I'm allergic to cats, but I want one. What can I do to have a cat?

Cats aren't dangerous to humans, but humans can be allergic to them. Because I'm not a human doctor, I diagnose if you are allergic to your cats or not, so make an appointment with your doctor. Even if you are allergic, there are medications you can take to help with the allergies so you can keep your cats. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Thanks for visiting Petcoach. It sounds like your vet would like to start allergy shots. In the past these have been utilized with some major challenges for pet owners. They can take anywhere from 6-12 months or longer to work in many cases, they can fail, and the pet will continue to have outbreaks that must be treated as you go along with the shots. Many owners today elect to go with an allergy pill (Temaril-P or steroids shots (Depomedrol) for cats) as needed to help reduce the symptoms of their pets allergies. Also trying Heppa filters in your home as well as minimizing dust by periodic cleanings can help remove the stimulus altogether. I would elect to treat as needed and since steroids are well tolerated in cats, it is not a bad start to helping maintain Apple's allergies. I even have some cats who can go 1-6 months in between steroid shots, so they can be few and far between. You did not mention a food allergy or having done a food trial as well. This can rule out concurrent food and environmental allergies. Here is a website link that can help you get started. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951526 This should be done too because if there is also a food allergy present, this will likely cause continued allergies despite your other treatments. My top hypoallergenic food to try is Royal Canin Rabbit and Potato or Royal Canin Ultamino. Discuss this option with your vet and see if you'll can come up with an agreement that is feasible and can produce the best results for Apple's ongoing allergies. Best wishes and take care.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are likely allergic to her dander (skin cells). Despite diet and litter that is specific to the cat. It is best to discuss management with your Doctor or a Dermatologist if you are keeping this cat for a long period of time to help control your symptoms. I wish you the best!

Brushing more often (in an area that's easy to clean up any hair that flies away) can certainly help. Keeping carpets and furniture clean can also help reduce pet dander and allergens. If you do a search online, there are also special shampoo sprays that can be used on cats to help reduce excess dander without harm to your cat. Having an antihistamine on hand for your friend to use, and keeping bedding/cat towers/etc out of common areas your friend will frequent may also help.

Maybe a dog would be a better pet for you. Cats by nature can be standoffish, and while there are breeds that are extremely affectionate like Ragdolls, that would not be good for your allergies. I would think very carefully about getting another pet, and I say this gently. Given this would be #4, it's not fair to the animal to keep giving them away in search of finding an animal that meets all your needs. They are living creatures, and it's hard on an animal when it's taken away from it's home and moved to new circumstances. No one animal will be perfect, and when you take on the responsibility of an animal, it deserves love and respect as well as a stable home. Should you decide to get a dog, I'd recommend one like Poodle or a poodle mix like a Goldendoodle. Those are good for people with allergies. I hope this helps!

Ask friends, neighbors or family members if they can provide a new home for her. If this is not possible, contact your local humane society and inquire about foster homes or a new permanent home for her.

Your girlfriend could consider consulting an allergist to discuss allergy testing and desensitization injections (allergy shots). I'm not a human physician, so I am not aware of any other OTC meds that could help her. Consider bathing Fae occasionally, brushing her regularly, and washing her bedding regularly to try to decrease the amount of dander she leaves in the environment.