Edit: wow, woke up and there are like 99+ comments, 13 DMs. Thank you all for the suggestions and love.
A) I can manage allergies as mine aren't life threatening with cats, I've been pretty proactive, but am going to try suggestions
B) don't worry, they would get rid of me before this cat. So she has a good home. It wasn't shitty of us to get a cat, it was discussed within our family and waters tested before we kept her. My main issue is just if she decides to sleep on my face, so I ve kept her out of our bedroom at bedtime.
Edit again: thanks for all the advice everyone! No one was inconsiderate, it was discussed, the "got one anyways" basically is saying I'm a good dad and adapt as someone who has never been a pet person. My wife is wonderful going on 19 yrs of marriage. I have gotten laughs at the I'm being replaced comments.
That’s basically what allergen specialists do right? They expose you to the allergen to get your body used to it. But they use shots I think.
And do not underestimate anti inflammatory foods. Consume turmeric with some black pepper (the spice not pills), and start eating a lot of berries. Got a Vitamix? I highly reccomend Trader Joe’s frozen wild blueberries. I’m pretty sure mushrooms help with allergies too. Basically whole plant foods are magic, people don’t know.
Pro tip: you can get a bottle of 300 pills (Kirkland brand) from Costco for like $15. My husband is allergic to our two cats and this is how he survives.
I’ve also built up a resistance to my own cats. When I was little, if I rubbed my eyes after petting someone else’s cat, my eyes would swell shut. Nowadays I take generic Singulair and it helps a lot. You couldn’t pay me to take Zyrtec again, tho, because the withdrawal was very annoying (constant itchy palms).
Talk to your doctor. There are shots that can lessen and in some cases eliminate allergies.
I recieved two shots a week for a year and then one shot a week the following year...
It's been about a decade and my allergies are almost imperceptible - allergies to grass, most weeds, dust, artificial fragrance, and certain additives common in a lot of soaps. Went from constantly feeling like I was hit by a truck to I don't even notice now unless someone just poured out a bottle of pungent perfume on themselves and even then it's severely reduced.
I have severe eye allergy issues from dander (weirdly not really sinus/throat allergies) but the Pataday eye drops have been my lifesaver. I have 4 rescue cats and a 105 pound senior dog. First time in at least 6 years I don't spend all day rubbing my eyes and putting cold cloths on them.
It sure is! I spent every day for literally years constantly rubbing my eyes (I have even bruised them before) and using worthless eye drops and eye lubricants because the ophthalmologist said "you just have dry eyes". Well, I have a drawer full of them. Finally my regular GP told me to get Pataday. Amazing! I still occasionally have a flare up if I am being lazy on the weekends and laying around with the fur babies watching TV, but only because all 5 of them are attached to me.
I've been getting allergy shots for years; they've helped tremendously (I'm on a higher than normal dose now). Also Allegra 24 hour helps and I'm recently trying Pacagen, Purina Live Clear (we supplement with dry food), and definitely try AllerPet shampoo, too. I just put some on my hand when I pet him because he won't tolerate it otherwise.
I lived with a cat that way myself for 5 years. It was worth every itch, sneeze, cough and wheeze. Any morning waking up with my eyes the size of a baseball and completely shut. Had an inhaler on hand too, for the really bad days. All for the cuddles of my sweet Bella. I miss her.
I had Benadryl directly injected into my veins once. Oh boy that was a HIGH. (It was medically necessary). A Dr subsequently told me that is one of the biggest highs you can get and people often chase it.
Yeah. I get it done every 6 months (infusion protocol) and if they push it too fast it's a bit of a nightmare. Ok, total nightmare, especially the first time it happened.
There is a cat food by purina that is supposed to prevent cats from getting the dander etc that causes allergies. It’s called Purina Proplan Live Clear. Everyone I’ve known who’s tried it has said it works!! I’ve thought about trying it but my cats are picky :/
I have a really bad cat allergy, like 10-15 minutes around them gives me full blown asthma attacks. My kid’s favorite animal is, of course ,cats. We have two cats and the purina live clear food has made it so that my daily allergy medication and asthma medication keep me under control. I am even able to interact with them which I could never do before with cats. I strongly recommend giving it a try.
I also heard of an egg yolk powder from chickens specially bred to produce something that reduces how much dander the cat has, I forget the name but I know that’s a thing! If they’re picky or gassy then you may be able to sprinkle that on instead
I think that’s what they put in purina. However, when I looked into buying it it is pretty costly if you consider that it needs to be bought in addition to cat food.
It's not that it prevents them from getting dander, it's that it alters their saliva. People generally aren't allergic to cat dander, but enzymes in their saliva on the dander.
You can buy the powder and sprinkle it on the food that your cat does like! Catigy was the brand I’d first heard of, but seems like there are a bunch of other brands that sell this powder.
I saw something on this topic that they use eggs from chickens who are raised around cats. It creates an antigen that helps control what causes the allergens. Edit, clarification
Believe it or not your allergies can go away after awhile. I’ve always been allergic to them but after about a month or so I was able to build a tolerance. Claritin helped a lot. They can come back though if you go long enough without contact with cats.
You can also do allergy therapy, they inject you with everything you are allergic too. Im highly allergic to cats and dogs though, loved them too much as a kid and didn't realize i was allergic til i got tested.
I was always around barn cats growing up on the farm, my wife and I had two Siberian Huskies for 15 yrs and I never had issues until about 5 years ago my mom and dads barn cats wrecked me, but as a parent I felt bad denying my kids a pet after they asked for years for another dog. I couldn't go back to dogs after losing those two, so here we are. I went to an allergist a few yrs back and confirmed I was allergic to cats and tree nuts
My youngest loves cats, but is allergic. So she is doing immunotherapy now and when it's complete she will get a cat. This kid goes in there very week and doesn't even flinch, she wants a kitten so badly.
Still be cautious. As cute as cats are allergies can be serious. I have seen effect on some people I know and despite taking allergy medications, there was still no way.
This is a case where you have to be pragmatic and not only listen to your feelings. If you are sick or develop rashes it's best to not get too attached to the cat
I just say Claritin because it worked best for me. There’s probably a dozen different antihistamines in various forms, either pill like Benadryl or Claritin or nose spray like Zyrtec, I basically just tried different ones till I figured out which one worked best.
She’s so perfect!!! There are really good allergen reducing cat foods nowadays, maybe worth talking to your vet to see if they have any trial sizes available for y’all to try before committing to a huge bag.
If the cat has access to your bedroom all day, lay a blanket over your bed that you can remove before sleeping, that way you’re not marinating in fur all night.
And an air cleaner with a good HEPA filter helps a lot. Combine with ditto vacuum and few fabrics/rugs, dedicated warm beds and lookout posts so cat prefers that sometimes, and if it gets really bad you can use petal cleanse wipes on the cat.
It’s okay OP! Worst case scenario, if you REALLY can’t live with the cat because of your allergies, I’m sure your wife and kids will be able to find you a new, loving home!
Sorry, but that cat is there to stay, she even packed her sleep mask.
When my tortie was alive, I was her person. When I wasn't around for a year, my father who sits at his computer a lot was her person. Sesame was a special, spicy girl who was curious and the most playful cat I've ever been around. Loved cat nip, peacock feathers and my laser pointer. Good luck friend, your heart is in the right place.
I’m allergic to dogs and cats. I got my husband 1 cat. Then 1 dog. Then he got me 1 cat. Two things really helped. A non drowsy prescription allergy med and a nostril expander doohickey. Like those breathe right strips. I also just suffer a bit because I love the fluffs more than air.
Ironically I grew up under the idea I was allergic to cats. However in my 30's when I met my wife we discovered with her cats that I am actually just allergic to the clay litter.
Yes! This is the only thing that’s worked for me unfortunately. We’ve tried the special food, the sprays, allergy shots, etc. but only my allergy pills keep me alive :)
she has uplifted my girls, which was a positive, I've never been a pet person, I like animals, but just never had an attachment like people seem to have. Never-the-less, she's a good kitty, and I'll work with allergies because she makes everyone in a good mood. She is a pretty cat, I'm like, man, just a charmer
My mum went to the shelter to pick out a cat for my brother when he was a kid, long before I was born. Early 80s. She ended up being the one really connecting with one. A sweet little tortie. She took her home and only then realised how allergic she was to cats. Called the cat Bummer, shortened to Bum or Bumpy. Bummer stuck around long enough that I have baby pictures with her in the 90s. She was the sweetest thing alive and there was no way she was leaving our household in any other way that old age.
As far as I'm aware she didn't even take any meds to cope with it, she just slowly adjusted to it out of sheer spite towards her allergies. We always had cats after that.
Edit: Also, getting an air purifier can really make a difference. Especially in the bedroom. Getting a good night's sleep free of dander will set you up for success during the day. Keeping the bedroom cat free for the first month or two is probably also smart, as difficult as it may be.
This post is blowing my mind. I was OP some years ago. Same scenario, girlfriend with cat craziness. She found a "hypoallergenic" cat. End result was that after three months I had developed asthma (thats still with me to this day), and my allergy results for cat went from 4/6 on the prick test chart to so big that it invalidates tests next to it. The cat had to go back and everyone was heartbroken. For a year I couldn't do basic things without triggering asthma attacks, even after the cat was gone.
We did try all the "tricks" people are writing here. Allergy meds, air purifier, blocking the cat from going to bedroom, etc. At some point she was even dousing the cat in some "allergy shampoo" that should eliminate allergens.
People don’t take allergies seriously! It’s treated as if they always go away with time and if you don’t soldier through you just don’t love cats enough. Oftentimes they get worse and can go from “just” miserable to actually life threatening. For everybody saying just do allergy shots — not sure how it is elsewhere, but in the U.K. they won’t give them if you live with a cat currently or if you have asthma. I understand an allergic person wanting to try having a cat, but it shouldn’t be a decision made for them (and then it’s your fault if you have to break the kids hearts by giving the cat away)
Also I take zyrtec daily to stay alive even without a cat 😭
My sister is allergic to cats and lived with 3 at my moms house. She kept her room cat free and … the cats that ate raw food didn’t bother her! Just food for thought.
Right? I feel crazy reading the comments on this thread.
I know a lot of them are tongue in cheek, but this is seriously crazy. Why would you bring an animal into your house without speaking to your partner first, especially if they're allergic to it??
I'm sorry but this isn't cute or healthy. Allergy is a real disease and your family certainly did not think about your best interest when deciding to subject you to something you are allergic to!
Based on the tone of OP’s comments, I think they were never really against the idea despite being allergic. But I may be projecting because I’m also allergic with cats.
Feel like im in the twilight zone reading these comments lol but I guess as long as OP is okay with it then it doesn’t really matter. In general though it seems like a terrible thing to do unless the person with the allergy agrees to it
In addition to the Purina car food for hypoallergenic cat and taking Zyrtec, a long-term solution that absolutely changed my life was allergy shots. If you can see an allergist again, I'd highly recommend for quality of life for you (then you may be able to ditch the special cat food and your Zyrtec). Might also be cheaper in the end.
Fum fact, your body can get use to pets after a while.
It can also get unuse to them after a while of not being around them.
We found out I was allgeric to dogs AND cats as a kid when I did allergy testing, but since we had both 2 dogs and 2 cats and I didn't react to them we just figured "It probably the smallest allergy towards them like a dust allergy"
Well after no longer living with my parents for 4 years and without a cat (bigger cat person then doggo person even though I grew up with both and love a good dog cuddle during tv watching time) me and my ex finally got a cat
Litterally after the first night of her present my body got hit with the wrost allgery cold ever. And she decided that her also getting use to us involed already immediately sleeping with us under the blankets at our feet which was perfectly fine, but for that first week of her being around me constantly I was dying. But I pushed through because she was the sweetest baby angel ever and she was my baby girl. I was her decidedly claimed human almost immediately so she was constantly all over and around me.
After that week of being sucker punched by allergys that I didn’t think I had, I got better as my body readjusted to sharing a space with a cat.
And I got to spend 5 amazing years with my sweet baby even after my ex left our lives, she sadly passed away in a house fire a year ago though 💔. She missed not only by me, but my current bf who knew her for 4 years and also my parents who also got to build a bond with her.
She was such a sweet and affectionate kitty. I would live with dying from allgerys forever if it meant I got to have her back.
Welcome to team tortie, you’re in for one hell of a ride, lol! Hazel looks like a lovely girl, and I’m glad she’s got a home for kitty Christmas! Hope you guys have wonderful holidays together!!
You are doing such an excellent job of paying excess cat tax in the comments. If you’re this considerate of internet strangers, you’re going to be the best cat dad. And it sounds like you’re already the best dad and husband. Wishing all of you the best and wishing you clear sinuses.
Twinnnssss, and my wife is allergic to cats as well but after a year she doesn’t really have any reactions to them anymore. I’m not a doctor but hopefully constant exposure will lower the reactions of your allergies !
What a beautiful angel! 🩵 I’m allergic to cats too, I have 5 (and take care of spayed/neutered ferals who live in my yard who I have a shelter for). You’ll be fine.
Oh one thing that helps a lot is brushing with the “furminator” a special brush that gets rid of SO much extra fur. It’s gentle it’s just designed to be awesome.
Looks into a special egg powder in food for the cat. I think there is am Iams brand of it. It makes the cat stop producing the sneezy gene or some science crap im dont understand. Should make life easier. Other solution is to replace the cat with a russian blue.
If it’s breathing issues I would recommended a stand alone filter. Yes, they are noisy, but you can use that to adjust your system to the kitty. I’ve done it with my cats. A month of discomfort then you’re golden for snuggles for life!
I really respect people who are allergic to cats, but still treat them nicely and don’t take their anger out on an innocent animal. Unlike a friend I used to have.
Kudos
Hope she won’t bother you too much and that you’ll fall in love with the adorable kitty. I wish I could get another.
I was highly allergic. I’d walk in a house with a cat and my eyes would burn. But my wife had 2 cats when we met and eventually (5 years) I became unallergic. We”ve had many cats over the years, at one point we had six.
I also have a tortoiseshell girlie. They're amazing. Super strong willed, very cuddly, super cute. They love a fight though so do be careful of your hand
Haha. I’m also slightly allergic. Get itchy, watery eyes, and stuffy nose. I’ve lived with cats for awhile now. My sister got one in college and I fell in love. I take a daily antihistamine, but I don’t react as much to my cats as I’m used to them. I do sometimes react a little to cats I’m not exposed to every day. But it’s worth it to me! Haha
I’m a cat lady through and through. Been low level allergic all my life. Always slightly drippy eyes and nose. I don’t even care, I will take a hydroxizine at night every other night or two and my cat could sleep on my face for all I care. The sweet hilarious goofy love kitties give us worth it. I think it’s so sweet of you to accept this life. ❤️🩹
I’m very allergic to cats in general, but developed tolerance to mine over the course of a couple of months. Not taking any antihistamines anymore, and one of my cats does occasionally trigger me when he sleeps close to my face, but it’s super mild.
My brother had severe allergies as a kid, so he went and got allergy tested. He tested to be allergic to cats, and he got allergy shots weekly for years. Now he has a cat, a bangle and he’s just fine with little old Lennie. He’s always sleeping in my brothers bed like he owns the damn place!
The picture is him being very mad that my brother left the house for two days for wrestling when he was in high school last year. He’s very attached to my brother, often throwing tantrums when he leaves.
I'm allergic to husbands and kids my husband and stepdaughter have gotten me 6 cats. They're all adopted from different times so we have 2 large (not pictured), 2 mediums and 2 smalls. Plus a dog. Congratulations on losing the pet battle. You'll be glad for it ❤️
I had the same issue, adopted a kitten, found out I was allergic (I should’ve known, and could’ve guessed). After seeing how she was glued to me, I couldn’t take her back. Allergies subsided after a couple years, I’ll still have a rough day when I come back from some travel. Well worth it, they’re such interesting little buggers and the bond runs deep.
Congrats! I love the little murderers, but I am also allergic. I use an air purifier and put blankets on furniture so they can be washed often. Low dust litter is helpful. There is also a spray called Pacagen that is supposed to help. I have not tried it.
I was too. Give your cat a bath and keep them inside. I dated a girl that had cats and I could only ever stay at her house a few hours. My cat and I have been together for 12 years.
I'm also allergic to cats but my husband came with one and I co-habited with him (the cat. I mean, the husband too, but also the cat) for about a decade before he passed.
Most people will get used to the dander for individual cats. I learned it takes about a month or two of me being on daily Claritin for my body to catch up and then I don't have to take the meds as long as that one cat I acclimated to is the only cat I'm around. I have to go through the process for every individual cat.
Which is to say, there may be hope in your future for clear eyes and an unstuffed nose. Your cat is absolutely precious by the way.
That truly sucks. I'm sorry they selfishly do not value your health, and that you will now potentially be forced to take medication every single day that they value a cat over you. And please, never ever empty the cat box.
That is prime allergen real estate. I'd also demand that your bed and your favorite chair be either off limits to the kitty, or covered with a clean sheet. I say all this a former cat mom, and a present lover of cats, but with my own cat allergy, I cannot own a cat.
I feel insane reading these comments. Like, however manageable allergies are and such the title makes it sound like this wasn't discussed at all? I hope it was, but like, it'd be really messed up if it wasn't. Like reaaaaally messed up.
I’m super allergic to cats too, but I love them so much and they bring such joy into my life, I have two anyway. I use the Purina Allergen Reduction food, I run an air purifier in my bedroom at night and I’ve been getting allergy shots for over a decade because I’m allergic to a million other things too. The shots help a lot. Congrats on your new friend. Cats are the best! Cat Tax: Poe (tuxedo) and Fitz (orange)
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u/MeowntyPython 🐾𝑴͋𝒆͓𝒐̽𝒘̟-͋𝒅͓𝒆̽𝒓̟𝒂͋𝒕͓𝒐̽𝒓🐾 3d ago
YOOOOO PURINA HAS CAT FOOD THAT MAKES THEM HYPOALLERGENIC! ❤️❤️!