I have allergies to cats. I have 2 of them. You are probably wondering why i have cats if i am allergic to them. My first cat came to me when she was just 6 weeks old. I had mild reactions, like itchy watery eyes, little scratchy bumps, and sneezing. (mild to me) If i didn't handle her a lot i was fine. I have had her for 10 years. 2 years ago, i decided i wanted another one. I went to rescue shelter and found the sweetest little calico. I brought her home and from that time on i have been sick. Actually, it took about a month for me start feeling her wrath. I woke up one morning and couldn't breath. I keep Benadryl in the house. After taking 3 of these, withine 20 minutes i was fine. I made an appt. with my MD for the following day. She put me on a rescue inhaler (albuteral) and told me to get rid of the cat. (i know, i know) I just can't do it. She is like a dog. She fetches, she knows what no means, and she is just a delight. I have tried over the counter allergy meds, they don't really work. I have found Tylenol Severe Allergy Formula, if i take 2 of these every 4 hours i'm fine. But this contains acetaminifin which is not good for one's stomach. When i wake in the morning i am just starting to wease. I take 2 more pills and i'm okay in about 30 minutes. I try not to use the inhaler so much. Doc tells me i have asthma which really kicked in after after the second cat came here. She explained that all cats are different. Some produce more dander than others. That is why #1 cat hasn't really affected my breating. I also heard that the more a cat grooms themselves the more dander they produce. It is something in the saliva that when they clean themselves the saliva dries on their fur hence the dander escapes into the air in a dry form. I find that if i dust and vacuum just about every day i feel beter. I also use PRIMATENE, which is an over the counter rescue inhaler. I hear bad things about that. Does any one have any suggestions on what to take that may work better. I love my cats and the first thing that people say is to get rid of the problem, problem solved. I can't give her away. Am i sealing my own fate here?