DH thinks DD allergic to our cats and wants to get rid of them

[Nomorerain]

DD 2.5 developed eczema 4 months ago and also breaks out in very itchy lumpy patches on various areas of her body. DH thinks that it could be because of our two cats and that we should get rid of them. GP has also said the dander from the cats could be making her skin worse. Obviously, I want to do what's best for DD but I'm also worried about the thought of trying to rehome the cats. We took them in just before DD was born as they were abandoned and starving and are so happy and settled now. I just don't see me being able to find them a good home as there are so many unwanted one's already. If anyone has any thoughts/suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks :(

Take your DD to a doctor- they can test for specific allergies.

I wouldn't get rid of my cats if I wasn't sure my child was allergic to them.

What winny said

We re-homed our cat when DD was born due to her horrendous eczema.
It was the right thing for us. Her skin is much better - not cured though, so don't expect miracles if you re-homed.

It brought home to me that we had done the right thing when we spent the day at MIL's house a year or so ago. DD was stroking MIL's cat and within minutes her eyes were swollen so badly that she could barely see....Lasted about an hour after we left and was very scary. Her skin was terrible for days afterwards too.

But... we were very lucky. At the exact point I started to actually make enquiries amongst friends about re-homing my beloved cat, my best friend told me she was looking to get a cat and would much rather have mine if possible as she had such a wonderful temperament. Match made in heaven and I still get to visit!

It's a very hard decision to make.

I've asked my GP about allergy testing but he says it's unreliable and they don't see the point in doing that anymore. I'm at a loss really as to what to do for the best.

Oh really? Hmmm. Not sure. I have to call DD's paediatrician tomorrow for a jab appointment, do you want me to ask her? I find it strange that the doctor would say that.

I would ask for a referral to an allergologist- I would try to make an effort at getting to the bottom of this before getting rid of my cats.

Sorry winny - only just back online. Yes please if you could ask your DD's paed.

Any chance the cats could go on a little 'holiday' for a couple of weeks? That way you could definitively test dh's theory that that the cats contribute to dd's eczema. If her eczema is no better after two weeks without the cats, then you can be reassured. If her eczema improves, then you can get serious about rehoming the cats.

More reliable then those allergy skin tests IMO, as you will be testing the real life situation. Also, you won't have to wait weeks/months for a hospital appointment before you have your answer.

I'm trying to keep them from getting past the utility room to see if that makes a difference. Going to have the carpets steam cleaned too to see we can reduce the dust mites :)

Thanks for your advice nottirednow. We put her back on Cow's milk after being on Goats for a couple of months. She's still itching so it doesn't seem to have made any difference. I'm keeping the cats away but I'm not really convinced it's them. They never go in her bedroom and yet she wakes up itching. I feel like it's definitely something triggering it but I'm running out of suggestions.
Will try the allergy thread - thanks. Didn't know there was one.
Might have to push for some tests.

As a child I was allergic to dogs - made me mildly asthmaetic, I always knew where my mum's priorities lie - stop your whinging go and get the inhaler - the day I left home was the day I no longer needed an inhaler!