What can I do if I'm allergic to cats, but want to own one?

Question

I absolutely adore cats. I just love them. When I move out on my own in a year, I plan on getting a cat for company. The only problem is that I am allergic to cats. I don't want to keep it outdoors, I want it to be an indoor cat. What can I do to have an indoor cat with a cat allergy? When I'm around a cat for too long, I sneeze and my eyes turn red.

Answer 1

there is a breed called "Sphinx" i hope i spelled it right.

They are mainly hairless:some hair will grow on top of the head and end of the paws.Some are completely hairless.They are expensive, but its worth looking into:my friend had a cat like this:very friendly, affectionate cat!looks wrinkly, and the skin is dark grey, so from a distance it looks like it has hair!

Answer 2

GET YOUR ALLERGY SHOT THAT MIGHT HELP

Answer 3

If you want a cat, get a Devon Rex, they are completely hairless.  

Answer 4

Not all cats are the same when it comes to allergies. Some cats will cause your allergies to be worse. My friends cat will cause my eyes to water and me to sneeze horribly. I have two cats who live with me and neither of them causes that problem.

I would check your local cat rescue in the area. There is a breed of hairless cat, but they look rather ugly to me. I would talk to them and try a visit to see if any of the cats there don't irritate your allergies too much.

Regular brushing of the cat will help. I also will wipe my cats down with a damp wash cloth, I think it helps some.

I take zyrtec for my allergies, when they are really bad. A nasal inhalier will help with general alleriges.

I would be careful though, not all people with cat allergies can be around them, some simply have too severe of allergies to tolerate a cat. If that is the case I would suggest a dog that has hair, like a poodle, shistzu etc. I have a poodle who is wonderful and at 20 lbs he is a nice size for a lap dog.

Good luck! I hope that you are able to find the right pet for you.  

Answer 5

try a hairless breed

Answer 6

You could either get a cat that doesn't shed often or you could get one that's is okay for people who have allergies.  You could do some research to find out if that is possible.  And you could take medicine, but...

Answer 7

There are way to work around it. The person could get an allergy shot, take anti histamine medicine such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, or Benadryl.

A short haired cat would be much better. Also, female produces less allergen than males although neutered male will also produce less.

The cat will need to be brushed daily with a soft brush to remove allergy causing dander and saliva. Wipe it daily with a towel or sponge moistened with distilled water.

A product called Allerpet is designed to reduce the allergens in dander and cat saliva. You can check it out here:-

http://www.allerpet.com/

Shampoo every two weeks with a mild pet shampoo and creme rinse. The cat needs to be fed on a balanced diet containing natural fat.

Remove pet food dishes and wash after feeding time. Clean cat beds often.Allergy proof the house by installing a HEPA fair purifier and use AC and humidifiers in season. Smoking should be prohibited and vacuum often when the person is not at home.

It will take quite some work but it is possible to live with a cat when one is allergic to one.

Answer 8

You might look into getting a Bengal cat (Google them).  They don't have an undercoat and shed very little.  I have been told that some people with cat allergies can tolerate them better than most cats.  Good luck.

Answer 9

1. Take allergy shots to get your immune system built up to cat dander.

2. Get a short haired cat.

3. Bathe cat weekly from the time you get it.  I do this and my cat has gotten used to it.  She does not like the water but she acts like she just feels soo good after she is bathed.

4. Take zyrtec(I found this works best for me but there is clariton, allegra etc.)  daily (take it at bedtime if it makes you feel drowsy. )

5. Brush cat daily with a good brush that will pull the undercoat hair out.

6.  Keep the cat out of your bedroom (this is the hard one as they like to sleep near/on their human).  Train cat to sleep in her.his bed.  This helps tremendously.

7. Get a high quality hepa filter for your house, several if it is larger.

Answer 10

Allergy medicine!!!! = ) and keep it outside i have over ten cats and I'm allergic

Answer 11

There are several breeds of cats that have low/no dander which triggers allergies. Siberians, Devon Rexs, and Sphinexes are some. They also have genetically engineered cats that are allergen-free, but they are very pricey.

I think singulair and zyrtec are two allergy meds that can be taken all year round.

Answer 12

Have your tried a Mexican Hairless? Or another naked cat?

Answer 13

There are many things which will minimize the effects.  My B-I-L is very allergic to cats, yet doesn't have any problems at our house.  

1. No carpeting (holds the hair)

2. Brush cat daily

3. Don't let cat l**k you (saliva is what sets a lot of people off)

4. Add electro-static and extra filters to furnace (forced air only)

5. Air purifier

6. Vacuum daily with Dysan type vacuum. Empty and wash canister, then throw out trash bag. So many people vacuum with bag type units, not realizing all they have done is transferred the hair from one place to another, that's now an even stronger allergen because it is all collected together in one location!

7. Buy a short haired cat

Good Luck

Answer 14

Look, don't risk it if you cant do it this then the new kitty will not have a home, call a animal rescue and offer to foster kitties, see if you can handle it with a foster kitty or two before you dive all the way in.. FOSTER parents are really needed too!!.. GOOD LUCK

Answer 15

There are some breeds of cats that do not produce the dander or oil in their fur that people are allergic too.  A few months ago I got a siamese/himalayan mix named Lucy.  My mom is incredibly allergic to cats and she isn't at all allergic to her.  They fall asleep with each other!  I would try to find someone that breeds siamese/himalayan cats and go spend some time at their house to see if they both you.

Answer 16

There is a shot available now, where you get it pretty regularly for a few years and then less regularly after that.  It might be pricey though... but worth it!  I also heard that eating a tablespoon of local honey everyday can help, but the evidence for it is inconclusive...

Answer 17

you could go to the doctor and get an allergy shot like every 4 weeks i think they do it and you have no allergies for the cat contact a doctor cuase i defenitly know there are shots for allergies my friend is going to the doctor for them to!

hope this helps

Answer 18

zyrtec or claritin or however theyre spelled

Answer 19

there are allergy medicines, but i believe there is also a shot tht you can get to help with ur allergies