Severe allergic reaction to cat

Posted By Lindsey (Sioux Falls, Sd, South Dakota, Usa) on 04/03/2012

I've been dating a wonderful man for about 2 months who is unfortunately very allergic to my cat. He's been a trooper about the whole thing, but his reactions have been increasingly severe. He doesn't even have to be around the cat or in my home, he will have a reaction just from being around me.

My mom offered to take the cat for awhile so we can give things a shot. He won't hear of it. He's flat out told me that he'll break up with me if I get rid of the cat.

So in the meantime, we're trying to find a way to remedy the situation. He's on Rx allergy meds and also Benadryl as needed. I picked him up a bottle of Animal Antigens homeopathic remedy a couple of days ago. We're still waiting to see how that works.

His allergist really doesn't want to give him allergy shots. He told me that if he would take allergy shots that it'd cost around $800/week. (I'm not entirely sure why so much, but it's not something either one of us could cover.)

Does anyone else have any other suggestions? We both really care for eachother and would very much like to give this relationship a chance, but it looks like the only way that's gonna happen is if we can get the allergies under control.

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Replied by Annon (Anon, Ak Non) on 04/03/2012

Please, Please, Please do not take this the wrong way....

Give the cat to your mom for 6 months. If you truly value this person, he should come before the cat.

I have had my animals for 15 years, and know they are family.... But your cat would also be with family, and you can go and visit. If things work out, then your mom would be your cats new mom. If things don't work out.... hey, at least you know you gave it your best effort.

I know of NOTHING that will keep an allergic person from being allergic to a cat long term.

Sorry.

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Replied by B (Earth) on 04/04/2012

Hi, I read somewhere that people are allergic to the cat saliva and that is a problem because they clean up by licking their fur. I don't know if this is true but have you tried shampooing the kitty often with a proper cat product? Good luck!
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Replied by Southernarc (Durham, Nc, Usa) on 04/04/2012

""Hi, I read somewhere that people are allergic to the cat saliva and that is a problem because they clean up by licking their fur. I don't know if this is true but have you tried shampooing the kitty often with a proper cat product?"

Everything I've read indicates you are correct, the allergic reaction is from the cat saliva. Shampooing should help, although I've also read that since cats breath the allegen adheres to the walls of a home and this of course cannot be easily removed. This is why for those that are allergic to cats all they have to do is step inside the home and they will get a reaction even when the cat is not around.

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