A 17 year old cat! I can understand his being incredibly torn. If they
don't use catwipes now it seems good to try, but as she has attacks
other places too, I have to wonder if the cat is really going to make a
difference not being there? That doesn't necessarily seem logical.

I've had this convo before....

I have asthma, and i work in a vet clinic, and also have three cats.

I've managed to make it work.  One of my former doctors wanted me to
get rid of the cats and find a new career.  This was also the quack
that said I had COPD.  My new current physician and allergist say i
have asthma but am nowhere near to having COPD.

My allergist has made reccomendations such as wearing a mask at work,
which i can't do all the time.  I only do it if i have to work with
rabbits, which i'm really allergic to.  He says i should wear a mask
and goggles when bathing a dog, etc.

He also says i need to keep the cats out of the bedroom.  That's a LONG
way from happening, cause one, i like having a cat curled up on the bed
with me.  There is something soothing about lying in bed after a long
day and having something cute and furry curl up next to you and will
love you unconditionally.  Also, i'm not about to have my door all
scratched up or listen to the crying.

I have a Hepa filter next to my bed and wash my sheets every week/two
weeks.  I've been very lazy lately, but i try to  really 'de-allergy'
the room every few months.  I kick out all the cats, dust and clean
everything, and vaccuum the floor like three times and don't let the
cats in it until i'm all done.

I haven't been keeping up with the allergy shots, but i know i need to
get back into them.

Your friend's asthma must be really bad if she needs to keep an oxygen
tank nearby.  And if a bouquet of lillies sets her off, that's really
harsh.  for her keeping the cat out of the bedroom would definitely
have to happen.  I love my babies and would do anything for them.  My
family and allergist are trying to make me think of the future and my
health in the long run.

For some reason though i'm not that worried about the future.  I just
try to make it through the day/week.  But that's cause i'm depressed
and really don't care about how long i live right now, but i won't get
into that. I'll do the allergy shots, the wipes, the baths the wood
floors, everything.  If it ever gets to that point though i still won't
get rid of them.  I'd live with an oxygen mask personally rather than
give them up.

I hope everything works out of your friend.  

Take care,

Kristi

I must admit I am the same way, I have allergies and allergic asthma, one of
the allergens being cat dander. But the appearnac eof IBKFergus didn't
worsen (or better) my allergies. The worst thing has actually been moving
offices, and trying to convince a company that its my office and not
'something else' (ie, that they are not libel for) is exceptionally
difficult.

But yes, I'll only take my meds when I feel it necessary. If I notice I need
my inhalor more than just a couple of times a week, I start taking my
preventor, but drop it after a week or so and see how I go. I really don't
want to take drugs when unnecessary. I must admit I felt *wonderful* when
the doc put me on prednisone, but I certainly wouldn't want to take it
forever.

Yowie

I've noticed that on very cold days, breathing outdoors causes me to
cough.  So this may have nothing to do with asthma; it's just your
insides going "dayum, it's cold!"