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FluffyChicken's avatar

What other options are out there for people with cat allergies, besides antihistamines?

Asked by FluffyChicken (5521points) March 28th, 2011

I would very much like a cat, or some other cute fuzzy animal. I grew up with outdoor cats most of my life, and really miss having a cat around. Here’s the kicker; I’m severely allergic to them to the point where being in a house or room with cats can cause me to go into an asthma attack. I am also allergic to pretty much any furry and or/feathery animal.

When my family had cats, they had to be strictly, or at the very least mostly outdoor cats. If I pet them I had to wash my hands immediately, and I was constantly popping Benedryls. I tried Claritin D (the one you take only once a day) for a while, and also Allegra, loratadine, and nasonex. My mom and I shared a room for a while, and she told my my wheezing at night really scared her. When I moved in with my boyfriend into a cat-free house, I discovered that I had never known what it was like to actually be able to breathe! I have also found myself to be allergic to All things with fur or feathers, as well as reptile feces.

But… I really miss having a sweet small and fluffy something or other to care for. Also, I am moving to a city in a couple months, and may not be able to have a yard.

Has anyone had luck with allergy shots? What other options are available?

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12 Answers

MyNewtBoobs's avatar

You could try one of those hypoallergenic dogs.

FluffyChicken's avatar

thanks. I have done some research into those. I’m not much of a dog person, especially not for the tinier breeds, which are the kind that tend to be “hypoallergenic” (not without a weekly bath says Wikipedia) but that may be my only option if I want a pet as badly as I do. :/

augustlan's avatar

You could try a series of allergy shots. Sometimes they work well enough that you can actually overcome the allergy altogether.

Also: Hairless cats

FluffyChicken's avatar

cool, despite my fear of needles, allergy shots could be the way to go. Hairless cats, sadly, are not hypoallergenic. The allergens are in their saliva.

Seelix's avatar

Here is an article listing some cat breeds which are less likely to produce allergic reactions. Maybe allergy shots in combination with one of these breeds would work for you.

I know a guy who has a Sphynx (hairless), and he doesn’t bathe nearly as much as any hairy cat. A Sphynx might work as long as you don’t let him kiss you, and as long as you get him used to being bathed often as a kitten.

FluffyChicken's avatar

Wow thanks! I’m amazed I haven’t come across this article before. super super helpful. :D

dxs's avatar

@MyNewtBoobs
I’m pretty sure there are also hypoallergenic cat aswell. They just cost A LOT more money.

Rarebear's avatar

Nasalchrome can help but I’d get the generic.

FluffyChicken's avatar

cool… yeah no cats or dogs are ever truly allergen-free, I knew there were dogs that were less allergenic. the cats are news to me though! I’ll have to look into that, since I am way more of a cat person. :)

Response moderated (Unhelpful)
asmonet's avatar

@FluffyChicken: Sphynx cats are way high maintenance, and they are very expensive to obtain. Their skin has special needs and requires you to set time aside without fail for weekly care. I love them, but it’s a real commitment and not everyone is ready for them.

FluffyChicken's avatar

I solved this problem by getting a poodle. Miraculously, I’m not allergic to him.

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