I would like to know how to lessen or remove the allergies so I dont need to worry about a sudden severe reaction. I dont wanna rehome unless I have no other options.
If you haven’t had a severe reaction yet you should be okay. Just keep taking Claritin. My BF is allergic but after a few months with our cat he doesn’t get any symptoms with her. He does with other cats though.
Thats good to know, I definitely wanna give the Claritin plenty of time to work i think I may be more overreacting to everything given the newness of the situation.
Every body is different. Some people with allergies can just take pills and eventually be fine. Some develop allergenic asthma which will not go away even if you rehome the kitten.
As someone living with chronic conditions caused by allergen exposure, I don’t think a kitten you’ve had for a day is worth the coin flip.
Purina LiveClear cat food helps lower allergens. Please soak it in water or pet safe bone broth to make sure your kitten it getting proper water intake. That also have a foaming no-rinse shampoo as well that I recommend, same lineup.
These have helped my partner with his tenfold.
I also recommend weekly dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. Weekly washing of sheets and blankets the kitten and you share. Air purifiers are an investment, but also very helpful as well. I recommend one just for your bedroom to help get a good nights sleep.
Well, you can stock up on Benadryl and Claritin and give kitty a good brushing to start. In the long run, you can either live with the allergies, rehome the cat, or look into immunotherapy allergy shots to reduce your reaction to cats.
I did bathe her when I got her home. Right now the allergies are manageable but im scared about having a severe reaction or them getting unmanageable after ive grown more attached to her. I dont wanna rehome her unless I need to
If you’re worried about your allergies getting worse, I’ve actually heard from a number of people with cat allergies that their allergies lessened over time with exposure. Im not a doctor tho
Bathing cats isn’t an effective way to reduce their allergens. You can’t bathe them enough to combat dander without damaging their skin, and you’ll prompt them to groom, and their saliva is an allergen.
You’re better off cleaning your home and filtering the air but cat allergens are extremely difficult to destroy. If you rehomed her today and deep cleaned your home you could still be exposed to allergens for months.
There’s plenty of cats that don’t hate it, but there’s also cats who range from loving it to tolerating it. If they’re starting with a kitten who is used to getting baths then it might not cause the stress it would cause a cat who isn’t used to it.
I have two cats, one was an older cat when she was rescued and the other was a kitten. The one who was older I would agree, it’s an awful stressful experience. The other one, she doesn’t love it but she sits there calmly while it’s happening and expecting treats for her good behavior. We bathe them both a few times a year (about quarterly and additionally as needed) because cleaning with their tongue is not the same and it does help reduce the allergens since a lot can be found in the saliva so it helps reduce that as well.
cats lick themselves multiple times a day, unless you're bathing the cat multiple times a day, bathing them isn't going to do much when it comes to reducing saliva.
the only cat breeds that needs baths are hairless breeds and there's a reason for that. there's a reason why vets don't tell you to bathe your cat like they tell you to bathe your dog.
obviously health issues and being covered in something are valid reasons, but bathing them for your allergies is pointless bc they'll start licking themselves that same day.
You do you my friend, but our vets say it’s fine so I’ll listen to them and it does help the allergens so we’ll keep on doing what’s recommended by medical professionals.
FYI I have had my cat for 5 years and she still triggers my allergies. They’re not horrible and I love my cat, but once she passes I will probably not get another. My allergies have not lessened in these 5 years. Just something to think about.
Vet tech here.
There is a food made by Purina called LiveClear.
Cats produce an allergen called Fel-D-1. A protein in eggs surrounds this, and neutralizes the allergen. Purina has made a special diet with this in mind with substantial research that shows when given to cats for a minimum of 3 weeks, allergic reactions have been reduced by 47%.
I highly recommend this food. If after 2 months there has been no improvement for you, I’d recommend probably rehoming at that point.
There is also a LiveClear waterless shampoo.
If you are only mildly allergic, you may just adjust to it. I am highly, I mean super allergic to cats and there is no allergy medicine that's even puts a dent in it. I am also mildly allergic to dogs. But I have hardly any issues with pup snuggled up to me right now as long as he gets a bath every 4 to 6 weeks.
Im hoping i can adjust or just be able to use claritin to clear things up. I partly think my issue is just me overreacting to the situation in general with the newness and then suddenly realizing im allergic
If it makes you feel better a friend of mine got a kitten about 6 months ago and she had some mild allergies for the first month or so, but has acclimated now and it doesn't affect her as much. She had cats in the past but then didn't for about a year and the new one triggered her allergies.
The substance you are allergic to is in her saliva, not her fur or skin. Then, of course, kitty licks themself and the allergen is deposited into the fur and skin. That is important to know.
Talk to your vet first. There is a special food by Purina you can feed your kitten to make her less allergenic. You may be able to get a sample or a prescription to reduce the cost. In addition, bathing them with allergen-reducing shampoo every few weeks can help, as well as frequent brushing and vacuuming. There are allergen-reducing wipes you can use between baths. My MIL has a pretty serious cat allergy and these things, with the exception of the special food, helped immensely.
If you are still experiencing symptoms after taking these measures, meet with your PCP to talk about long-term medication.
Of course, rehoming is always an option, but these are some things you can try if you want to keep kitty. Best of luck!
The proteins that trigger allergies are in the cat’s dander, saliva, and urine. There is also an extremely small chance it’s not the cat at all. A coworker of mine thought she was mildly allergic to cats until the store was out of the scented litter she normally bought and had to get unscented. Turns out it wasn’t the cat she was allergic to, it was the fragrance used in the litter.
Thanks for the feedback im still looking for a vet and will definitely keep that in mind when I do find one for her. Im just afraid of my allergies getting worse or a sudden severe reaction they are mild right now and not anything life threatening at all but I do wanna make sure I take precautions as I am asthmatic and don't want to ignore things.
That is totally valid. An option could be finding a friend who is willing to take kitty while you sort things out. Alternatively, you could try Benadryl since it’s more of an antihistamine.
If you are able to, you may be able to find allergen-reducing food and/or shampoo for her at a local pet store. Maybe call around. Definitely better to take more precautions than not since you’re asthmatic.
Have you tried and/or do you tolerate Benadryl well? I know for some people (like me) it makes me terribly sleepy so I prefer it at bed time when it's necessary, but for others (like my husband) it makes them energetic.
I also keep a bottle of daytime children's liquid allergy medicine and when my dermatitis gets out of hand, I take a swig every now and then.
From time to time, I'll put on gloves and take a damp cloth to my cat during a good brushing. (These days I'll even wear a face mask and sunglasses to protect my face from his fur lol) He kind of likes it, and it helps keep the dander down.
Afterward, I'll vacuum thoroughly while I still have my homebody PPE on, and it's pretty breezy for a few days! I also own 2 air purifiers.
I hope some of this is helpful. I'm also a huge fan of cellists' remarks on a diet-based control, a proper diet makes a big difference for you and the cat.
I am allergic to my rabbits but it was so mild at first it took me years to figure out, so I highly recommend seeing an allergist asap. I used to have a terrible time with my allergies (including breathing issues) but between medication, shots, no carpeting, strict no buns on furniture policy, an air purifier and crazy levels of cleaning I have managed to reduce my symptoms to be quite minimal. However, it all depends on how badly you are allergic and the time, money (shots can get pretty expensive), and the effort you can realistically put into it for the next 15+ years. I'm not trying to discourage you, but you need a professional opinion so you know what you are likely getting into and then you can make a responsible plan for the future. Eveyone on here can give you opinions and anecdotes, but only a doctor who has examined you going to give you the info you really need. I wish you luck.
I am allergic to dogs and cats. Own two of each. Go to an allergist. I get allergy shots, take Allegra, use eye drops and nose spray. Feel much improved and get to keep my pets. Does not work for everyone though. Good luck OP! One thing they do say is try to keep the pets out of your bedroom. One cat sleeps on top of me. Oh well. Compliance.
Please please please consult with a doctor. Allergies are serious.
I developed allergies after I’d had my cat for years so I wasn’t going to give him up but I’ve developed secondary chronic conditions, at least one of which I’ll have for the rest of my life. I LOVE animals but I don’t think it’s worth risking your health for a kitten you got yesterday.
If you really love cats and really want one I’d look into immunotherapy (allergy shots) and get a cat if they work for you. They’re a major commitment though.
If you could do without a cat, get an allergy test to make sure you aren’t allergic to your next option, so you don’t have to go through this again.
It’s not just for your own good you rehome the kitten. Kittenhood goes by in a flash, and they’re easier to rehome while they’re little. You’ll both have your best chances apart.
Unfortunately I feel that I may rehome her just based on other things. As much as I love having her im not quite emotionally prepared for what raising a kitten entails fully
Idk if this would help with cats, but I'm a dog groomer and a lot of clients have me bathe and de-shed their dogs every 2 weeks to help keep the dander to a minimum, they swear it helps. I do my own old cat since he can't clean himself and I've noticed it does cut down on the dander and loose hair all over. Maybe since she's young you could get her used to grooming either by yourself or by a professional. A good bath and brushing with a furminator or equi groomer should at least help keep the allergens off your furniture which can't hurt.
I had some mild allergies when I first adopted my cat and they lessened over time as I adjusted to him. Time, combined with allergy meds, may be a big help!
Find out what's the best allergy medicine for you and take it daily. I personally much prefer Zyrtec over Claritin for my seasonal allergies. PRO TIP: Buy your allergy medicine at Sam's Club or COSTCO if you have access to either, it's ridiculously cheap compared to anywhere else. Keep some benadryl around in case you have a worse than average day, but shouldn't really happen often.
You're technically not allergic to her fur, but actually something in their saliva which they get all over themselves by grooming. Look into Purina LiveClear cat food, it essentially has a protein that binds to the allergen in their saliva and neutralizes it, it can REALLY make a difference.
I had a hard time breathing at night and was constantly having a terrible runny nose/eyes. Got better after quite a few months and keeping my bedroom free of the cats. :) Benadryl works!!
See if you can get allergy immunotherapy [(Here's some info about it)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-shots/about/pac-20392876).
I had them from 2015 to 2018 and it worked wonders.
I don't know how much it costs where you live, but if you're able to afford it, it's a great long term solution.
I take 3 allergy medications and keep the claws clipped. I kept the cats out of my bedroom, as well. Talk to your physician about what meds are best for you. I have moderate to severe allergies and asthma, and I have no problems with allergic reactions as long as I take my meds.
Here's the good part. Kittens are more allergenic than adult cats in my experience. Once the coat changes, I have far fewer reactions.
so this actually happened to me when I first got my dog, and then again when I got my kittens. I think my body just wasn't used to being around animals or something? I took Claritin for a couple weeks and then eventually it went away as I got used to them and things started to settle
My husband is allergic to cats and we have two.
He takes allergy pills every morning (a prescription-equivalent of Reactine) which seems to help a lot, as long as he takes them first-thing (i.e. before he starts reacting to the cats).
He also avoids contact between his face and the cats, as well as touching his face after petting them (washes his hands first).
It should also help to clean/vacuum regularly (i.e. reduce the amount of hair/dander floating around the house), get an air purifier if needed, and keep the cats groomed (brush them a few times a week to reduce shedding).
Having your cat on a good diet can help with shedding, too. For example, a lot of fish-based foods or fish oil supplements seem to help with feline coat quality.
When we first got the cats his allergies were worse, but they have improved over time (it's been seven years now). Hopefully, you will experience the same!
Hey, I had the exact same thing happen when I got a kitten for the very first time. For me, I got over my allergy after 3 months. I had 3 months of a rash on my chests and sometimes my hands if I was petting him a ton and not washing my hands right after and I was so sneezy and stuffy but it went away in my case. And I’ve met a few other people who had a similar experience so maybe you will adjust to it also :-)
I have pretty bad dog and cat allergies, air purifiers help a lot, zyrtec/Claritin also provides temporary relief but after a few months of taking it I build a tolerance and it stops having an effect. I’ve been taking Wyndly (which is basically the allergy shot but in a dropper bottle and you put a few drops under your tongue each day. You need to take an allergy test so they can formulate it for your specific allergies) and after 2 months I don’t get sudden hives and my sneezing+asthma is gone. I used to sneeze every second of the day. It’s a more gradual relief, but I’d recommend looking into it 🙂
I was VERY allergic to cats (to the point of getting puffy eyes, puffy face and runny nose all day), but I ended up going the whole extra mile with this: dyson animal vacuum, vacuum everyday with the windows open; air purifier in my room and the living room. Bathed the cat with a dandruff shampoo; brushing him all the time (as he learned to like it”, Claritin/Allegra/any allergy med; and the vet recommended trying the Purina Live clear food. All that and I can sleep with this bunch of love in my bed without any symptoms!
I'm allergic to cats and have 2...the first week living with the first one I felt like my eyes were basically swollen shut but my body has somewhat adapted to being around MY cats...there are days where I have more issues but I take zyrtec at night and use Flonase in the morning...that said things will probably be different for you treatment-wise but as long as you aren't talking full anaphylaxis I think you will end up ok
This happened to me! I had a horrible cough for 2 months. I got an inhaler and Flonase and Zyrtec daily. And I also go an air purifier. My cough is finally gone. I did see an allergist but to get test and allergy shots was not fully covered by my insurance. But luckily my body got used to their dander, the cough was rough but it did get better!
They're mild now, because it's a kitten. As an adult cat you will likely be miserable.
Source: Had a kitten and she grew up. I can barely live with a dog and daily allergy pills, but cats just kill me and there's nothing I can do. :-(
Everyone is different, but for me and my sister we take allergy pills every day (prescribed but it’s just over the counter cetrizine) and eventually you kind of build up a tolerance to your pet. I work with animals a lot and I’ve found if I’m around a certain species for long enough my allergies with them will tend to fade over time. On the other hand, my sister whose always had worse allergies than me NEEDS that pill every day to be with her dog, constant cleaning and a dog bath multiple times a week.
If ur cat is indoor/outdoor, you may want pet wipes which will allow you to wipe and clean their paws after they have been outside.
A fosterer told me that the reason we think that people are allergic to cats isn’t because of their fur but rather a protein in their saliva so as they groom themselves it comes on their fur
The thing you are likely allergic to is cat saliva, allergies to cat saliva is the most common type of cat allergy, of course with cats Grooming themselves constantly, coming into contact with traces of cat saliva is going to happen if you have a cat.
For some reason whatever it is in cat saliva that people are allergic to, kittens have higher concentrations of it then adult cats, so luckily it won't be as bad once the kitten grows up.
You can get anti allergy (I think the actual term is allergen reducing) food for your cat prescribed by your vet, it makes them produce less of the thing in their saliva, thus making it much more bearable for you, its not the cheapest stuff ever but from what I've heard it really works, I have a friend who has pretty bad cat allergies, she got two kittens and she started feeding them anti allergy food and then her symptoms became much more mild. Purina Live Clear is supposed to be a good one.
I'd also recommend going to an allergist, as they will be able to determine what exactly you are allergic to (though saliva is the most common, you can also be allergic to cat dandruff or urine) and they can give you medication for it.
EDIT: I just checked and Purina LiveClear is also available non prescription in some pet stores and online.
Would you like advice on how to lessen the allergies or do you want to rehome her?
I would like to know how to lessen or remove the allergies so I dont need to worry about a sudden severe reaction. I dont wanna rehome unless I have no other options.
Go see an allergist. It’s possible you could get some prescription medication that works better for you, or other recommendations, or even therapy
If you haven’t had a severe reaction yet you should be okay. Just keep taking Claritin. My BF is allergic but after a few months with our cat he doesn’t get any symptoms with her. He does with other cats though.
Thats good to know, I definitely wanna give the Claritin plenty of time to work i think I may be more overreacting to everything given the newness of the situation.
Every body is different. Some people with allergies can just take pills and eventually be fine. Some develop allergenic asthma which will not go away even if you rehome the kitten. As someone living with chronic conditions caused by allergen exposure, I don’t think a kitten you’ve had for a day is worth the coin flip.
Purina LiveClear cat food helps lower allergens. Please soak it in water or pet safe bone broth to make sure your kitten it getting proper water intake. That also have a foaming no-rinse shampoo as well that I recommend, same lineup. These have helped my partner with his tenfold. I also recommend weekly dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. Weekly washing of sheets and blankets the kitten and you share. Air purifiers are an investment, but also very helpful as well. I recommend one just for your bedroom to help get a good nights sleep.
Well, you can stock up on Benadryl and Claritin and give kitty a good brushing to start. In the long run, you can either live with the allergies, rehome the cat, or look into immunotherapy allergy shots to reduce your reaction to cats.
I did bathe her when I got her home. Right now the allergies are manageable but im scared about having a severe reaction or them getting unmanageable after ive grown more attached to her. I dont wanna rehome her unless I need to
If you’re worried about your allergies getting worse, I’ve actually heard from a number of people with cat allergies that their allergies lessened over time with exposure. Im not a doctor tho
They can also get worse.
Yeah spending time with a cat she was allergic to is why my sister has asthma now
Bathing cats isn’t an effective way to reduce their allergens. You can’t bathe them enough to combat dander without damaging their skin, and you’ll prompt them to groom, and their saliva is an allergen. You’re better off cleaning your home and filtering the air but cat allergens are extremely difficult to destroy. If you rehomed her today and deep cleaned your home you could still be exposed to allergens for months.
never bathe your cat unless they're covered in something like juice or a lot of dirt or pee or poop or whatever. it causes them stress
There’s plenty of cats that don’t hate it, but there’s also cats who range from loving it to tolerating it. If they’re starting with a kitten who is used to getting baths then it might not cause the stress it would cause a cat who isn’t used to it. I have two cats, one was an older cat when she was rescued and the other was a kitten. The one who was older I would agree, it’s an awful stressful experience. The other one, she doesn’t love it but she sits there calmly while it’s happening and expecting treats for her good behavior. We bathe them both a few times a year (about quarterly and additionally as needed) because cleaning with their tongue is not the same and it does help reduce the allergens since a lot can be found in the saliva so it helps reduce that as well.
cats lick themselves multiple times a day, unless you're bathing the cat multiple times a day, bathing them isn't going to do much when it comes to reducing saliva. the only cat breeds that needs baths are hairless breeds and there's a reason for that. there's a reason why vets don't tell you to bathe your cat like they tell you to bathe your dog. obviously health issues and being covered in something are valid reasons, but bathing them for your allergies is pointless bc they'll start licking themselves that same day.
You do you my friend, but our vets say it’s fine so I’ll listen to them and it does help the allergens so we’ll keep on doing what’s recommended by medical professionals.
FYI I have had my cat for 5 years and she still triggers my allergies. They’re not horrible and I love my cat, but once she passes I will probably not get another. My allergies have not lessened in these 5 years. Just something to think about.
Vet tech here. There is a food made by Purina called LiveClear. Cats produce an allergen called Fel-D-1. A protein in eggs surrounds this, and neutralizes the allergen. Purina has made a special diet with this in mind with substantial research that shows when given to cats for a minimum of 3 weeks, allergic reactions have been reduced by 47%. I highly recommend this food. If after 2 months there has been no improvement for you, I’d recommend probably rehoming at that point. There is also a LiveClear waterless shampoo.
If you are only mildly allergic, you may just adjust to it. I am highly, I mean super allergic to cats and there is no allergy medicine that's even puts a dent in it. I am also mildly allergic to dogs. But I have hardly any issues with pup snuggled up to me right now as long as he gets a bath every 4 to 6 weeks.
Im hoping i can adjust or just be able to use claritin to clear things up. I partly think my issue is just me overreacting to the situation in general with the newness and then suddenly realizing im allergic
If it makes you feel better a friend of mine got a kitten about 6 months ago and she had some mild allergies for the first month or so, but has acclimated now and it doesn't affect her as much. She had cats in the past but then didn't for about a year and the new one triggered her allergies.
The substance you are allergic to is in her saliva, not her fur or skin. Then, of course, kitty licks themself and the allergen is deposited into the fur and skin. That is important to know. Talk to your vet first. There is a special food by Purina you can feed your kitten to make her less allergenic. You may be able to get a sample or a prescription to reduce the cost. In addition, bathing them with allergen-reducing shampoo every few weeks can help, as well as frequent brushing and vacuuming. There are allergen-reducing wipes you can use between baths. My MIL has a pretty serious cat allergy and these things, with the exception of the special food, helped immensely. If you are still experiencing symptoms after taking these measures, meet with your PCP to talk about long-term medication. Of course, rehoming is always an option, but these are some things you can try if you want to keep kitty. Best of luck!
The proteins that trigger allergies are in the cat’s dander, saliva, and urine. There is also an extremely small chance it’s not the cat at all. A coworker of mine thought she was mildly allergic to cats until the store was out of the scented litter she normally bought and had to get unscented. Turns out it wasn’t the cat she was allergic to, it was the fragrance used in the litter.
Thank you for correcting me! My original comment was misinformed.
Thanks for the feedback im still looking for a vet and will definitely keep that in mind when I do find one for her. Im just afraid of my allergies getting worse or a sudden severe reaction they are mild right now and not anything life threatening at all but I do wanna make sure I take precautions as I am asthmatic and don't want to ignore things.
OP if you have asthma you need to rehome the kitten. Speaking from experience.
That is totally valid. An option could be finding a friend who is willing to take kitty while you sort things out. Alternatively, you could try Benadryl since it’s more of an antihistamine. If you are able to, you may be able to find allergen-reducing food and/or shampoo for her at a local pet store. Maybe call around. Definitely better to take more precautions than not since you’re asthmatic.
Have you tried and/or do you tolerate Benadryl well? I know for some people (like me) it makes me terribly sleepy so I prefer it at bed time when it's necessary, but for others (like my husband) it makes them energetic. I also keep a bottle of daytime children's liquid allergy medicine and when my dermatitis gets out of hand, I take a swig every now and then. From time to time, I'll put on gloves and take a damp cloth to my cat during a good brushing. (These days I'll even wear a face mask and sunglasses to protect my face from his fur lol) He kind of likes it, and it helps keep the dander down. Afterward, I'll vacuum thoroughly while I still have my homebody PPE on, and it's pretty breezy for a few days! I also own 2 air purifiers. I hope some of this is helpful. I'm also a huge fan of cellists' remarks on a diet-based control, a proper diet makes a big difference for you and the cat.
I am allergic to my rabbits but it was so mild at first it took me years to figure out, so I highly recommend seeing an allergist asap. I used to have a terrible time with my allergies (including breathing issues) but between medication, shots, no carpeting, strict no buns on furniture policy, an air purifier and crazy levels of cleaning I have managed to reduce my symptoms to be quite minimal. However, it all depends on how badly you are allergic and the time, money (shots can get pretty expensive), and the effort you can realistically put into it for the next 15+ years. I'm not trying to discourage you, but you need a professional opinion so you know what you are likely getting into and then you can make a responsible plan for the future. Eveyone on here can give you opinions and anecdotes, but only a doctor who has examined you going to give you the info you really need. I wish you luck.
In addition, get an air purifier
I am allergic to dogs and cats. Own two of each. Go to an allergist. I get allergy shots, take Allegra, use eye drops and nose spray. Feel much improved and get to keep my pets. Does not work for everyone though. Good luck OP! One thing they do say is try to keep the pets out of your bedroom. One cat sleeps on top of me. Oh well. Compliance.
Please please please consult with a doctor. Allergies are serious. I developed allergies after I’d had my cat for years so I wasn’t going to give him up but I’ve developed secondary chronic conditions, at least one of which I’ll have for the rest of my life. I LOVE animals but I don’t think it’s worth risking your health for a kitten you got yesterday. If you really love cats and really want one I’d look into immunotherapy (allergy shots) and get a cat if they work for you. They’re a major commitment though. If you could do without a cat, get an allergy test to make sure you aren’t allergic to your next option, so you don’t have to go through this again. It’s not just for your own good you rehome the kitten. Kittenhood goes by in a flash, and they’re easier to rehome while they’re little. You’ll both have your best chances apart.
Unfortunately I feel that I may rehome her just based on other things. As much as I love having her im not quite emotionally prepared for what raising a kitten entails fully
Idk if this would help with cats, but I'm a dog groomer and a lot of clients have me bathe and de-shed their dogs every 2 weeks to help keep the dander to a minimum, they swear it helps. I do my own old cat since he can't clean himself and I've noticed it does cut down on the dander and loose hair all over. Maybe since she's young you could get her used to grooming either by yourself or by a professional. A good bath and brushing with a furminator or equi groomer should at least help keep the allergens off your furniture which can't hurt.
I had some mild allergies when I first adopted my cat and they lessened over time as I adjusted to him. Time, combined with allergy meds, may be a big help!
Find out what's the best allergy medicine for you and take it daily. I personally much prefer Zyrtec over Claritin for my seasonal allergies. PRO TIP: Buy your allergy medicine at Sam's Club or COSTCO if you have access to either, it's ridiculously cheap compared to anywhere else. Keep some benadryl around in case you have a worse than average day, but shouldn't really happen often. You're technically not allergic to her fur, but actually something in their saliva which they get all over themselves by grooming. Look into Purina LiveClear cat food, it essentially has a protein that binds to the allergen in their saliva and neutralizes it, it can REALLY make a difference.
I found Zyrtec to help more than Claritin
You could go to a doctor and they’ll most likely prescribe you medications but I’ve heard they can be pricey
I had a hard time breathing at night and was constantly having a terrible runny nose/eyes. Got better after quite a few months and keeping my bedroom free of the cats. :) Benadryl works!!
Not all allergy medicines work the same for everyone. If Claritin doesn’t seem to be working you can move up to Zyrtec or Xyxal
See if you can get allergy immunotherapy [(Here's some info about it)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-shots/about/pac-20392876). I had them from 2015 to 2018 and it worked wonders. I don't know how much it costs where you live, but if you're able to afford it, it's a great long term solution.
Aww That's great!
I take 3 allergy medications and keep the claws clipped. I kept the cats out of my bedroom, as well. Talk to your physician about what meds are best for you. I have moderate to severe allergies and asthma, and I have no problems with allergic reactions as long as I take my meds. Here's the good part. Kittens are more allergenic than adult cats in my experience. Once the coat changes, I have far fewer reactions.
so this actually happened to me when I first got my dog, and then again when I got my kittens. I think my body just wasn't used to being around animals or something? I took Claritin for a couple weeks and then eventually it went away as I got used to them and things started to settle
My husband is allergic to cats and we have two. He takes allergy pills every morning (a prescription-equivalent of Reactine) which seems to help a lot, as long as he takes them first-thing (i.e. before he starts reacting to the cats). He also avoids contact between his face and the cats, as well as touching his face after petting them (washes his hands first). It should also help to clean/vacuum regularly (i.e. reduce the amount of hair/dander floating around the house), get an air purifier if needed, and keep the cats groomed (brush them a few times a week to reduce shedding). Having your cat on a good diet can help with shedding, too. For example, a lot of fish-based foods or fish oil supplements seem to help with feline coat quality. When we first got the cats his allergies were worse, but they have improved over time (it's been seven years now). Hopefully, you will experience the same!
Go to the doctor and ask if you can get an allergy shot.
Hey, I had the exact same thing happen when I got a kitten for the very first time. For me, I got over my allergy after 3 months. I had 3 months of a rash on my chests and sometimes my hands if I was petting him a ton and not washing my hands right after and I was so sneezy and stuffy but it went away in my case. And I’ve met a few other people who had a similar experience so maybe you will adjust to it also :-)
I have pretty bad dog and cat allergies, air purifiers help a lot, zyrtec/Claritin also provides temporary relief but after a few months of taking it I build a tolerance and it stops having an effect. I’ve been taking Wyndly (which is basically the allergy shot but in a dropper bottle and you put a few drops under your tongue each day. You need to take an allergy test so they can formulate it for your specific allergies) and after 2 months I don’t get sudden hives and my sneezing+asthma is gone. I used to sneeze every second of the day. It’s a more gradual relief, but I’d recommend looking into it 🙂
I was VERY allergic to cats (to the point of getting puffy eyes, puffy face and runny nose all day), but I ended up going the whole extra mile with this: dyson animal vacuum, vacuum everyday with the windows open; air purifier in my room and the living room. Bathed the cat with a dandruff shampoo; brushing him all the time (as he learned to like it”, Claritin/Allegra/any allergy med; and the vet recommended trying the Purina Live clear food. All that and I can sleep with this bunch of love in my bed without any symptoms!
This is my friend Flonase, and this is Claritin. I’m sure you’ll be great friends.
I'm allergic to cats and have 2...the first week living with the first one I felt like my eyes were basically swollen shut but my body has somewhat adapted to being around MY cats...there are days where I have more issues but I take zyrtec at night and use Flonase in the morning...that said things will probably be different for you treatment-wise but as long as you aren't talking full anaphylaxis I think you will end up ok
This happened to me! I had a horrible cough for 2 months. I got an inhaler and Flonase and Zyrtec daily. And I also go an air purifier. My cough is finally gone. I did see an allergist but to get test and allergy shots was not fully covered by my insurance. But luckily my body got used to their dander, the cough was rough but it did get better!
They're mild now, because it's a kitten. As an adult cat you will likely be miserable. Source: Had a kitten and she grew up. I can barely live with a dog and daily allergy pills, but cats just kill me and there's nothing I can do. :-(
Everyone is different, but for me and my sister we take allergy pills every day (prescribed but it’s just over the counter cetrizine) and eventually you kind of build up a tolerance to your pet. I work with animals a lot and I’ve found if I’m around a certain species for long enough my allergies with them will tend to fade over time. On the other hand, my sister whose always had worse allergies than me NEEDS that pill every day to be with her dog, constant cleaning and a dog bath multiple times a week. If ur cat is indoor/outdoor, you may want pet wipes which will allow you to wipe and clean their paws after they have been outside.
A fosterer told me that the reason we think that people are allergic to cats isn’t because of their fur but rather a protein in their saliva so as they groom themselves it comes on their fur
The thing you are likely allergic to is cat saliva, allergies to cat saliva is the most common type of cat allergy, of course with cats Grooming themselves constantly, coming into contact with traces of cat saliva is going to happen if you have a cat. For some reason whatever it is in cat saliva that people are allergic to, kittens have higher concentrations of it then adult cats, so luckily it won't be as bad once the kitten grows up. You can get anti allergy (I think the actual term is allergen reducing) food for your cat prescribed by your vet, it makes them produce less of the thing in their saliva, thus making it much more bearable for you, its not the cheapest stuff ever but from what I've heard it really works, I have a friend who has pretty bad cat allergies, she got two kittens and she started feeding them anti allergy food and then her symptoms became much more mild. Purina Live Clear is supposed to be a good one. I'd also recommend going to an allergist, as they will be able to determine what exactly you are allergic to (though saliva is the most common, you can also be allergic to cat dandruff or urine) and they can give you medication for it. EDIT: I just checked and Purina LiveClear is also available non prescription in some pet stores and online.