Any suggestions for people who love cats...but are allergic to them?!
Question: I'm moving into an apartment next semester and I've been dying to get a cat. I live with them at home, but they're not allowed in my bedroom. In an 5 room apartment, it's pretty hard to keep a cat out of the bedroom. Does anyone have any suggestions?? I'm scared to wash the cat since they hate water so much, and I've heard of products like "Allerpet", but I'm skeptical that they work. Any suggestions would be appreciated :)
Answers: I'm moving into an apartment next semester and I've been dying to get a cat. I live with them at home, but they're not allowed in my bedroom. In an 5 room apartment, it's pretty hard to keep a cat out of the bedroom. Does anyone have any suggestions?? I'm scared to wash the cat since they hate water so much, and I've heard of products like "Allerpet", but I'm skeptical that they work. Any suggestions would be appreciated :)
Just from a practical stand point, I would suggest getting a short hair cat to reduce shedding and a *good* vacuum cleaner made for pets or allergens to use everyday. Bissell and Dyson both make pet and allergy specific models.
If that's not enough, get an air purifier available at any local superstore. Getting one with filters that can be cleaned or washed as opposed to simply being replaced will cost you more on the front end, but save you in the long run.
Enjoy!
People who are allergic to so called regular cats, arent allergic to purebred cats. Or so I've heard and seen
I bought one and there was no allergic symptoms.. they usually start from the 700's and up.
=)
Start taking LOCAL honey right now and by next semester you will NOT be allergic to cats. The local honey works with your body to develop immunities to all the air born irritants around you-this includes pet dander, pollen, smog, mold, dust, mildew and any other stuff floating in the air. There are no side effects with local honey, no long term damage to your body either. You will, however, have less cold and flu symptoms as well as being overall healthier.
Try taking Claritin it works for 24hrs and is non drowsy. It is over the counter and cheap. You can buy the generic Loratidine (sp) as well (cheaper). You might consider getting an air purifier for your place and a filtered vacuum. When ever I get a new cat I take the Claritin daily and at some point you just become used to their dander. This all depends on the type of allergy you have to cats. How bad it is etc. If it bothers you at night take some Benadryl. It makes you sleepy. If you think you are going to be miserable all the time with itchy watery eyes and a runny nose it isnt worth it because you will have to find a new home for the cat. A cat that is yours requires playing, petting and loving and will want to sleep with you sometimes. I would do a test run with Claritin and be around a cat for a couple of days and see how it works :)
zyrtec
I think you should follow the advice of the other answers which include: 1 taking Claritin or Loratadine
2 Getting a short haired cat and a great
vacuum
3 Giving the cat a regular bath or have them
groomed
I think you should also invest in allergy testing and allergy shots but before that see if that "local honey" suggestion works! Becuz allergy shots are really expensive if you don't have insurance!
Good luck!
I have had cats all my life and are allergic to them.
When I got my two - I got them as kittens, so they had less dander and I got used to it. Basically what I was doing is the same thing as in the shots - exposing myself to small amounts so my body learns to adjust and not freak out and send me into an allergy attack.
Short hairs are best - not as much dander.
And for when I do have allergy symptoms, I take either benedryl or claritin D - you can take the claritin twice a day and it will reduce/prevent the symptoms.
Also, the allergy shots do work (I used them for years when I was younger)