Cat for someone allergic to cats?

alarmed

Hi all
Really need some expert help here please..

My wife is already asthmatic(pump)and I have a 13 yr old and 9 yr old who are pining for a kitten.
Having tried all the conventional treatments and (reluctantly) having to rehome our last kitten I really want to give this another go..
So are there any cat experts out there that give us some guidance on how we can own a cat with my wife being allergic to them/their saliva as it seems ...(oddly enough the wife really adores cats but we cant seem to be able to own one!)
perhaps 'recommend' a breed thats a preferred one for people allergic to cats?

Any advice appreciated for us and the kids!

F x

Person_one

The only cat that is likely to be safe for an allergy sufferer is a hairless cat (and even that's not guaranteed), how do you feel about that?

There are some breeds that seem to produce less allergen, and some people swear that they get 'accustomed' to their own cats so don't have symptoms after a while. Both of those options are a big risk though, both to your wife and the kitten. As you've already had to rehome one then I would say you need to accept that cat ownership is not an option for you rather than take the chance of it happening again.

There are plenty of dog breeds and small animals that are suitable for allergy sufferers, but sadly cat ownership is just never going to be a possibility for most of us with asthma and allergies.

alarmed

Understood..and thank you.

MrsAtobe

OP, I'm allergic to cats as well, and I would seriously urge you to reconsider getting another one, I'm sorry. My OH and I stayed at his sister's house for just one week to look after their cats for a week, whilst they had a much needed holiday. I took antihistamines all week, and even so went down with the worst chest infection I have ever had. It felt like a horse was sitting on my chest, I kid you not. I had to have two courses of antibiotics to clear it.

I don't suffer with asthma, but I'm pretty sure that if I did, I would have ended up in hospital. Is your wife's health worth risking?

Person_one

alarmed wrote: »

Understood..and thank you.

Sorry it wasn't what you wanted to hear, I actually started a similar thread a few years ago myself:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2320417

Is a dog not a possibility? Something like guinea pigs or rabbits?

alarmed

Can I quietly ask while wife and kids are out of the room what furry type pets(if any) would make good pets for allergen sufferers for the childrens sake?

Thanks again
x

Person_one

alarmed wrote: »

Can I quietly ask while wife and kids are out of the room what furry type pets(if any) would make good pets for allergen sufferers for the childrens sake?

Thanks again
x

Everybody's allergies are different. Some people with cat allergies are fine with most dogs, some would need a hypoallergenic breed. Some people are fine with rabbits, guinea pigs, rats etc. while some are constantly sneezing and itching. Some people find birds to be even worse for their chest than cats, some have huge parrots!

What's your lifestyle like? How old are the children? What's your experience with animals?

WestonDave

Not sure whether the local cats home might be able to help you with "fostering" maybe - i.e. you "borrow" a cat with a view to keeping it if you can tolerate it.

I grew up with a cat with no problems - went away to Uni - came back and was then allergic to my parents new cats, plus any other cat I came into contact with. Figured that was it but I have since stayed overnight in a friends house who had two cats at the time and was fine until one of them got right in my face (and then was mildy reacting) and have visited other friends with a number of cats and had no reaction even when stroking them etc.

Whether its something that a break away can help with so a gap since your last cat may allow the sensitisation to reduce or whether its just the right cats I've no idea. I'd love to have a cat again but don't feel I can risk it. However although it wouldn't be the cute little kitten it might be that a rescue place might be willing to work with you to both benefit, or it might be that they foster out temporarily which might help with not building up the irritation too much.

Cherry24

As far as I know Siberian cats are the most hypo allergenic cats if there is such a thing. I can't remember the science behind it, you'd have to google it.

I have two siamese cats and am allergic to them. Sometimes it is a real struggle and I have to take my inhalers on a much more consistent basis and can spend all day out of breath / wheezing.

I have heard that taking anti histamines for the first week or so of ownership can help. I only found out about my cat allergy after I got my cats.

If you are seriously considering getting a cat, I would suggest spending an extended amount of time at the breeders house / rescue to 'test' how badly affected your wife is.

Regarding other pets, I'm not sure as I think generally if you are allergic to one, you are susceptible to other allergies. I'm also allergic to dogs and was allergic to my pet rodents so there aren't any guarantees unless you get a fish.

iammumtoone

If its fur your wife is allergic to try chickens. You might like to try other options first but if there aren't suitable and your children want pets then chickens might be worth a thought

MrsAtobe

Whilst I'm allergic to cats, I have no problems with dogs, and currently have a springer spaniel alongside me on the settee . Is a dog out of the question for you? I know I'm also allergic to angora in clothes, so I'd steer away from rabbits, at least the longer haired ones. Guinea pigs I'm fine with though.

Does your wife know what else triggers her allergies?

ETA, I also can't sleep on feather pillows, so chickens would probably be out for me too.