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Cat Forum / General Topics / September 2007

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allergies

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Michelle - 31 May 2004 07:39 GMT
Hello,
We would like to adopt a cat, but my daughter is allergic, not too
terribly bad, but allergies just the same.  I had heard that the breed
Russian Blue would be best, but upon researching this, all I could
find is that there is no specific breed that would be best.  What was
recommended was bathing the kitten weekly.

Does this sound like solid advice to you?  Any help would be
appriciated.

==========================
Cystic Fibrosis
Please help find a cure!
http://www.cff.org/
==========================
Saul Levy - 31 May 2004 19:24 GMT
You might want to have her allergies to cats tested.  The hairless
breeds are supposed to be best for this.

Saul Levy

>Hello,
>We would like to adopt a cat, but my daughter is allergic, not too
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>http://www.cff.org/
>==========================
Judy - 31 May 2004 23:27 GMT
I agree with you that the OP should have allergy tests done on her daughter
with regards to cats, but I disagree with suggesting a hairless breed.
Allergies to cats come mostly from dander and saliva - which there is no
getting away from.

> You might want to have her allergies to cats tested.  The hairless
> breeds are supposed to be best for this.
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> >http://www.cff.org/
> >==========================
Saul Levy - 01 Jun 2004 21:10 GMT
That's what I've always heard.  I don't have any allergies to cats so
don't have any direct experience.

Saul Levy

>I agree with you that the OP should have allergy tests done on her daughter
>with regards to cats, but I disagree with suggesting a hairless breed.
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>> >Does this sound like solid advice to you?  Any help would be
>> >appriciated.
Judy - 31 May 2004 21:39 GMT
> Hello,
> We would like to adopt a cat, but my daughter is allergic, not too
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Does this sound like solid advice to you?  Any help would be
> appriciated.

Here's an article you can read.

http://www.airpurifiersandfilters.com/pets.php

Judy
Dana - 03 Jun 2004 05:58 GMT
Bathing the kitten weekly is not a solution.

Allergies
Many people are allergic to cats. It was once thought that these people were
allergic only to dander and cat hair, however, it is now believed that these
people might actually be allergic to protein particles that are found in
various body fluids such as saliva, sweat (and yes, cats can sweat) and
urine. Researchers have found that the protein molecules in question are the
Fel d 1 protein and feline albumin. Since the protein is in the cat's saliva
virtually anything the cat licks will have protein on it and may cause an
allergic reaction in humans. For example when a cat cleans herself she is
putting protein on her fur, even when she licks you, protein can be
deposited on you and your clothing. And to compound the matter the protein
itself can become airborne and thus become deposited all over your home. And
to make it worse this protein can last years in the environment, so if you
are extremely allergic to cats you may even have a reaction to an new rented
apartment were a cat lived in years ago! This is also why your friend may
have an allergic reaction even though all of your cats are out of the room!
If you are allergic to cats yet want to have a cat as a pet, are going to
live in a home with cats, or are going to be visiting a home with cats there
are things you can do to not have such a strong allergic reaction to cats.

 a.. Try to adopt a female cat, females produce less protein than males
 b.. Take antihistamines (use non-drowsy formula)
 c.. Make sure your home has good ventilation
 d.. Keep your bedroom off-limits to all cats
 e.. Use an air cleaner to remove allergens (HEPA filters work well)
 f.. Keep cats off upholstered furniture which is harder to remove
allergens from
 g.. Have someone else do vacuuming and sweeping in the house as this may
stir up allergens
 h.. Keep your home clean and as free as possible of cat hair and dander,
as well as to try to remove any protein
 i.. Don't brush the cats yourself, have someone else do all grooming
 j.. Make sure the cat is groomed often to minimize shedding
 k.. Consider wiping your cat down with water at least once a month (if you
are very allergic you may want to have someone do this for you)
 l.. If you do pet or play with your cat make sure to wash your hands
before touching your eyes or face
 m.. Consult your doctor about possible drug therapies that might work for
you
If you are allergic to cats the best thing to do is to talk to your primary
care physician and ask him for advice on dealing with your allergies.
Researchers are currently working on new medications that may help allergy
sufferers to coexist with cats!

> Hello,
> We would like to adopt a cat, but my daughter is allergic, not too
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> http://www.cff.org/
> ==========================
Michelle - 03 Jun 2004 15:08 GMT
>Bathing the kitten weekly is not a solution.
>
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
>Researchers are currently working on new medications that may help allergy
>sufferers to coexist with cats!

Thank you all for all your helpful advice.  Our first step is the
doctor, followed by trying out visits (short ones) to someone I know
that has kittens.  
The hepa air filter is also a must, we were going to buy one anyway.
I believe we will attempt the bath every week though.  It can't hurt.

>> Hello,
>> We would like to adopt a cat, but my daughter is allergic, not too
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>> http://www.cff.org/
>> ==========================

==========================
Cystic Fibrosis
Please help find a cure!
http://www.cff.org/
==========================
WeLoveSiberians.com - 03 Sep 2007 20:49 GMT
Michelle -

Look into Siberian cats! They're gorgeous, awesome animals that most folks
with cat allergies either don't react to or have a controllable reaction.
Our 11 year-old stepson is very allergic to cats and dogs, but he shows no
reaction at all to the two Siberians (one male, one female). He has to
continue taking his medications for his other allergies, but we haven't had
to add anything or change dosages with the cats around.

We also don't do anything special: none of this stuff of trying to keep the
house immaculately clean, bathe the cats, etc. We just do regular housework
and occasionally groom the cats a bit (not that they really need much).

Anyway, I put together a web site - www.WeLoveSiberians.com - to share our
experiences with this wonderful breed. Please come check out the information
and feel free to ask any questions that come to mind!  :-)

Cheers,

Mike
http://www.welovesiberians.com

> Hello,
> We would like to adopt a cat, but my daughter is allergic, not too
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> http://www.cff.org/
> ==========================

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