to get a kitten, even though I won't have anything to do with it?

[OkMaybeNot]

The kids are absolutely desperate for a kitten and some have just come up for sale in my area. They've had a really shit time of it lately... My mum died, their uncle died and DH has just come out the other side of a horrible depression/anxiety fog that put so much strain on all of us. I think a kitten will really lift their spirits a bit. We don't have any other pets.

Thing is I won't be able to touch it because I'm really allergic. So no kitten cuddles

I'll be fine with an antihistamine and avoiding too much contact so I don't feel I'm really an issue, but the cat will be spending most of its time with me in the house once DD's off to school in September, so will me not being able to give it loads of love and snuggles going to affect it? Will it be sad?

You don’t choose to be the cat’s owner or chief cuddler they choose!

I’m home alone with my 2 for a few days and whilst the sleep on my bed, and talk to me whilst I cook tea and relax that’s it.

If DH was here they’d be fighting to get on his lap for a cuddle.

It was me and DD2 who rescued them as 4 month old kittens but they don’t care.

Tortoise?

Can't you get cats that have been specifically bred so people aren't allergic to them? Or am I making that up?

NO NO and NO

Roses you can't. People may be allergic to fur but also dander.

@Wolfiefan

I had a look, it turned out it was a suggested experiment Selective breeding...

There are suggestions of "hypoallergenic cats" on the Web, but I don't know if you'd be allergic to them. Is there any way you could test it?

It's bollocks! I know someone who was allergic to their cat's saliva. Can't remove that. When they groom it costs the hair and then they shed hair and saliva.
I volunteer at the shelter and the other week someone had to return the cat they had adopted due to allergies.

Fwiw we have two cats and a dog. I am mildly allergic to all furry things and always have been (mostly the saliva so as long as they don't lick me we're all good!). We have loads of safe outdoor space and at a year old our cats spend the entire day outside, and just sleep when they come in. There are always cuddles available but once they were past about 4 months neither were too bothered, just coming for snuggles to my dds first thing and last thing. When they were tiny I wasn't allergic to them at all oddly, only as they got older so kitten cuddles were fine. You need to be responsible and try to establish how bad your allergies are. Pp are right it wouldn't be fair to have to quickly rehome. But thought might be helpful to know it's not necessarily out of the question!

I used to think I had a cat allergy- but after we got ours I just seemed to get over it.
However don't fall in to the trap of it being the kids cat, ours was for our kids - 14 and 3 at the time, the teenager who was desperate for a cat does NOTHING to look after him.
He is a cute rescue tho 😀

We got two kittens from a rescue (we have an older cat too), they played with and hugged each other while the children and I were out at school all day. They were absolutely fine. Cats don't have the same need for social interaction that dogs do. I think they needed the break from the constant attention from the children tbh. So I think you should get two, then you don't need to worry so much about them needing your attention because they'll have each other.

BUT please get them from a rescue. All the rescue places are totally overwhelmed with cats in need of homes.

just so it becomes too much for you and you can re home it in the future. Ffs. Grow up a bit.

I've never rehomed an animal in my life. Seriously, is there a need to be so rude? I'm aware of my allergy and if I were to get a kitten it would be on me. I kept my cat once I became allergic to it, the thought never once crossed my mind to rehome him, and then he died. Read the thread.

The title of the thread claims you won't have anything to do with a kitten. Not possible.
You want it for the kids. Not practical.
Rehoming due to allergies happens. A LOT.

Thanks Fluffy.

The thread's given me a lot to think about.

One thing I didn't consider is that DH will be working mainly from home while he does his degree from September and will be for another year or so. I'm thinking how we could possibly make it so the kitten stays upstairs during the day where his office is, so if he needed a cuddle DH would be there.

I still don't get why you don't get why getting a kitten would be a rubbish idea op ?

And then I expanded on the title throughout the thread and explained that I'd be caring for it, feeding it and handling it before washing my hands. Call it dripfeeding if you like but it's all there.

A cat will spread allergens all over your house. If you are actually allergic to cats then that will make life unbearable.
What don't you understand?

You can't have a kitten without kittens snuggles. It'd be like going to the beach and not building a sandcastle.
I send you one of my cute baby spiders instead

Have I indicated anywhere that I don't understand that I'm allergic to cats, Wolfie?

I don't think you've thought this through op.

You're the adult you've got to take responsibility for it. You've got to take it to the vet, groom it, give it it's flea / worm treatments monthly, sort out any other health problems when it gets ill, from eye drops, to removing ticks, to giving tablets, brushing teeth. The list goes on. You have to be able to touch it.

Also, do you really want to haved to take a daily antihistamine pill for potentially 20 years?

I think the best person to judge how well you can manage with your allergy is you. Allergies are different in different people and it sounds like your allergy is not too serious so if you're prepared to work around it (and have done so before so you know that you can) then that's up to you.

Well, seeing as DH is a functioning adult as well, I'm sure I'm not the only person who will be responsible for the animal. But I've already said I'm able to do those things.

I take a near-daily antihistamine anyway.

I'm not even convinced we'll be getting one, but I do feel like I'm repeating myself a bit and it's making me sound really defensive

You clearly don't have a clue. If you were allergic. Properly allergic. Then having a cat in the house would be untenable. You wouldn't be able to breathe or think about anything other than scratching. Or wheezing. Or your weeping eyes.
You're either not allergic or very very stupid.

Well maybe I'm not allergic at all! It's a miracle, I'm cured. Cheers Wolfie

I'm going to disagree slightly.
I think it depends on how severe your allergy is. The way you have described it is very much like mine. I'm fine stroking a cat but then have to go and wash my hands, making sure to keep them away from my face.
I've kept cats for years. Fur gets everywhere but that is manageable with a bit of hoovering. I keep them off the places that I sit. I play with them and stroke them but I just have to be careful.

I would avoid a kitten though - they are a lot of work and need a lot of attention. Get a rescue cat.