Allergies
I need some help from people with experience battling pet allergies.
I’d like to move in with a friend who has a moderate cat allergy, forcing me to decide between her and Simon. Allow me to take a moment to remind you just how cute Simon is:
Simon likes to help me watch MC Hammer
He also likes to sleep on the Tivo
Here he’s getting in-depth news and analysis with an international perspective from a team of worldwide correspondents
So he’s pretty cute, and I’d rather not be forced by circumstances to make him into a casserole or something. On the other hand, my friend has allergies that are severe enough to put this plan on ice, nor is a Benadryl drip a lifestyle choice that she is willing to embrace. Erecting a complex series of gates, tunnels, alarms, and air-exchange devices to keep him and his dander in an enclosed part of the house is also a non-starter.
I am willing to purchase and experiment with all manner of filters, ionizers, vacuums, pastes, creams, lotions, or salves, and there is still a few-months window during which a solution can be demonstrated. Do you or someone you know suffer from a moderate to severe pet allergy? Have you actually experienced symptomatic relief as a result of some revolutionary new product, to the point that you can pleasantly cohabitate with that animal?
I’m not saying it gets to sleep in your bed, or that you have to pet it all the time. But if we take reasonable care to avoid overwhelming contact, and keep the place clean, we don’t have to lock Simon in a bathroom and brick the door shut. That’s the kind of success condition I’m looking for. Any advice?
boolean said,
March 6, 2006 @ 07:56
are these severe pet allergies? Severe in this case means instant skin reaction and lack of breath as soon as she enters a house with a cat. If so, there’s probably nothing you can really do about it. Mild allergies can often be overcome with exposure. It could be uncomfortable but it does happen in some cases. I have experienced this myself around my parents’ dogs.
Simon is awfully cute. No, I don’t want another cat. -__-
good luck!
Nic said,
March 6, 2006 @ 19:28
I’ve found that zyrtec does WONDERS for my cat allergies. I’m fairly allergic — just the itchy eyes and watery nose bit, but it drives me insane.
Anna said,
March 7, 2006 @ 16:16
How does Simon get along with other (older) cats?
phik said,
March 7, 2006 @ 16:56
I don’t have much experience with older cats, per se, but from his time with shaver’s and the blizzards’ cats, I would say that he’s friendly but dominant. When he decides he’s hungry the other cats make way, but everyone gets along well enough to sleep in the same little cat bed.
Although I do appreciate the offer implied by your question, I think giving Simon up is not on the table. There have been several offers — thus reconfirming my already firm belief that he is by far the most popular member of my household — but if a clever non-pharmaceutical solution can’t be found, I’m inclined to find someplace else to live.
beth said,
March 10, 2006 @ 14:09
i’m allergic to cats. i have 2 cats, one identical in every way to simon. here’s my resolution:
1) nasonex
2) baby / diaper wipes (unscented). the cats get wiped down in the morning and in the evening, they get used to it.
3) the venta airwasher ™. german innovation at its finest.
4) prolific use of the vacuum cleaner
5) our couch has a washable cover
janice said,
April 17, 2006 @ 12:52
Hi Phil! I just visited your blog and noted the cute Simon pictures and the subject of this post. I’ve not had allergic reactions to my pets AND (perhaps significant) have (very nearly) always had a cat in my household. Here are some things I have learned about cats and allergies along the way.
1) My daughter (you remember her? ;-) didn’t develop symptoms of allergicness to cats until she’d lived away from them (and me — insignificant detail IMO) for about a year. This reaction seems to confirm what I’ve been told about allergies to environmental stuff: that exposure to the allergen reduces the reaction of one’s system. [Another aside: both she and I are allergic to dust mites, which are very nearly unavoidable although reducible due to informed and intentional decisions surrounding floor coverings (no wall to wall carpets), heating systems (forced air is the worst) and cleaning practices (vacuuming doesn't do the trick, dust with a damp cloth...). At one time, I underwent completely useless dust allergy shots. Back to pet allergies.]
2) Nutrition has a lot to do with shedding in animals. Stress, too, as you’ve probably noted when taking Simon to the vet! Better (or even best) quality cat food will help him keep his dander to himself. I’ve noticed a difference with Dixie since putting her on a higher-end natural cat food diet. If you want details, email me goddammit.
3) I’ve heard (but not had to resort to this) that regular bathing of the animal can help reduce dander in the home. Simon may be a little too opinionated to make this practical, but I thought I’d add it in anyway.
4) Dryer sheets. Again, I haven’t tried this (so you may want to check with your vet). Kind of along the lines of the baby wipes suggestion above, but these may be less irksome to Simon.
5) Remove/reduce carpeting to area rugs that can be cleaned/aired out of the house (or even outdoors). Dander is going to build up in the carpeting if you have any. Steam cleaning regularly helps if you can’t get rid of carpeting at the moment. Do the furniture, too.
You’ve probably already got the allergies under control now. If not, I hope some of this helps.