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?
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rooted
Supporter
Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1110
Thanks: 31
Thanked:2
Posted: 02-10-08 06:54am
Allergies are a "dis - ease" of the immune
system and are an overreaction of the
human immune system to certain substances.
The foods you eat can boost your immune
system and prevent symptoms. Have you
thought about adjusting your diet to
improve your immune system.
Good allergy treatment is based on the
results of allergy tests, medical history,
and severity of symptoms. Maybe check to
identify other possible allergies that are
exacerbating the symptoms.
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Galaxy
Supporter
Joined: 15 Mar 2006 Posts: 514 Location: U.K,
Thanks: 5
Thanked:0
Posted: 02-10-08 07:51am
Sorry to be blunt about this, but if your
asthma goes out of control then your
little cat will have to be rehomed anyway.
Asthma is not like hay fever or something
- it is serious and potentially fatal.
I am wondering, though, whether or not you
are on a prescribed prevention inhaler?
You did not mention it. That, after two
weeks or so, might damp down the symptoms
somewhat.
But seriously, I have asthma and there is
no way i would gamble with my life like
this.
I think you have to do what you know is
right.
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Cicatriz
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 18 Location: New Albany, Oh America
Posted: 02-15-08 05:03am
I have a kitten and i was told i was
allergic to kittens, but heres the catch.
when i was around 11 i had that horrible
allergy test where they get all the
needles in your back and what not, anywho,
they found out i am allergic to dust and
cats. On top of this i had reeeeally bad
asthma.
Now heres where the catch comes in,
I grew out of my asthma and i guess my
bodys gotten used to cats because luckily
my cute lil kitty has kept me sneezless
for a year now.
