Roomate and I moved in together, she didn't realize she was allergic to cats....?

Question

I have a kitten I'm madly in love with, I will not give her up, that's not even an option. and my roomie and I arn't moving out, that's not an option either. So with the situation at hand.... what's the best way to handle it? I live upstairs and we have a common middle floor and then she lives downstairs. Kitten never leaves the top floor. Roomie doesn't usually have an issue, only random days it becomes a minor issue. What can I do to reduce the allergens or cat dander put off by my kitten? Thanks!

Answer 1

The roommate needs to get herself an allergist.

Then she'll learn how to keep cat dander off her clothes, bedding, etc., and can advise you how to do likewise. That'll help a lot.

So will meds, encourage her to get some.

Answer 2

Don't use the same vacuum upstairs as anywhere else

Use a vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Air Filter to trap the tiny particles of animal allergen.

Bath the animal weekly with a shampoo/conditioner that can reduce dander.

Use a HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom to remove airborne animal dander.

Install an air filter in your central air conditioning and heating system to extract animal dander.

Remove carpet and area rugs if possible, and wash rugs every week to remove animal dander.

Dust regularly.

Answer 3

The cat dander and all that will get into the air vents. So, depending on how bad her allergy is, that may be a problem with it circulating throughout the place especially when the heat is on. You may need to change the filters on the furnace a lot. Other than that, vacuum frequently.

Answer 4

If she only has minor issues maybe should could take allergy medication.

Answer 5

My roomate and I are in the same situation!!

We just moved into this place and got a kitten. I'm really allergic and we live on the same floor. at night time she keeps the kitten in her room and i rarely let the kitten go into my room. also, she washes it (just for fleas now) and that kinda helps with the dander for a small time. Vaccuuming is a good help.

Also tell her to invest in some allergy pills (zrytec, claritan or even brands compared to them)and allergy eye drops (buy:similiason allergy drops. its awesome)

and it helps to wash hands after touching the cat or taking a shower if her allergies are real bad. or take her outside, go buy at the supermarket or something. the fresh air can help and is simple

Answer 6

You could also wipe the cat down with a wet facecloth. I know it sounds silly, but the shelter gave us that tip and it seems to work; my bf has no reactions and I've caught the cat sleeping on his pillow!

Answer 7

Vacuum more often and use allergen free filters in the vac and your central air system.

Answer 8

Vacuum a lot (including the furniture that you both use), Get one of those sticky roller things and roll your shirt before you go downstairs to get any hair off, and if worse comes to worse....go to the store and buy a cat shampoo that reduces allergens. Most people are actually allergic to protein in the cat's saliva...and they make shampoos that neutralize the protein.

Answer 9

Maybe u could get a 4th floor just 4 ur cat  =D. LOLZ then ur roomie wouldnt ever have a problem  =D!!!

Answer 10

her body will eventually get used to this kittens body dander and soon she will have no problem with it. that is as long as she doesn't go rubbing the kitten on her face.

it will probably take her body about a week or so to get used to it. during that time might i suggest investing in an over the counter allergy med. claritin d worked best for me.

i am allergic to cats and have been my whole life but i now own 6 cats and i dont have a problem with them. however if i go over to my friend's house her cats always cause my allergies to act up.

the longer you are around the kitten the more your body will build up an immunity to it.

have fun with your new "roommate"!