What would you do if you wanted a cat but someone in your family is allergic

Question

My friend wants a cat but her 12 year old sister is allergic any suggestoins

Answer 1

One word- Hairless.

They may not be cute but they're totally hypo-allergenic!

Answer 2

If your friend has any sense she will realise getting a cat when she knows the sister is allergic is almost criminally stupid. I love cats and dogs but am now on oxygen and however much I would love one I know my chest isn't strong enough any more, and the idea of deliberately risking long term damage for the chest of 12 year old child just makes me cringe. If your friend had the allergy what would she think of the same idea? Tell her not to be so selfish.  

Answer 3

She need to get her own place-allergies are miserable.

Answer 4

Your friend should wait until she is on her own and has her own home.  It's very hard for some who becomes ill when they are living with a cat.  And, it's not fair to make a cat stay outside all the time.  So it's really best for all for your friend to wait.

One breed is OK for those with allergies and that is the Sphynx.  Most people who have allergies can tolerate and enjoy living with a Sphynx.

http://www.absolutelycats.com/23Sphynx.h...

http://www.absolutelycats.com/24SphynxGa...

Answer 5

I'd wait until I was out on my own.

Answer 6

The cat could be outdoors, but its not really fair to make their sister uncomfortable just for a pet.  I'd tell her to live with it for now, or maybe think of getting another pet instead.

Answer 7

Wait until she and her sister are no longer living in the same house, then get a cat.

It would be incredibly rude and immature to put her sister's health at risk just because she wants a cat.

Answer 8

keep the cat in one designated room so the others dont have to be around it

Answer 9

I agree with those who said not to get a cat if the sister is allergic. If she loves her sister(and I know she does) she would not want to make her sister miserable.

Answer 10

you can purchase a cat with no allergens.

visit a pet shop or do some good research.  

they are short haired cats.

Answer 11

U could get medicine to prevent their allergies from acting up.

Answer 12

Wait to grow up and out, and then get a cat.  It sucks but there you go.  I would also carefully screen the men in my life (once I'd grown up and out) to ensure I don't end up marrying someone who can't live with cats.

It's one thing for someone who wants a cat but has allergies to take medicine, but it's not fair to force someone who doesn't necessarily want a cat to suffer.

Answer 13

allergy meds work they nondrowsy kind.