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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Allergic to cats but want one

38 replies

Twizbe · 27/08/2022 21:42

DH and I have decided to get a cat. We've been thinking about it for ages and doing our research.

We did have a concern that DS might be allergic as he has other allergies. This week I took him to play with my friends cat to see if anything happened. No reaction - great.

But I had one!! I've never noticed any reaction before but then I've not been around cats much. At my friends I started to get a scratchy throat and felt like I was getting a cold. Once we left the feeling went.

Is this the death knell for us having a cat or might I not react to other cats?

OP posts:

Original poster

Twizbe · 28/08/2022 08:32

We really don't want a kitten for various reasons so aren't contacting breeders.

We will get in touch with the local rescues and arrange some visits

OP posts:

ChateauMargaux · 28/08/2022 08:34

In my opinion, constant exposure to an allergen when it can be avoided does not seem a good idea, especially if it requires daily antihistamine. Some people find that while their more obvious symptoms disappear, they feel lethargic and overall feelings of being below par that they just get used to and only notice that they feel better when they spend an extended period away from the allergen and therefore often do not connect the dots. If you child already has allergic reactions to some things, it is more likely that he will grow out of these, if you do not introduce additional things to the house.

Subbaxeo · 28/08/2022 08:39

My son is allergic to cats. I did read bengals produce lower levels of the protein responsible so when I found a breeder was going to retire one of her cats and lived near where he was at university, I took him to see her. No reaction at all, we adopted a beautiful, adult cat (she was 4) who is the most loving, charming pet you can imagine. She runs to meet me when I come home, like a dog. Love her so much-I would’ve happily got a rescue cat if it wasn’t for his allergy, it this worked for us.

LarkspurLane · 28/08/2022 10:14

I'd do a bit more research on your allergy, maybe it wasn't the cat - maybe there was something else in the house you reacted to.
We got a cat earlier this year. None of us have allergies but DS1 and I both got scratchy throats and watery eyes the day he arrived. I was getting a bit panicked as DS2 was planning that DS1 and I would move out rather than the cat - then we did covid tests and we both had covid! I jumped for joy (and then went to bed).

Beamur · 28/08/2022 10:19

I'm not reactive to my own cats, but do have allergies to other animals.
I really wouldn't get a pet you have to take daily antihistamines to be around though.
Good idea to visit rescue and see how you and the DC react. But even visiting will get their hopes up so tread carefully! It's very upsetting to re-home an animal you're attached to.

Original poster

Twizbe · 28/08/2022 10:34

Beamur · 28/08/2022 10:19

Agree. We wouldn't want to rehome at all so are being very slow and careful with how we get a cat.

We've told the kids that you have to think very seriously about getting pets. We've also said we'd have to visit a few cats before we find the right one for us.

They understand about allergies too as DS has a food allergy and both he and DH get horrible hayfever (hence why we were concerned they'd both be allergic to cats lol)

OP posts:

MrsWooster · 28/08/2022 10:38

Late MiL had cats for 50 years and just took half an antihistamine daily for ever.
Trial basis..?

BigWoollyJumpers · 28/08/2022 10:45

But it does wear off because you develop some sort of immunity to your own cats eventually

This is very true. DH is very allergic to cats. However, he has always had cats! The main issues arise when a cat dies and you get a new cat, as it takes time to adjust to that cat. Some have been worse than others, one, sadly we had to rehome as he reacted with really bad asthma, and literally couldn't come home. We have had lot of cats though, long haired too, we used to look after my mums persians when she went away, they came to live with us for months. His only rule is no sitting on the bed, but otherwise DH copes really well.

AnnaMagnani · 28/08/2022 10:55

I'd honestly not get a cat.

I used to do asthma clinics and there would be patient after patient with poorly controlled asthma, a cat allergy and cats at home. There is a limit to what medicine can do.

I take a daily antihistamine but it's not enough for triggers I am really allergic to, for me this includes horses so my riding dreams had to go.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 28/08/2022 11:01

Petalease might help

Bodice · 28/08/2022 12:11

In all honesty I had lots of allergies including cats. I was ok with them but when I went off to uni I suddenly found I stopped getting ill all the time. I think that living with them affects your immune system and while that’s a risk I was willing to take with myself ( I did get a Siberian before children as I said up thread) it’s not something I want to put onto my allergy ridden son. He has asthma, hay fever, food allergies etc. I know living with a cat would affect his well-being. So think very carefully. You can get “used” to them to an extent but is it worth it? Do you want them to be anymore of a sickly kid?

shortsaint · 28/08/2022 12:33

I had this dilemma and got a half Siberian / half Ragdoll. I take anti-histamines (prescription ones - fexo) intermittently but not religiously. We have a pet hair vacuum cleaner and keeping the house clean helps (I'm allergic to dust mites too). I groom her weekly and Pets at Home have anti allergy wipes for after grooming which I think are good. I wash hands after a big tickle. She's an amazing cat and the pleasure of her company outweighs the slight inconvenience.

LemonSwan · 28/08/2022 12:45

I have a Bengal x Siamese. He rarely sheds to the point when I find an individual hair it’s a surprise.

He also doesn’t shed skin flakes in the same way as my partners BSH. On the rare occasion he does (if he’s scratched or injured himself) its really weird because it’s like a small patch with clump of hair attached on a hide.

Might be an option. It’s a glorious cross of both wonderful breeds, super intelligent but can be quite a handful when younger and you will have lots of dead prey in your house.

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