appropriate measures with allergy medications or discuss with her physician measures to take to make her environment more liveable. It is your mother's responsibility to find out what she can do through her physician if he feels she is in fact allergic to cats. There are many allergy medications available without a prescription, and if your mom is truly allergy-prone, then she is probably taking prescribed medication upon her physician's advice anyway.
Otherwise, it would be more prudent for you to be in your own home before you adopt a cat. Cat ownership is a large responsibility, they need attention, time spent with them, veterinary care, and an indoor environment that provides them safety, interest, and security.
..........Traci
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Guest
Re: Cat help?
I understand everything you say, but whether or not someone wants to let their cat out or not is up to them, besides that wasnt what I made this post about, I came on here after searching for a 'friendly' cat forum...
I have read and heard that there are some cats which fur does not affect some people who have known allergies towards cats.
My family love animals and would never regect them in any negative way. I was actually looking for some help on breeds of cats as my sisters and I were going to buy her a cat for her birthday as we know its something she wants but hasnt had time to fully research on her allergy.
If you do however have any information on different breeds and their fur etc I would be very gratefull, and if not.. im sorry I chose this site to post on.
Thank you.
I have read and heard that there are some cats which fur does not affect some people who have known allergies towards cats.
My family love animals and would never regect them in any negative way. I was actually looking for some help on breeds of cats as my sisters and I were going to buy her a cat for her birthday as we know its something she wants but hasnt had time to fully research on her allergy.
If you do however have any information on different breeds and their fur etc I would be very gratefull, and if not.. im sorry I chose this site to post on.
Thank you.
Re: Cat help?
Did you take the time to read the link and take the time to validate the recommendations elsewhere?guest wrote:I understand everything you say, but whether or not someone wants to let their cat out or not is up to them, besides that wasnt what I made this post about, I came on here after searching for a 'friendly' cat forum...
It is not fur that exacerbates allergies in humans, it is theorized that it is cat dander that may exacerbate a human allergy. In other words, it is the saliva that has dried and accumulated on fur or skin that is proposed to be an allergen or sensitivity to some humans. On the same note, as explained earlier, many allergies are not to the cat exactly, but to other environmental factors.
Your mother could consider a devon rex, since these cats have very sparse fur, but since she doesn't "like" a siamese look, she probably isn't going to consider a devon rex. Choosing a devon rex will also not prevent allergies, since all cats groom and will have some amount of dander/dried saliva on their skin or fur.
Most cat owners have no problem taking allergy medicines if they have reactions to their cats. Your mother needs to discuss this with her physician in order to accurately assume she is in fact allergic to cats.
..........Traci