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(NWM-realted) Pet and allergies - what would you do?

traveltheworldtraveltheworld member
in Working Moms

This isn't WM-related, but I saw a post below and it seems like a lot of you have children with allergies so I'm hoping someone could shed some light.

DS (about to turn 1) just got tested and we were told that in addition to certain food allergies, he is also allergic to cats (mild).  We have 2 cats that have been with us for 6 years.  The only symptom that we notice on DS with is that he has a running nose.  At our allergist appointment, I forgot to ask how "mild" his cat allergy is.  The allergist wasn't exactly informative, he basically just said that if we wanted to provide the best home environment for DS, then we should find the cats another home; but he is not insistent that we need to do that.  He also mentioned that if DS develops asthma, then his cat allergy would make it worst.  I forgot to ask whether or not the allergy and constant exposure to cats would CAUSE asthma, and after doing tons of research on-line, it seems like there is no causal link, but there is a correlation.  DH also has a cat allergy, but he has adjusted to our cats and show no symptoms around them.

I'm totally lost on what to do at this point.  The thought of giving up our cats make me cry, but then again, I want to do the best for DS.  Anyone ever dealt with this before?

We've asked our families and no one is willing to take the cats.  We haven't asked our friends yet.

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Re: (NWM-realted) Pet and allergies - what would you do?

  • *sparky**sparky* member

    My understanding with cat dander is that it permeates a lot of the fibers/air in your home and can last a long time after the actual pets are gone so I don't know that getting the cats out of the home would immediately resolve the issue.  If DS is not having severe allergies then I understand your hesitation in giving up your cats.  My DS seems to be somewhat allergic to dogs but we still have our dog.  Here is what we do to minimze the impact on him, not sure how much of this helps with cats:

    Keep the dog out of DS's room and definitely off of his bed
    Change the furnace filters often
    Give the dog regular baths
    Vacuum regularly
    Have DS take a bath before bed every night - this rinses off any allergens that may be in his hair/on his skin and helps him sleep better

    You could also put an air purifier in your DS's room - we have not done that.

    GL!

     

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  • shannmshannm member
    I'm sorry that you are going through this. I feared we would run into this issue but so far so good. DS has allergies but has not been formally tested so I am not sure if our cats bother him or not. If they do, it is not super obvious.
    In your situation, I would consult your pedi and maybe your vet. We have a really awesome vet and I bet she would have some suggestions in terms if reducing dander, etc..
    I would keep the cats out of your LOs room and vacuum often. I would also look into a good quality air filter.
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  • SunAndRainSunAndRain member
    This is what drives me CRAZY about doctors.  They treat the medical condition rather than treating the patient.  I am cat crazy and would be devestated if DD tested positive for cat allergies.  She has loads of food allergies already.  Given the symptoms are not severe I wouldn't give up the cats.  I do wonder if keeping her exposed to them over time would lessen her sensitivity, but I don't know how allergies work given that neither I nor DH have any.
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  • preggersin2011preggersin2011 member
    I say 'meh' to mild cat allergy..... there are tons of allergy websites that can help you with suggestions on what to do in the home. Treat it similar to a dust allergy. People asked me what I would do if LO became allergic to cats and I said "well the cats where here first so I guess LO would have to go" 
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  • boogerbearoriginalboogerbearoriginal member

    I have cat/dog allergies, quite reactive actually. And have lived with one/other/both for all of my life. I react way less, if at all, to my pets but more strongly to strange animals.

    I would treat it like any environmental allergy - keep cat out of his room/especially his bed, vaccuum often, clean air filters often and not worry about it unless it's causing major issues.



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  • PunkyBoosterPunkyBooster member
    Sparky has such great advice!

    I had allergies and my parents didn't get rid of our dogs. I honestly just got used to it and as an adult have no issues at all.

    Best of luck!
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  • shannmshannm member
    Also, I would encourage you to remove carpets if you have any. Much easier to keep allergens at bay.
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  • mhickey426mhickey426 member
    image*sparky*:

    My understanding with cat dander is that it permeates a lot of the fibers/air in your home and can last a long time after the actual pets are gone so I don't know that getting the cats out of the home would immediately resolve the issue.  If DS is not having severe allergies then I understand your hesitation in giving up your cats.  My DS seems to be somewhat allergic to dogs but we still have our dog.  Here is what we do to minimze the impact on him, not sure how much of this helps with cats:

    Keep the dog out of DS's room and definitely off of his bed
    Change the furnace filters often
    Give the dog regular baths
    Vacuum regularly
    Have DS take a bath before bed every night - this rinses off any allergens that may be in his hair/on his skin and helps him sleep better

    You could also put an air purifier in your DS's room - we have not done that.

    GL!

    I totally agree!! I have allergies to cat according to an allergy test but I have had cats and been around cats my whole life.  I know 2 people that have a cat as a pet.  They have no problem around their own cat but might sneeze of have a runny nose around other peoples cats.  Maybe they got use to theirs of they just clean better.  I don't think a little runny nose is anything to worry about.  If it was a bad allergy then I could understand getting rid of your cat.  Kids can't live in a bubble so I say give those tips a try and see how it goes. 


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  • xcjumpxcjump member
    I tested positive for allergies to cats and dogs.  I also have asthma.  When I was pregnant I found homes for both of my cats, we just didn't have the space for their litter boxes where the dogs couldn't get into them.  Now the cats are gone, my asthma has improved 100 percent.  I don't take preventive medicine anymore and barely need my emergency inhaler.   When I had the cats. I took preventive and used the emergency 2-3 times per week.  So I don't think it is necessary to get rid of the cats now, but if he develops asthma, it might be something you want to look into.  
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  • Lanajax319Lanajax319
    My dad had a mild dog allergy my friend has a mild cat allergy. Both of their doctors told them to keep the animals because they would get used to it over time, which they did. My friend was told that if she ever got rid of the cat that her allergy would become much more severe.
    Of course, if it progresses to somethingmore seserious that's a different story. Hopefully you can keep them!
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  • kcircellkcircell
    basically everything sparky said.  Make part of your house cat allowed and part DS's room, not cat allowed.  Here is a good blog post: https://neonfresh.com/allergies-asthma-eczema/
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