Asthma, Allergies and Cats

[jade_arb 3]

About a year ago I started having what I thought was just a cold that lasted about 3 months in a row, after so many visits to the doctor all I got was Allegra for allergies, but Allegra did not help much, this cold then turned into cold and cough. After suffering of wheezing, shortness of breath, cold and cough, I was told I had Bronchitis, but the medication did not help.

My husband is cat lover, sadly I'm not. I likes cat but definitely I'm not a cat lover. Since we got married he kept insisting in getting a kitten, but I wanted a dog. After so much insisting a few days before Christmas 2008 we went to the local shelter to adopt a cat and a dog. Unfortunately we did not find any dog but we found a cute tuxedo kitten. After a few days of getting Oreo(that's our kitten name), I started to feel more sick than usual, so I went to the doctor again and I got more allergies medications, that help a little but not to the point of feel good.

Finally, in mid January I found out that I have asthma, my doctor suggested me to get an allergy test to find out what was causing my asthma attacks. But due to my asthma being out of control I had to wait until my asthma was under control. Back then he told me that maybe I was allergic to cats.

Yesterday, I finally got the allergy test and I'm allergy almost to everything, but the bad news are that I'm allergic to cats big time, and basically to any furry pets!!

My doctor highly suggested me to give away Oreo in order to avoid having asthma attacks. He said that if I was only allergic to cats but not asthmatic it shouldn't be a problem to keep Oreo, but having asthma, being allergic to cats and having a cat is a big no no. Since I started taking medications for my asthma back in January I just have had only one attack which is great considering that we have Oreo.

The difficult part of this situation is that husband has attached to Oreo so much, and he wants to try everything possible to keep him, such as bathing him once a week and wiping him daily.

I would like some suggestions/ideas/advices of what I can do to reduce the dander, since I know that is not possible to eliminate cats dander. I'm willing to try everything possible to keep Oreo as long as is not harmful for him...

Any respond is going to be really appreciated!

[=FoxyBLUE= 2]

About a year ago I started having what I thought was just a cold that lasted about 3 months in a row, after so many visits to the doctor all I got was Allegra for allergies, but Allegra did not help much, this cold then turned into cold and cough. After suffering of wheezing, shortness of breath, cold and cough, I was told I had Bronchitis, but the medication did not help.

My husband is cat lover, sadly I'm not. I likes cat but definitely I'm not a cat lover. Since we got married he kept insisting in getting a kitten, but I wanted a dog. After so much insisting a few days before Christmas 2008 we went to the local shelter to adopt a cat and a dog. Unfortunately we did not find any dog but we found a cute tuxedo kitten. After a few days of getting Oreo(that's our kitten name), I started to feel more sick than usual, so I went to the doctor again and I got more allergies medications, that help a little but not to the point of feel good.

Finally, in mid January I found out that I have asthma, my doctor suggested me to get an allergy test to find out what was causing my asthma attacks. But due to my asthma being out of control I had to wait until my asthma was under control. Back then he told me that maybe I was allergic to cats.

Yesterday, I finally got the allergy test and I'm allergy almost to everything, but the bad news are that I'm allergic to cats big time, and basically to any furry pets!!

My doctor highly suggested me to give away Oreo in order to avoid having asthma attacks. He said that if I was only allergic to cats but not asthmatic it shouldn't be a problem to keep Oreo, but having asthma, being allergic to cats and having a cat is a big no no. Since I started taking medications for my asthma back in January I just have had only one attack which is great considering that we have Oreo.

The difficult part of this situation is that husband has attached to Oreo so much, and he wants to try everything possible to keep him, such as bathing him once a week and wiping him daily.

I would like some suggestions/ideas/advices of what I can do to reduce the dander, since I know that is not possible to eliminate cats dander. I'm willing to try everything possible to keep Oreo as long as is not harmful for him...

Any respond is going to be really appreciated!

Well, I really think you really need to give away Oreo. I have Asthma since 3 years old (but not as worst as yours now...)...we have 3 cats at home bcoz of my grandpa...my mom is trying to get rid of the cats but my grandpa insist not to coz they are all attached to him.

Well since it's the cat's furr that is causing my asthma...my mother decided to build them a house outside...they are not allowed inside the house...that's my mom's option to my grandpa..and they close the deal...no cats inside!

[jade_arb 3]

Well, I really think you really need to give away Oreo. I have Asthma since 3 years old (but not as worst as yours now...)...we have 3 cats at home bcoz of my grandpa...my mom is trying to get rid of the cats but my grandpa insist not to coz they are all attached to him.

Well since it's the cat's furr that is causing my asthma...my mother decided to build them a house outside...they are not allowed inside the house...that's my mom's option to my grandpa..and they close the deal...no cats inside!

I would give Oreo to my in-laws since they love cats and they have two grown up cats or to any friend without any hesitation, but I trying to understand my husband's feelings, since he has had cats his whole life. He didn't agree with me when I banned Oreo from our bedroom the day we adopted him, but since I did not give him any other choice it was that or not kitty all, he ended up accepting it. I don't want take the attitude "He has to go" or "You have to choose between him or me" without trying any options, but ultimately if nothing works and my asthma does not get better or get worse we wont have any choice but give Oreo away.

[Mags 112]

You could get your husband to use a Furminator on Oreo. They cost around $30-40 and are easy to use. It removes all cat dander if used once a month or so.

I would suggest your husband use it once a month on Oreo (preferably when you are out of the house) and it may help reduce your allergies.

You can buy it from Petsmart and other pet stores.

[MsMariah 0]

I have fairly severe allergies, and have had just a few asthma attacks but am not officially diagnosed (see previous posts re: no healthcare insurance), and I'm also a cat owner.

Some things that help:

Vacuuming regularly (better if it's not you, and easier if you wear a fitted dust filtering mask over your mouth and nose, or best if you buy a top of the line bagless vacuum with a premium filter.

Reduce the amount of fabrics kept in your house. Ideally have non carpeted floors, non cloth couches and chairs, and the simplest or easiest to clean draperies.

From my exp. buying the allergen protective bedding covers saved me countless hours of misery. They prevent the dustmites from penetrating and you zip them around your whole mattress and pillows, and then use your bedding as usual. And wash your bedding frequently.

Make sure your home is also free of excess moisture and mold.

I don't know many tips on preventing shedding. It's usually not the hair that people are allergic to it's something secreted by the animal who then licks itself and thus the hair is spreading the allergen. So handwashing after touching the animal, and frequent bathing could be helpful. He should also take full responsibility of caring for the cat.

Maybe there is something that would prevent the cat from licking himself... shrug.

Allegra didn't work well for me either, and I use Claritin 24h over the counter, and it's better if I take it preventatively every two or three days than if I take it when I have a reaction or take it daily and become quite drowsy.

Best wishes...

[Mags 112]

What If I Want to Keep My Pet?

If you decide to keep a pet, bar it from the bedroom. You spend from one-third to one-half of your time there. Keep the bedroom door closed and clean the bedroom aggressively:

*

Because animal allergens are sticky, you must remove the animal's favorite furniture, remove wall-to-wall carpet and scrub the walls and woodwork. Keep surfaces throughout the home clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best.

*

If you must have carpet, select ones with a low pile and steam clean them frequently. Better yet, use throw rugs that can be washed in hot water.

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Wear a dust mask to vacuum. Vacuum cleaners stir up allergens that have settled on carpet and make allergies worse. Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter if possible.

*

Forced-air heating and air-conditioning can spread allergens through the house. Cover bedroom vents with dense filtering material like cheesecloth.

*

Adding an air cleaner with a HEPA filter to central heating and air conditioning can help remove pet allergens from the air. The air cleaner should be used at least four hours per day. Another type of air cleaner that has an electrostatic filter will remove particles the size of animal allergens from the air. No air cleaner or filter will remove allergens stuck to surfaces, though. (See the Asthma and Allergy Answer factsheet on, "Air Filters.")

*

Washing the pet every week may reduce airborne allergens, but is of questionable value in reducing a person's symptoms.

*

Have someone without a pet allergy brush the pet outside to remove dander as well as clean the litter box or cage.

Original article

[MsMariah 0]

Wanted to add that you should not buy ozone generating air cleaners which seem popular now, they produce a lung irritant which people with asthma and allergies are especially susceptible too. If you use an air cleaner it should be a HEPA filter kind or an electrostatic precipitator. Here is info listed on American Lung Association website.

[lostinblue 1,989]

Keep the husband toss the cat.

[~*Maria*~ 1]

I too have 'severe asthma', bronchitis and Interstitial Lung Disease and also a cat owner. I disinfect my skirtings (running boards i think thats wot u guys call them) once a week, vaccum the mattress weekly, vaccum the carpets daily, and wash my bedding in hot water. I run an air purifier constantly which seems to help clean the air and also use a humidifier, if the air is too dry you end up with a stuffy nose, sore throat etc. Try to keep some moisture in the air, don't let it dry out completely. Air your house out daily, assuming its not sub zero temps outside.

You could try using a sinus wash, it seems to help me in getting rid of the dirt and allergens that cling inside your nose. Like other's have said... keep the cat out of your bedroom.

[Ontarkie 15,139]

Like you I'm allergic to everything i was tested for my allergist wanted to do the shot and gave me tons of perscriptions to use also. My Asthmas is not too bad atm i'm meds dont last 6mos like they want but its close. Now that spring is here my allergies are more sensitive.

Anyways I did the extreme when i was first told I needed to get rid of my pets, carpets, stuffed toys, curtains, ect. I had hard wood floors scrubbed down every inch of the house had no animals what so ever in my home. And guess what not one allergy or asthma difference what so ever. I still suffered and I did this for years so there was no way it was due to pet dander still in the house.

The problem is since i'm allergic to everything it is imposible to be free from it all. So i gave up trying and enjoy my pets 2 dogs, 2cats, guenea pig and hamster. I clean lots the kids do the carring for the pets and I just do what I would do even if i was pet free. Use a good asthmas controler and the occaisonal allergy pill.

Its really up to you what you do with your cat. You said your allergies and asthma started before the cat came into the picture so their is a chance things wont change. Also their is a shampoo to help reduce dander for ppl with allergies I have never used it but it may be worth trying.

Good luck and take care of yourself.

[Kathryn41 3,207]

There is a product called Allerpet that is available on line or at PetSmart/PetCo. It is a solution that you put on a cloth and rub all over the pet against the hair and it is supposed to remove/reduce the protein on a cat's fur that is the primary allergen. You would want Allerpet/C for cats - there are versions for dogs and birds as well. It is easy to use, safe for the pet and from what I have heard, helps significantly in reducing the allergens caused by pet dander. Most allergies to cats, btw, is to a protein that they deposit on their fur by washing themselves. This solution neutralizes that protein. You can look up the information online at http://www.allergybegone.com/alsol.html.

I have a friend who is highly allergic to cats and whose inlaws have cats. She swears by the herbal product called Quercetin. It supports healthy histamine levels and she finds that by taking quercetin she is able to be in her inlaws house without having the severe reactions she gets to their cats. You might want to look into that as well. It is available through the Vitamin Shoppe and should be available even at some pharmacy stores vitamin counters.

I applaud you for trying to find ways to keep Oreo in your home. Good luck. Oh, for future reference there are allergy free cats - when time comes for another cat in the household you might look at getting a Devon Rex or a Cornish Rex. Another friend who had a very allergic daughter got a Devon Rex and had it for years without any allergy problems.

[-B&T- 1]

I also have asthma but it's controllable and had no attacks for couple of years now.I had skin test couple of months ago for allergies because I was sneezing a lot and turned out very allergic to dust and had to watch out of what I eat also.Eggs,tomatoes,shellfish, is a big no for me=(.I think you have some food allergies too so be aware, if you notice allergic reaction from certain foods avoid those foods and don't wear strong perfumes as well and never let your pets sleep with you in your bedroom.

[rheanick 42]

I use claritin for my allergy. Would be best to restrict your cat's movement. Only allow him to certain places in your house to minimize the effect on you.

[jade_arb 3]

I want to thank everybody for all the comments. I really appreciate them.

You could get your husband to use a Furminator on Oreo.

I would suggest your husband use it once a month on Oreo (preferably when you are out of the house) and it may help reduce your allergies.

I'm going to buy and try it. My husbands definitely has to do it... lol...

There is a product called Allerpet that is available on line or at PetSmart/PetCo.

You can look up the information online at http://www.allergybegone.com/alsol.html.

I have a friend who is highly allergic to cats and whose inlaws have cats. She swears by the herbal product called Quercetin.

I applaud you for trying to find ways to keep Oreo in your home. Good luck. Oh, for future reference there are allergy free cats - when time comes for another cat in the household you might look at getting a Devon Rex or a Cornish Rex.

I will get the Allerpet, I think I will compare it with Fuminator and see which works best for me. If the herbal product "Quercertin" does not interfere with my asthma medication I will use it.

As much as dislike Oreo's bad behavior,(I will probably post another topic about it) I know my husband is really attach him, and I have to admit that I'm a little bit too.

I have fairly severe allergies, and have had just a few asthma attacks but am not officially diagnosed (see previous posts re: no healthcare insurance), and I'm also a cat owner.

Some things that help:

Vacuuming regularly (better if it's not you, and easier if you wear a fitted dust filtering mask over your mouth and nose, or best if you buy a top of the line bagless vacuum with a premium filter.

Reduce the amount of fabrics kept in your house. Ideally have non carpeted floors, non cloth couches and chairs, and the simplest or easiest to clean draperies.

From my exp. buying the allergen protective bedding covers saved me countless hours of misery. They prevent the dustmites from penetrating and you zip them around your whole mattress and pillows, and then use your bedding as usual. And wash your bedding frequently.

Make sure your home is also free of excess moisture and mold.

I don't know many tips on preventing shedding. It's usually not the hair that people are allergic to it's something secreted by the animal who then licks itself and thus the hair is spreading the allergen. So handwashing after touching the animal, and frequent bathing could be helpful. He should also take full responsibility of caring for the cat.

Maybe there is something that would prevent the cat from licking himself... shrug.

Allegra didn't work well for me either, and I use Claritin 24h over the counter, and it's better if I take it preventatively every two or three days than if I take it when I have a reaction or take it daily and become quite drowsy.

Best wishes...

I did not know there allergen protective bedding I will get some for sure.. thank for the information.

Oreo is a hair long cat its already difficult to wipe him, so we shaved/groomed him yesterday. We tried to give him the lion cut, but he did not allowed us to shave his chest or upper body. We think by shaving will made easier to wipe him and keep him clean. We were surprised that he even let us shave the rest of his body.... His tail looks so cute!!! ... lol My mother-in-law was not so amazed by the idea of grooming him and said "Why did you do that for to the poor cat!!!".

I too have 'severe asthma', bronchitis and Interstitial Lung Disease and also a cat owner. I disinfect my skirtings (running boards i think thats wot u guys call them) once a week, vaccum the mattress weekly, vaccum the carpets daily, and wash my bedding in hot water. I run an air purifier constantly which seems to help clean the air and also use a humidifier, if the air is too dry you end up with a stuffy nose, sore throat etc. Try to keep some moisture in the air, don't let it dry out completely. Air your house out daily, assuming its not sub zero temps outside.

You could try using a sinus wash, it seems to help me in getting rid of the dirt and allergens that cling inside your nose. Like other's have said... keep the cat out of your bedroom.

I use nasonex every day, but I don't think it will hurt to use a sinus wash as well. I do have a air purifier that I started using constantly after we got Oreo and for some reason the first type of litter box that we got made get sick, I knew every time Oreo used it because I could smell it. The air purifier was a saver!!!

Like you I'm allergic to everything i was tested for my allergist wanted to do the shot and gave me tons of perscriptions to use also. My Asthmas is not too bad atm i'm meds dont last 6mos like they want but its close. Now that spring is here my allergies are more sensitive.

Anyways I did the extreme when i was first told I needed to get rid of my pets, carpets, stuffed toys, curtains, ect. I had hard wood floors scrubbed down every inch of the house had no animals what so ever in my home. And guess what not one allergy or asthma difference what so ever. I still suffered and I did this for years so there was no way it was due to pet dander still in the house.

The problem is since i'm allergic to everything it is imposible to be free from it all. So i gave up trying and enjoy my pets 2 dogs, 2cats, guenea pig and hamster. I clean lots the kids do the carring for the pets and I just do what I would do even if i was pet free. Use a good asthmas controler and the occaisonal allergy pill.

Its really up to you what you do with your cat. You said your allergies and asthma started before the cat came into the picture so their is a chance things wont change. Also their is a shampoo to help reduce dander for ppl with allergies I have never used it but it may be worth trying.

Good luck and take care of yourself.

My first thought was "he has to go", then the doctor told me, even if you get rid of him is going to take more than 6 months to have a free dander home, and see any difference, then I asked him if by giving away Oreo I was going to be able to stop the medication, and he said "No, with Oreo or without him you can't stop your medication", then I gave it a second thought about the situation. After all the only attack that I have had, according to my doctor, Cedar Mountain pollen (which I'm extremely allergic to) was very high in those days, in combination with a cold that I catch from my husband were the cause of my attack. My husband is teasing me that I should wear a mask all the time so I don't get any allergies symptoms...

I also have asthma but it's controllable and had no attacks for couple of years now.I had skin test couple of months ago for allergies because I was sneezing a lot and turned out very allergic to dust and had to watch out of what I eat also.Eggs,tomatoes,shellfish, is a big no for me=(.I think you have some food allergies too so be aware, if you notice allergic reaction from certain foods avoid those foods and don't wear strong perfumes as well and never let your pets sleep with you in your bedroom.

I forgot to ask for food allergy test... I was only tested for milk (it was negative) due to having attacks after eating any dairy product, but that changed once I started using Pulmicort.

I use claritin for my allergy. Would be best to restrict your cat's movement. Only allow him to certain places in your house to minimize the effect on you.

I used claritin for while, now I'm using Clarinex, which I kind of think it's the same medication just with different name.... He is restricted to the bedroom since the first day that we adopt him

[Ladylethal 12]

Everything said above is valid, so I'll just share my experience.

I am a cat lover, was born in a house with cats, and had them all my life, always more than one, always very close to me (dogs too but we're talking cats). When I moved here and got married, we went ahead and adopted a cat. The thing is, my husband is very allergic to dust etc and he actually never had pets growing up. His first pet was a dog that he got the year after we first met, and after we adopted we found out he was highly allergic to the cat. We live in a small apartment so barring the cat from the bedroom was a no no and pretty much we can't have a pet free zone since space is so limited as it is. My husband is a pet lover as well so he started taking allergy medicine on a daily basis. And so for over a year if he so much as missed taking the medicine at the proper time of the day he'd start the sneezing and redness, etc. Well, about 6 months ago he forgot to buy the medicine and after about a week we notice he didn't have a single episode. Time went by and he had no more allergies. Now he actually sleeps with the cat propped on the pillow right next to his nose every night and the allergies are gone. We were surprised as we know the chances of developing a resistance to an allergen only happens in rare cases but I guess it did happen to him.

All that being sad when we were going through it his allergies were pretty severe and we researched this treatment where the person actually receives injections of the allergen to develop a resistance to it. Oh, and what he took was Claritin as well.

Edited March 30, 2009 by Luis&Laura