Allergies Forum - Developing allergy to cats ?

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Q: Developing allergy to cats ?

asked by: drsnack99 on March 24th, 2009

New User

I am moving in with my girlfriend soon and we are looking at apartments. She has a cat and plans to bring it with her. I am not currently allergic to cats, but am very allergic to many things, including dogs. My allergist (when I used to have one) said that I would develop that allergy in time, especially if I lived with a cat. I had (sports-induced) asthma since I was in about 6th grade and have had a cat my whole life until going to college, where I seemed to develop many of my allergies. All of these things seem to indicate I am a "good" canidate to gain an allergy to cats. However, my mom has also long been allergic to dogs, but not cats and still does not seem to be allergic to cats despite continuing to live with 2 of them often in her room. How likely am I to develop an allergy to cats? I appreciate any feedback.

Replies(5)

MandMs

replied on March 27th, 2009

Extremely eHealthy

It is very possible that you'll develop allergy to cats, too.
People with allergy to other animals, and especially ones with asthma have greater chances to be allergic to cats.
Also, cats are known to be more allergenic, more potent to cause allergy.
If you decide to keep the cat, weekly bath with anti allergy shampoo, will reduce cats allergens and you'll be less exposed.
Keep the cat out of the bedroom.

huffster

replied on April 3rd, 2009

Experienced User

This sounds familiar. My family had 2 cats, but in my late 20's I suddenly developed a terrible allergy to cats. Itchy red eyes, sneezing, and even trouble breathing. I'm now in my mid-30's and started taking certain nutritional supplements. After about 3-4 months, I noticed a drastic improvement and now I have absolutely no problems around cats. Send me a PM for more info.

Users who thank huffster for this post: Twin1

Twin1

replied on June 10th, 2009

New User

Cat allergies

to Huffster

Please tel me what you did1 We have 3 adorable pure siberian cats. I am allergic, but have no reaction. After 3 years, my husband IS allergic, and says the only thing to do is get rid of the cats. My children are heartbroken.

Any information would be appreciated!

huffster

replied on June 17th, 2009

Experienced User

Interestingly enough, I started taking vitamins. And not just something you find at your corner store. These are pharmaceutical-grade, meaning they are of much higher quality and more potent.

After much testing on myself, what has worked for me is a multi-vitamin, grape-seed extract, and a calcium/magnesium supplement. It took about 3-4 months for the full affect to take hold. But I've never looked back since I started taking them.

My wife and I actually went into the business of selling these supplements to help out others. We've found the success stories aren't limited to simply allergies either. We're quite impressed with the results.

I can't guarantee it will work for your husband, but if you feel as though you would at least like some more info, just let me know.

zquest8

replied on July 3rd, 2009

New User

To drsnack99: from someone who has suffered from allergies from "day 1"... let me say that allergies are very, very unpredictable. Sure, you might become allergic to cats, but you might not! Don't plant that negative thought into your mind. My allergists over the years have told me definitely not to have cats or dogs. I didn't let that stop me from having and enjoying pets. I've had a cat for 18 years now and she even sleeps in my bed - a REAL "no-no!" (No problems...) I'm not saying that this will happen for you, but it just goes to show you that "you never know." Good luck.

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