Can I overcome cat allergy? (lighthearted!)

[JacktomyDaniel]

So I secretly want a rescue cat however whenever I've been in the homes of people with cats I get very itchy eyes and sneeze a lot. I've also been known to get itchy and swollen fingers if I touch a cat.
Common sense then says I'm allergic.
However some dogs make me like this but not my own dog which makes no sense!
Does anyone know if this is something you can adjust to or am I just asking for trouble?

I am allergic to cats and dogs. I have two of each!!
I would look at a pedigree or a rescue that you can spend time with to see if you react. I’m allergic to neither of the dogs but one of two sister cats. And I wasn’t allergic to either cat as kittens.
Allergies are miserable and cats can live over 20 years so proceed with caution!

BIL did. He took antihistamines every day for a while and was breathless for a bit but now lives fine with 4 cats, not specifically chosen for hypoallergenicness

Thanks folks! Was worried I was going to get flamed! I obviously don't want to proceed knowing there could be issues but also middle aged me is starting to really have an affinity with grumpy rescue cats 😂

You can be more allergic to some cats. My dd is allergic to most cats but I took her to the rescue place and once we had chosen "our" cat she was allowed to pet (and sniff) the cat to see if she had any severe reactions. The kitty we eventually took home still causes a mild reaction but it is manageable with antihistamines. Dont give up hope!

Do remember allergies can get better or worse! And it’s not always about the fur but the dander. I was never allergic to our semi long haired cat.
Fenifexadene (sp?) helps me.
Petal cleanse has been mentioned as helping online.
Groom cat outside then wash hands.
I love my furry overlords.

Well you might acclimatise or you might not

It's probably not worth the risk as you'd have to return the cat ... it's not often it's their fur you're allergic to, it's the dander and their saliva.

Why not consider fostering? You could then see how it goes over a period of weeks and see if you settle

I'm only allergic to cats when I don't live with them. I think my body gets used to them and I can live with them happily. I just can't stroke them and then touch my eyes straight away otherwise my they start to stream.
The first couple of weeks went I haven't lived with a cat are rubbish but slowly gets better.
Could you have a trial run for a week or two?

My allergic BIL manages much better with long haired cats than short haired.

Just as well as they have been adopted by 4 or 5 strays that come and go.

Mild allergies here but I've always been ok with my own animals. Good luck!

Yes! I'm allergic to cats but fine with my own two now. Settling them in was hard and needed lots of anti-histamines but I built up immunity to them.
They're not allowed in my bedroom (although they frequently break that rule 🙄) and I keep the house well ventilated but otherwise we manage just fine.
Go for it and don't forget the photos!!

DH was allergic to cats when I first met him but now he’s fine with ours and other peoples.

My DH has definitely built up his immunity so yes it’s definitely possible. He’s not allergic at all now and we have Ragdolls.
The main thing to remember is to never touch your eyes after touching a cat unless you’ve washed your hands of course.