[CJinCA]

We've had Squeek and Lickorish for 4 months now, and my hubby suddenly is having allergy symptons. I'm hoping maybe its pollen or something else that will just pass, but he slept in the back bedroom, where they don't spend much time and we just changed the sheets, last night and said he felt better in there, but when he came down to the living room - where kitties like to sleep at night now, it started again. These kitties have already been rehomed b/c their current people got allergies. I don't want to have to give them up and put them thru all that again. Any tips for dealing with allergies?

 

[MowMow]

It would really suck if you had to rehome your hubby.

I have allergies and I find that cleaningcleaningcleaningcleaning is the only thing that really helps me. I vacuum at least twice a week. I have blankets over all the furniture and wash those once a week. I change all of my bedding once a week (including blankets/comforters) and I have pillowcases over all their sleeping spots and change those once a week.

Also, I find it's not enough to just change them once a week. I have to wash them. Meaning, I can't have a pile of cat laundry piled up anywhere, they have to be washed right away. Also, all of my blankets are white/light colored and I wash them with bleach. I certainly don't know if that makes a difference but I'm seriously attached to my bleach so...

The only allergy pill that i've ever taken that works is Cetrizine (Zyrtec and the walmart brand knockoff).

 

[Mom of 4]

Allergy meds can help, in addition to the cleaning.
Fortunately, I am not allergic to cats and dogs, but I am allergic to trees, grasses, weeds, fungi and mold. There are also some foods in there.
Since the middle of January, I have been on my meds. Right now the trees and grasses are high, the mold (my worst) is moderate.

It's what the dogs bring in that kills me. we wipe the dogs down with a damp rag when they come in.

No matter what, I will not give up the cats and dogs.

 

[LeeLuMonster]

my other half is allergic I too clean clean clean! I vacuum every day, dust twice a week, and wash/changes sheets once a wk. What helps the most tho is bathing my himmie. She is bathed every 2 weeks and that really helps! I think it's more the cat saliva reaction with the fur for him. My girl is used to bathing as I've done it since I got her but your kitties may not, you can try allerpet, or even a dry shampoo,check the pet stores and see what they carry. Good luck!

 

[Alpaca]

I'm allergic to cats. I have two of them. I don't take allergy meds or use face masks. I don't clean more than the average person either.

I've been tested so I know I"m allergic to cats. I also worked at a Petsmart adoption centre and was exposed to cages of about 10 cats. I had to quit because my eyes would swell and be insanely itchy. I also sneezed non-stop to the point where my nose would be dripping.

The only reason why I think I have no reaction with my own cats is overexposure. I've heard that if you're allergic you could be immune to a certain cat if you live with them long enough. At first, my skin would get a bit red and itchy if Miu rubbed on my arm too long. However, even now that is gone and she's about 2 yrs old. I had absolutely no reaction to Cap'n Jack when I brought him in.

The only thing I can say is this can be dealt with. There are people who volunteer at the no-kill shelter I associated with who are allergic. Before they go, they take allergy meds then they wear a mask throughout their voluntary visit. If there's a will, there's a way.

There are people who are allergic and own cats. They do as the ppl above me mentioned. Clean like crazy and use an air purifier or air cleaner. If you can't bathe the cats then I've heard you can also rub their cats down with a damp cloth which helps. Launder their bedding frequently and try to avoid carpeting/area rugs which can trap the fur.

 

[tghsmith]

I"m a longtime allergy sufferer, started using a neti pot to flush my sinuses, never refilled any of the three RXs I had since(sleeping much better, haven't spent a day out of work for sinus in three years), during bad pollen times I use it daily, mow the the lawn use the pot, ps tree pollen is very high right now,

 

[GhostTown]

This is my answer: Air Filters/Purifiers

I'll let you know how it turns out.