The cat allergy question has been asked before, and I do have the standard itchy eyes, stuffed nose, sneezing, etc. However, I'd specifically like suggestions regarding cat-induced asthma. Mine is severe enough that, although I haven't done it for years, spending 24 hours in a house with cats has put me in the emergency room and on a nebulizer. One person in that previous thread mentioned that Claritin helped. Has anyone else had experience with something that helped not just their cat allergies but the cat-induced asthma as well?
posted by SampleSize on Aug 6, 2009 - 15 answers

My partner and I would like to get a kitten, but I'm very allergic to them and not keen on living on a daily diet of Telfast to cope. Is there anything we can do? [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 on May 15, 2009 - 23 answers

Does my cat have a chronic respiratory infection, or is it possible she just naturally has poor breathing passages? Ever since my partner and I adopted her and her sister in August she has had periodic coughing and hacking fits that have been relatively unaffected by three separate rounds of antibiotics. Now I wonder if maybe she just has the equivalent of a deviated septum, or whether it's time for hospitalization. [more inside]
posted by schroedinger on Dec 13, 2007 - 13 answers

Air purifiers, are they any good and how do I know which one to buy? Anyone know the "real" deal on these things? [more inside]
posted by Carialle on Nov 9, 2007 - 13 answers

How much more allergenic are neutered male cats than female cats? I know they produce more Fel d 1, but is the difference slight or significant? [more inside]
posted by initapplette on Aug 10, 2007 - 5 answers

I’ve heard that people with allergies become acclimated to their own cats, but I’ve also heard that cats produce more allergens than kittens, and that allergens build up in the home over time. On balance, will allergic skin reactions to our kitten get better, worse, or stay the same? [more inside]
posted by daisyace on Aug 8, 2007 - 15 answers

The ethics of getting a cat. A roommate and I have been planning to get a cat when our allergic roommates move out. We got the OK from the new roommates on getting the cats. The day after the three new roommates signed the lease, one of them calls and asks us to not get the cat because his girlfriend is allergic. What should we do? (Apologies for the length inside) [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 22, 2007 - 95 answers

Will minor cat allergies translate to rat allergies? [more inside]
posted by lpctstr; on Nov 21, 2006 - 10 answers

Allergy question. I'm getting married this summer and my fiance has a wonderful kitty that I love to pieces. But I'm allergic to cats. Is there any way for me and kitty to survive in one apartment without me choking to death or crying all the time?
posted by hughbot on Apr 24, 2006 - 27 answers

Cat query: we are exploring getting a cat for our four year old for Hanukkah, but my wife is allergic. A few years ago we met someone that had a variety that had actual hair, not fur/dander, I suppose akin to a poodle. It's coat was sort of a brindle texture, with dark brown, black, and gold coloration. Anyone know what I'm thinking of?
posted by docpops on Nov 26, 2004 - 17 answers

I desperately want a cat, and my S.O. is slightly allergic. Does anyone know if there are any breeds of cat that are less likely to provoke an allergic reaction? Any suggestions for keeping his allergies from being a problem, other than a HEPA vacuum? Also, he wants a ferret. Is a ferret likely to cause him any problems? Am I likely to have any problems raising a ferret and a cat together?
posted by stoneegg21 on Jan 5, 2004 - 34 answers