DD(8) suddenly allergic to her beloved cat!

[UpToMyElbowsInDiapers]

We have always had cats, since before our DCs were born. DD(8) considers one of our cats to be among her best friends. They play together in pillow forts, he sits with her while she does her homework, he sleeps on her bed at night and, perhaps most importantly and impressively, he can actually wake her up and calm her down when she is having nightmares (which happens maybe once per week). Honestly he’s kind of a miracle cat, and their relationship is adorable.

In the past 2 weeks, DD has started sneezing every time she is with him. If she strokes him or puts her face near him, she gets itchy eyes for hours. When she is out of the house - no allergies. I’m almost 100% she’s become allergic to the cats.

Disaster!

Any suggestions on what to do? I’m considering a HEPA filter for her room and she’s learning to be good about washing her hands after touching the cats. I’ve encouraged her not to have a cat on her bed, but that’s made her nightmares more frequent, so I’ve told her to use her own judgement and try to keep the cat closer to her feet if she lets him onto the bed.

Any chance this is just a weird phase? Any suggestions?

Allergies can develop at any stage unfortunately. It’s more likely to happen if she has also has eczema or asthma or if allergies run in the family.

If you want to consider allergy testing be sure to see your GP or allergy clinic at the hospital for IgE testing. I say this as some healthfood shops etc offer IgG testing which is completely unreliable and basically a scam.

Antihistamines can help and they’re available over the counter, but I’d get a doctor or pharmacist’s advice as they’re not all suitable for children.

I’d try to keep the cat out of her room if it is allergies, but I do understand that’s difficult for other reasons. But probably necessary.

I’m sorry this has happened, pet allergies are difficult especially when a child loves an animal.

As a cat allergy sufferer i sympathize

things can go the other way- I am far less allergic than I used to be. I did live with cats for several years. But always had my room door closed so they didn’t go in there and always washed hands after stroking. I was permanently snuffly but loved the cats.

I was thinking about allergy testing, but tbh I’m not sure it’s worth it. The cause is seeming pretty obvious :-(

I’m hesitant to put her on antihistamines indefinitely, but I’ll ask our GP for her thoughts. I do think we’ll need to get more serious about the no-cats-in-the-bedroom rule, because itchy eyes really are starting to disrupt my DD’s sleep, and that’s not ok as school starts back up. Poor thing will be very upset.

Some antihistamine makes some children really grumpy. Most are fine, but we endured months of bad behaviour before I made the connection, so mention it whenever they come up with DCs.

We have air purifier up and downstairs.

Buy some petal cleanse, I wet it on my hands and then stroke it over the cat.

Purina live clear food reduces allergen in the cat.

Our cat not allowed in DD room.

Another vote for the Purina Live Clear food - our cat absolutely loves the biscuits and my allergic husband has no symptoms at all now.

I was going to suggest Petal Cleanse as well. It worked absolute wonders for a friend of ours who went from severe allergy to living happily with three cats.

What vacuum do you use ? my Shark Stratos pick up an unholy amount which is 99% cat - I am amazed and horrified .

DD was fine with our guinea-pigs until we got Pig3 (mild allergy) but more allergic to Pig6
Telling her to keep the piggies away from her face and neck didn't help as they like to sit on the shoulder , probably like your DD cat does.
Luckily DD is fine with the cats (piggies all gone to guinea-heaven)

How is DD @UpToMyElbowsInDiapers dd always washes her hands straight after stroking cat so try and get her into a habit of this.