Comments | naturalliving: Cat allergy

emraldfire in naturalliving

Cat allergy

Oct 23, 2009 16:01

My boyfriend Scott is somewhat allergic to cats. Naturally, my kitty Earl is quite offended by this. We would like to know what we can do to allow Earl and Scott to coexist allergy free. My soon to be less itchy boyfriend and less offended kitty thank you. :)

pets: cats, allergies/sensitivities

Comments 34

_dilate_ October 23 2009, 20:20:00 UTC

I am REALLY allergic to cats and nothing natural has helped for me. I have to take a ton of claritin just to be in the same house as a cat for more than a few minutes. I'll be curious to see what people have to say.

jlb88 October 24 2009, 00:47:49 UTC

same here. i had to give my cats away for that reason. my doctor said i couldn't live off claritin because it wasn't safe.

girlx512 October 23 2009, 20:24:35 UTC

Make the bedroom a kitty-free zone so Scott can have a safe space (especially important for sleeping over). Brush Earl daily, bathe him weekly if he tolerates it. Vacuum daily, and wash linens often. Don't let Scott touch his face without washing his hands first.

emraldfire October 23 2009, 20:29:05 UTC

what can i bathe the kitty or wipe it down with that won't bother it if i use it so frequently?

girlx512 October 23 2009, 20:32:01 UTC

Even just water would help rinse out the dander, but a mild pet shampoo (something like aloe and oatmeal) watered down and rinsed well would be fine too.

emraldfire October 23 2009, 20:33:37 UTC

awesome. I heard they made cleaning wipes for cats somewhere too.

Thread 8

seeinglife October 23 2009, 20:29:07 UTC

BioAllers makes drops and tablets that are supposed to relieve symptoms and gradually build immunity to the allergy, so long as the allergy is not a severe one. I had success with their tree pollen remedy. They make one for pets. A natural stuff store should probably have this.
In the same vein, allergy shots from a doctor work the same way.

emraldfire October 23 2009, 20:30:30 UTC

so in theory if he got allergy shots, he would only need to get a limited number and then he would be ok (assuming they work for him)?

seeinglife October 23 2009, 20:44:04 UTC

As I understand it, yes, though the number can greatly vary. The idea is to gradually build immunity to the allergen so you don't have to be on meds for ther est of your life.

audraeverafter October 23 2009, 20:53:47 UTC

Allergy shots can take anywhere from 2-5 years to complete, with a beginning weekly program. They work up to your dose over 6 months, continue your dose for 6 months, and then wean you off of your dose. It is a long process, but it is generally for life.

Thread 6

there_she_went October 23 2009, 20:29:14 UTC

Zyrtec is amazing.

There was this interesting wipes I found disgruntledgrrl October 23 2009, 20:33:22 UTC

Apparently they were primarily oatmeal based that allowed you to wipe down your cat like a shampoo without being harmful and helped with the natural oils.
They say it's dust and dander from cats that affects folks. For me it's also the saliva. A friendly headbutt that lands their nose on my lips creates a huge lump as if I had been stung by a bee.
Also I wash my hands frequently after petting the cat so I don't touch my eyes by habit or accident. That right there sets off my allergies the MOST.

Re: There was this interesting wipes I found emraldfire October 23 2009, 20:34:43 UTC

do you know what they were called?

Re: There was this interesting wipes I found disgruntledgrrl October 23 2009, 20:36:25 UTC

No, I am really wracking my brain. I decided to hit post to see if anyone else might remember them.
I bought them roughly 5 years ago in a PetSmart and I did see them in an Albertson's once.

Re: There was this interesting wipes I found lintilla October 24 2009, 06:33:59 UTC

Most people are allergic to the saliva - it's just that when cats groom themselves, they get saliva all up in their fur and dander!