Humans allergic to cats

[Pollux]

Hi everyone!

I searched under this topic and didn't come up with much - does anyone have any ideas for my dilemma? I just had to move back in with my parents (at age 30 - go me) with my cat. My mom is very allergic to cats, and has asthma. The last time we had a cat (before she knew she was allergic), after about a year, my mom ended up sleeping in the car, she couldn't even breath in the house! Then she ended up in the hospital for two weeks with asthma/breathing problems, and obviously, we had to give the kitty away. So now, giving my cat away is NOT an option, I won't part with her!
My mom is on Advair and I think something else for her asthma, and so far, she's had no reaction to my cat. She went to her doctor to see about an allergy pill, and her doctor said "Get rid of the cat" and my mom said "That's not an option" and the doctor said "Then just take Clariton when you need it". That seemed a little...dismissive to me! Do any of you have any experience with this, or any success stories about allergic humans living with cats? I think my mom should be taking something daily as a preventative thing, but maybe I'm overly paranoid.
I think this isn't *exactly* about cat health - but I figured if anyone would have experience with this, it's you guys!

Thanks!

[slvrwhispr]

Same as we'd tell anyone here whose vet wasn't listening to them... get a second opinion! Have the doctor write a referral to an allergist, or find one on your own. They can vaccinate for allergies; it has to be done anywhere from every 4-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the allergies and the individual, but there's no reason your mom should have to suffer when there are easily-received treatments. Find an allergist and make an appointment. And get a new doctor, sheesh.

[Traci]

Slvrwhispr is right, allergy injections are an option, she can discuss this in detail with her physician (I agree, a new physician should be found). If the Advair is working for her however, there's probably no need for her to change medications, etc.

While you are at mom's, you'll want to keep kitty's litterbox clean, and keep cat hair to a minimum (vacuum daily, providing the vacuum is a good one and doesn't just throw dust around)....the dust in kitty litter can make allergies and asthma flair up for some people, so keep that to the barest minimum.

FWIW, many physicians still tell pet owners with allergies to get rid of their pets but they don't understand the bond between humans and pets. Options are available for allergic people, they just need a qualified physician to help them choose an efffective medication or product. Also, pet owners can do many things at home to lessen the risk of an asthmatic attack or allergies, like keeping dusts, pollens, mites etc to a minimum.

[gurl2005bby]

I am just like your mom. I do use advair and I do have asthma and I am also on meds. I am high allergic to cat (life threatening) but my allergic dr doesn’t understand that I will not get rid of cats. But just keep the cat out of her bedroom since we will breathe in cat hair on bed. But I do kinda sleep with cats. if your mom do sleep with cats just put blanket on top of bed and always put new one everyday since I wash it every week. Brush your cat each week or if you like just brush everyday. The vacuuming increase cat allergen exposure so hopefully you got the HEPA vacuuming... but if you like to read about it here is it http://allergies.about.com/cs/research/ ... accats.htm So I hope your mom will able to deal with it without having allergic meds or allergic shot but your mom should go different dr and explain the situation and that she will not get rid of cats.

[LinZ]

I have a friend who is very allergic to animal fur, and his mother has two dogs. He usually takes an inhaler and a bottle of Benadryl with him when he goes back home for the holidays.

I second the allergy shots suggestion, although I do not know exactly how effective they are or how expensive they are. If your mother is interested, she can speak with her doctor about it more. Does the Claritin work for her well enough? Or was her doctor simply too lazy to make alternative suggestions besides the common medication and removal of the cat? I would think the doctor would have mentioned the allergy shots, but that's just me.

[gurl2005bby]

Allergy shot are last thing they wanted to do. They wanted to make sure the meds isnt working that good and also that they do have to take shots around 3 days each week. And then 1 year you will have one shot every week and then 2nd years you will 1 shot every 2 weeks and 4th or 5th year you have to get a shot every month. Depending on how bad is it and every dr is different. They are very effective. Did your dr test it to see which your mom are allergy to? Cuz they test it on me which they just put the liquid on pin and peck it on your back and i think there is like 50 peck and it does tell which your are allergy to and how highly allergic to. So have your mom talk to dr about the test. And also did your mom go to allergy dr instead of regular dr.

[Cleo]

My allergist was dismissive as well, to the point where I lied and told him the animals were gone just to knock the arrogant tone out of him. I go for allergy shots and they do work for the most part. I still have to use an Advair inhaler on a daily basis and Albuterol for emergencies. Why I say the shots work for the most part is you have to be committed to a regular schedule to build up immunity. While I am committed to my good health, my schedule and the shot hours conflict at times and I never seem to get ahead. Plus there's the whole needle thing.

My Mom's asthma is worse than all of ours here and she has a cat. She's on Advair and Clariton. I don't know if the type of cat makes a difference because the allergen is all in the saliva but Mimi (mom's cat) is a long haired and doesn't bother me at all. Her fur is like cotton so when she sheds it's not like the blanket of a "ghost cat" like it is up here in my place. Then again, I have more than just one cat to vaccuum after.

Good luck to your Mom! (and to you as well)