Bad cat allergy - but possible flatshare has cats

[stargirl0412]

Hi, I've posted on a couple of other boards and didn't realise there was one dedicated to allergies so I thought I'd see if there's an expert here!

I'm looking to rent a room in a house or flat share in London to save money.

I went to see a great place yesterday - it has just the space I want, I got on great with the homeowner - it's by the Tube and has everything I want. But it has three cats!

(In my advert I stated I was allergic to cats, the homeowner didn't bother to read to the end of my ad unfortunately, and didn't tell me she had cats, so we arranged a viewing.)

Now I loved this place - but my allergy is really bad - my eyes itch and stream and my face swells up to the extent where I look as though I've come off worst in a boxing match. I think it affects my asthma too in that it can aggravate it.

The homeowner said I could move in temporarily and see how it goes if I stay away from the cats and lock my room so they can't get in. My pal, a nurse, thinks I should give it a go, and just to take antihistamines.

Regular antihistamines don't fully work on me (allergic to dust and pollen too), but only dull the symptoms depending on the severity of my reaction - sometimes they just don't work at all.

But my sister said she gets really strong antihistamines on prescription and thinks this might be a solution.

Is it a really bad idea to move into this place and take the risk? Please be brutal if you wish!

Thanks

I really think you should look for somewhere else. Sorry

If the cats are allowed in the shared living areas how will you avoid them? There will be hair/ dander all over the place. Taking stronger meds is an option if you have to visit somewhere with a cat, not a long term solution for living with one (or three).
Flat owner should have read your ad and realised it was unsuitable, and not got your hopes up. I'd keep looking.

Look somewhere else. Long term meds aren't the solution. She /he didn't bother read all your advert either . Your health comes first . Best wishes

I am allergic to cats.

Ten minutes in my in-laws house and I can feel my throat constricting, eyes itching and I start to sneeze. Staying over for one night at Christmas etc is hell.

I could never live like that. Don't do it.

Agree with everyone else, you would be mad to consider it.

Even if it was perfect and rent free to boot, I'd still say no way. Your health has to be your priority.

"Now I loved this place - but my allergy is really bad - my eyes itch and stream and my face swells up to the extent where I look as though I've come off worst in a boxing match. I think it affects my asthma too in that it can aggravate it.

Saw your original thread and commented. These symptoms sound as if they have the potential to become serious, so basically, what the others have said: No Way

Absolutely no way. Keep looking.

I wouldn't do it. My cat allergy is only mild, and I occasionally stay with relatives with cats. I take antihistamines before arrival, but even so after a day or so I start feeling fuzzy-headed and itchy. Committing yourself to continuous exposure is a bad idea, specially if you have asthma. There must be nice flat shares in London without cats.

Thanks so much for your opinions folks - you've all convinced me not to take this place. So I guess I'll keep looking!