Help me decide whether or not I should get a cat. This is more complicated than it sounds. (At least it is to me...) [more inside]
posted by cgg on Jul 21, 2008 - 33 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

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

My dog licks himself --a lot. The Vet suggested a very expensive (and possibly inconclusive) allergy test. Before spending $700-1000 so the Vet can tell me she has no idea I thought I would consult the hive mind. [more inside]
posted by MasonDixon on May 1, 2007 - 17 answers

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

My dog appears to have summer allergies, much like his master. I've owned him for about 2 years, and every summer he develops a rash of sorts on his tummy. Vets haven't seemed to help. [more inside]
posted by Happydaz on May 25, 2005 - 9 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