Comments on: Now they apparently believe I have asthma, but they’re asking me to do the unthinkable.

By: zab

zab — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:36:36 +0000

I have an athma attack. My mother had wanted to get rid of my new kitten , the doctor also had told me that cats could trigger the attack. I do not want to throw him away.

By: gecko

gecko — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:18:22 +0000

How can any one say ‘just give up your dog/cat’ as if they are an object.. and surely the creature should have some say in where they get to live too..
I’m sure the cat and dog don’t want to leave.

By: chaoticidealism

chaoticidealism — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:23:05 +0000

I strongly suggest buying a Zoom Groom brush for your cat. I have one for my cats, and it removes loose hair wonderfully–meaning there’s less hair on the furniture and making hairball trouble for the cats. It’s a funny-looking rubber thing with rubber spikes on it–looks like it won’t do anything, but trust me, it does; it works better than any cat brush I’ve ever used. The flat back side can be used to remove cat hair from furniture and clothing (works wonders for the pillow the cats always sit on). But get a cat-loving friend to do the actual brushing… most likely it will cause quite a lot of allergy trouble for you if you do it yourself. Shorthaired cats twice a week; long-haired, every day.

Good luck–and I’m quite in agreement with your refusal to abandon the cat. I wouldn’t abandon mine, either, no matter how allergic I got.

By: Esther

Esther — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:17:52 +0000

I’d just like to give a further recommendation fr Zirtek. It’s a miracle in a box.

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:16:22 +0000

I am severely allergic to cats and I have 6. I take Zyrtec everyday and it gets rid of my allergy symptoms.

By: jen

jen — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:19:42 +0000

Hi Amanda. Here are some thoughts about allergies that might be helpful for you:
1) It is a protein in the saliva of the animal that we are actually allergic to. The bodies of allergic folks can mistake that protein for something it’s supposed to attack, and so we get an inflammatory response. It’s not the dander or the hair, but the protein. However, when cats groom themselves and/or dogs shed, the saliva that is on their hair gets airborne. So those wipes do sound like a good idea. And for the dog, maybe he/she won’t mind a bath? I am very allergic to dogs especially big long haired dogs and once I stayed at a friend’s house and her Dad hosed down the dogs every morning (he didn’t like them shedding in the house). I never once sneezed the whole time.
2) No carpet…if possible. That just will gather up the hairs with the saliva etc
3) I would advocate for Austin Air (that’s a really good workhouse of a filter–a small one is perfect for a bedroom, and that’s the most important thing, to have the air clear where you sleep) for you. If you want me to, I will call them up and see if I can get them to donate a filter to you. So let me know. My boyfriend got one and all his allergies (seasonal) went away and he no longer wakes up sneezing and coughing in the spring and fall.
4) I suspect, and would fully understand why, that you probably do not like the idea of spaying the cat or dog. However I’ve found that when the sex hormones are higher, the allergy-producing stuff is higher. I’m less allergic to spayed animals. Just a thought, but then again, people have various feelings about spaying.
5) You are sensitive to meds so might be sensitive to herbs, but in any case: Eclectic Institute makes stinging nettles which are very good for allergies; Quercitin is a supplement that is good for allergies; and make sure you are taking magnesium. Magnesium helps fight asthma and bronchoconstriction.

Good luck!

By: Usually unusual

Usually unusual — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 16:29:00 +0000

Pets? I don’t have “pets”. They aren’t things, or possessions. They are sentient, innocent (compared to humans) beings with complex thoughts and emotions of their own, not unlike ours at all, but “in their own language”. I am their guardian, and they are my guardians, but that’s as far as I’ll go with that sort of labelling. Many cats and dogs are counted among my dearest friends and family. (I even deeply love all the ones I have never met and will never meet.) I relate more to them than most humans and am proud to say so to anyone. My eldest passed away at 19 a few years ago… she will always be the Light of my Life. I cry every day for her, sometimes outwardly because I can’t keep it in, and other times inwardly. Love your dear ones, don’t let anyone intimidate you into giving them up, just because they can’t perceive the depth and importance of interpersonal relationships beyond human borders and boundaries. Phhffft.
Love, Usually Unusual

By: Sue

Sue — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:52:55 +0000

My son’s taking Xango and hasn’t had any allergies or asthma symptoms for the past year. You might want to try that. The shots and all aren’t easy. Good luck. You can check it out here: jilliankay.natureswellnesssecret.com

By: Hassie

Hassie — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:25:20 +0000

It is great that you are so loyal to your pet. They love us with their entire being, but people treat them like used tissues. I have asthma also. Would it help to wear a face mask sometimes? Good luck – you’ll find a solution – and keep your cat.

By: marc

marc — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:02:34 +0000

Researchers have recently found out that allergic reactions to cats (and dogs?) are caused by dried spit in the air (not dandruff). While grooming they coat their fur with saliva then this saliva dries it gets in the air. So one easy way to mitigate the effects is to either get them to take baths (no need for chemicals) or (as one person already suggested) simply wipe their coat as often as possible.
Take care!