Our pediatrician thinks our almost 6 month old might be allergic to our two cats. Right now he is on Zyrtec for infants and it has helped immensely with his cold symptoms that he has had for almost three months since getting RSV and bronchiolitis in February. We are planning on having allergy testing performed when we have a consult with a pediatric pulmonologist. We already keep them out of his room by keeping the door closed at all times and we have an air purifier as well. We really don't want to find new homes for our cats (we've had them for 8 years) but I'm not a huge fan of daily medication for our son. Any other tips or suggestions?
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I was horribly allergic to my parents cats growing up. What helped was vacuuming every day, bathing every night before bed, and the filter. My mom also brushed the cats regularly to help with dander spreading.
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I'm sorry to hear that. I've heard that early exposure can help with allergens, but I'm sure each case is different. I'm highly allergic to cats, which was confirmed by allergy testing. I have a severe asthmatic reactions from even being in a room where cats have been (dogs to a lesser extent). I also have skin reactions to cat and dog saliva, it's really bad. If someone owns a cat, I won't go in their house, I've learned my lesson. I would prepare yourself for the possibility that the cats may need a new home. I'm sorry
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@Pollywog: thanks, we will definitely up our vacuuming and brushing game! Good idea on the baths.
@macintosh: that sounds awful for you!! I really hope it doesn't turn into that but of course his health comes first. Thanks for sharing your story
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I am mildly allergic to cats, and we have two of them. My 8 month old also seems to be allergic. The cats are not allowed in any bedrooms, so if kiddo ends up in our bed, she's not overwhelmed by dander, and the dander on all if our clothes is minimized. I try to vacuum every day, always keep a lint roller handy, and try to keep the cats off the couch. They also spend a great deal of time outside.
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@peaches1038: awww poor bubba! an allergy could explain a lot of the symptoms that he's been having:(
I have a pretty nasty cat allergy too, ever since I was a little one. Major sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing, and raised itchy hives. My mum's old dog used to chew on the cat's head (wierd, but they loved each other) and then he would lick my arm and I would get a big rash. I have a lot of trouble staying sane in houses with indoor cats, it hits me very hard.
All I can suggest is consider making them outdoor cats if possible. I know its not a very popular choice, but it could mean keeping your kitties and giving baby some relief. Could you build an outdoor cat run, and let them use some indoor space like garage/shed? Even though I'm really allergic, we actually have a cat - she was found as a stray by hubby and she just attached herself to him, so we had her cleaned up, vax and spayed and she has been with us for 4 years. She is an outdoor cat, but she rarely strays from our house and sleeps on our outdoor deck.
Other than that, lots and lots of vaccuming, dusting, wiping down surfaces. It may get harder with this option in the long run as babe becomes more active, crawling, walking. Dander gets everywere, but so do little kiddies
If you had the space to make a cat run it might mean keeping everyone seperated but together.
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@LindsayLou: @FannyMae: thanks for the replies!! We live in Chicago so outside isn't an option. We do hope to move within the next couple of years, so maybe then. Im actually also allergic to cats and dogs but if I'm around them enough, I don't have any symptoms. When I go to my friend's with pets, I get red, itchy hives, watery eyes and a runny nose. I guess I'm just hoping he's like me and will get used to them...
Ugh I'll be so so sad. Maybe my parents will take them but they live 12 hours away.
If you had the space to make a cat run it might mean keeping everyone seperated but together.
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