WIBU to get a cat...

[Alpanini]

I love cats, but my husband is allergic (eyes swell up, eczema gets worse and he gets itchy, no breathing difficulties). However, he wants a cat as well. We both had cats growing up, although he took a lot of antihistamines and only really realised the cat was causing the allergies when he left home. We're both animal lovers, and we're expecting a baby soon and want to bring our child up with animals in the house. The cat would be well cared for (not near any busy roads, big garden etc.) So I guess my question is are there any health risks associated with long term antihistamine use? And are hypoallergenic cats a myth? My worry is that we'd get a cat then have to rehome it and I'd find that really difficult. He's not allergic to dogs but we both work full time and doggy daycare is beyond our budget.

Have you looked into low-allergen cats? Apparently some breeds produce less allergens than others (and light-coloured females produce less too?) I don't know how much difference this actually makes to allergy sufferers, but maybe look into potential low-allergen breeds, see if you could see some cats of those breeds to see if it affects your husbands allergy before getting a cat? Could be a better alternative to the antihistamines.

You don't know yet whether your baby will be allergic to the cat. That would be a concern for me.

Personally, I would not get a cat if it meant my DH had to take antihistamines every day just to be around it. Also, I would urge you to wait for your baby to be born first, as the first few months with a newborn can be hectic and the cat is likely to be neglected. You also don't know if your baby will be allergic too. Maybe give it a year or two if you really want one.

I wouldn't get a cat around the same time as a new born, not because of allergies but because my partner would annoy me going on about his allergies whilst I'm trying to deal with a new born because you know that's blatantly going to happen. Also dealing with a new cat and a newborn would annoy me too. And I have 2 cats and a 5 month old.

I'm allergic and have 2 cats and a dog
My eyes. Skin, breathing was pretty awful for about 2 weeks then it all settled down and I haven't had to take an antihistamine in 4 years!

I have a siberian forest cat. They produce a lower amount of the hormone that I am allergic to than most breeds so I have been able to acclimatise to her and don't need antihistamines daily but am still allergic to most other cats.
We got CatBaby when I was 6 months pregnant with HumanBaby but because CB is a pedigree we had been on the breeders list for almost a year.
It was difficult when they were tiny and DH did a lot of CB management while I fed HB. It's easier now they are 2 and play together.
In your situation I probably wouldn't get a cat at this time.

You can buy anti allergy wipes for cats and dogs. Think you give the pet a quick rub down on a morning. They're supposed to be very effective.

I wouldn't get one in your circumstances, no. Although it's your husbands choice to possibly suffer, your new baby may well be allergic, especially as it runs in the family.

I had cats growing up, no allergy. When I bought my own house I got 2 cats and was fine for a couple of years but I became allergic after my first pregnancy . One cat sadly has since died but we still have the other. When I stroke him I absolutely have to wash my hands, if I touch my face without washing I am just a swollen itchy mess. It would have been more difficult if I was allergic as a child as children touch everything everywhere, crawl on floors, in cats bed etc.

Our cat is 18 now. He is so loved but we won't be getting another mainly due to my allergies.

I was adopted by a stray cat while having allergies. After taking antihistamines for awhile I just didn't need to anymore. But that might not be the case with your husband if he reacted the whole of his childhood.

I know others that have taken antihistamines long term for severe pollen allergies meaning they react all year.

My doctor also said it was for fine to take every day as I've had to for other reasons as well.

I would personally get the cat.

My dh took antihistamines daily for about 5 years with no ill effects. The gp told him to and was not concerned about long term use.
I also got a kitten 1 week ago and it is the easiest pet I have ever had! It's awesome! However I'm not sure about with a newborn, they literally leap EVERYWHERE..

A friend of mine is very allergic to cats and dogs but has 3 because she loves cats. She also takes antihistamines daily, and has for years.
So in summary I don't know, depends on the layout of your house, and how well you manage with cat trees, high shelves, cat nets over Moses baskets, and constant vigilance.

Please don't. I'm allergic to cats and the first year myself and DW lived together until I built a tolerance to our cat was miserable. Even with antihistamines it is awful knowing that when you go home you're automatically going to feel worse. I smiled throughout the year saying I didn't mind but that's because I love DW. Please don't make anyone else go through it!

As a kid i was allergic to cats.
Then a (small, white, female) cat moved in and i was fine.
Then a (huge, black, male) cat moved in and i was terrible. Antihistamines every day. Itchy eyes. Tickly nose. Like i was coming down with a dreadful cold but forever.
Then... It just stopped.

I have the odd day where i get symptoms and take a tablet but i go weeks (months?) in between.
Both cats lying on me as i type.
Can't work out out. Allergies might come back i suppose. Happy to be fine for now.

DH and I are both allergic to our elderly cats. We keep Piriton afloat. We're worse in the warmer months when they are shedding. Ours sleep in the bed with us and we wouldn't be without them.

I am not allergic to my mate's Russian Blue but DH is.

I would not recommend a kitten and baby though - kittens are so much work if you are caring for them properly and they take a long time to learn to manage their razor sharp claws. When our two pop their paws we'll get a slightly older cat - couldn't do the full on kitten stage again, lovely as they are.

Thanks! Agree about newborn and cats we'd wait until the baby was a bit older, or the poor cat would end up feeling p. neglected. Plus rn we've got (quite an old) budgie so can't get a cat until he's um (how to put this delicately?) no longer around... Funnily enough my husband is bringing up the cat idea more than me. Apparently having a pet as a child helps prevent allergies in the future so not too worried about the baby being allergic (plus no one else in his family is). He's allergic to the dander not the cats and some cats he's totally fine with and doesn't need the antihistamines at all.

The wipes look amazing... has anyone had any experience of them working?

The other option would be more budgies or similar non-cuddly pet. I know it sounds weird but we both had quite a rural upbringing and neither of us can imagine not having at least one animal around when we've got a kid.

Dame, I love this! I'd rather get an older cat anyway -- be nice to give an old lady or gent a good home. Kittens are great, but a handful.
TBF my husband is also allergic to the grass pollen in the village he grew up in -- not so much of an issue in London, so some of the itchiness could have been caused by that. Lots to think about... might even try and borrow a friend's cat for a few weeks and see how we go with those wipes.