Posted on 10/29/2020 4:30:08 PM PDT by Pining_4_TX
Here's the deal. I really, really want a pet. Husband allergic to cats. Is it still possible to own one?
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Yes. You will want to look for a breed of cat that typically produces less cat dander. Look for a purebred cat as well. So breeds like: Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Siberians, Russian Blues, and the Spyhnx (hairless cat).
Second, you can vaccinate the cat. Idea is it stops producing the protein that triggers allergies in humans.
Third, hubby can get allergy shots too.
Lastly there is a new food out on the market that cats can eat that reduces the allergens. Purina ProPlan Live Clear.
I’m alergic to cats and have had cats for pets.
There’s these things called anti-histamines and they’ve come a long way.
masochists do weirder things ... DO IT !
I have allergies to cats, and it is not the hair, but the dander. If there are multiple cats snd the houses are not clean, then yes it gets pretty bad, red ryes, sneexinf, wheezing with shortness of breath. We had cats for a 10 or so years, then it sort happened. But our cats were out a lot.
My chihuahua is like having half cat half dog. 4lbs and doesn’t shed.
Yes, absolutely. We have had a couple of them. The one we still have is about 20 years old now. Lovely cats.
I had a cat when I was very young and loved her. I think I was allergic, but nobody cared much, no big deal. I met my husband and he had a Siamese, my eyes bugged me, I dealt with it, years later my husband’s beloved cat died. I did not want another cat (dog woman here), my husband found a stray. I don’t really like him, but I am not allergic to him. Put this in the category of, you put up with what you love if it isn’t too bad. Ha ha. Just read that again. Will leave the post.
we will never have a cat. I’m allergic. I will probably die immediately. Cats are dumb. Cats want to kill us in our sleep. THESE are all valid. Possibly true. Also all these true in our family. ALSO true is the strays we came across and kept...the fosters we came across and kept...the love we had for every stupid kitten/eventual puppy. They matter.
Isn’t this best discussed with your husband and his allergist?
Personally I don’t think having a pet is worth risking the health of a family member. So I would move on from that plan.
Our doctor says there are no cats that are really hypoallergenic. My daughters are allergic to cats. We wanted a cat really badly so we went to the humane society and my daughter had an extreme reaction, red faced, sneezing, runny nose, swollen eyes. It was awful. We left and gave her Claritin. We tried again when she took Claritin beforehand. We then went to the doctor and he said to use Flonase and Claritin, that his own son used them and was fine. We now have two cats, she’s used to them and rarely has to take Flonase and never takes Claritin. I would say see your doctor and maybe use Flonase and Claritin and visit cats for a couple of hours and see what happens. Also my ex husband was allergic to cats and had the same reaction, and when we met I had cats. He took medication and was fine. He just required that the cats not be allowed in our bedroom.
Sorry, cats own you, not the other way round.
No.i know I get very sick when I’m around cats. I suppose it depends on how allergic your husband is. I know I have to take allergy meds and have my inhaler when I’m around cats.
I would recommend a small hypoallergenic lap dog and train them to go inside the house.
Definitely spend time around a breed of cat you are considering. A couple of hours will tell you if there is going to be an issue. Some people do okay as long as they keep the cat out of the bedroom.
An allergist I used to go to said that everyone is allergic to cats to some degree. He said if you have them, get rid of carpeting and curtains - anything that will hold dander.
My son was allergic and we ran a HEPA filter machine in his bedroom.
I’ve seen someone who had an asthmatic attack due to cats once and had to go to the ER. It was scary.
Allergies can be miserable. If they are seasonal, you know there is an end in sight. But, with a cat, always present.
I wouldn’t want to cause a reaction to your hubby, but maybe you all could make a trip to the shelter in a visiting room with the cat you like? Or a friend or family member with a cat? Determine what his tolerance is, if he is ok as long as he has no direct cat contact or if he goes off if a cat is near. Or speak with his doctor for advice if he could tolerate a cat with his particular sensitivities or what could be done to alleviate symptoms? Maybe have “no cat zones” if he can tolerate, i.e. Bedroom, man cave or office, bathroom where kittie is not allowed? I wish you all the best & hope you can find something that works for you both!
My husband is very allergic to cats and cannot visit my brother, a cat owner, for that reason. However, our son begged for a cat, and we purchased a grey Siamese for him when we researched that they cause little allergy issues. As long as my husband did not touch or handle the cat, he had zero discomfort as long as that cat was with us.
Get him some benedryl.
Check out a Siberian. I have allergies but no problem with this cat. They are high maintenance though. Of course, mine is a female. Just a coincidence, I’m sure! ha ha
Cat owners are staff.
If you really really love your husband, the cat that you get will be a dog.
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