We got a new cat a few months ago, and I've noticed that I've been itching all over more and more, and I seem to be developing a rash on my arm, and possibly even some eczema on my ear. I didn't actually make the connection to the cat until this week, but the itching, etc, has been bothering me for a month or so, and I never had any of these symptoms prior to the cat. The thing is, I haven't had any kind of sneezing or sinus or runny nose problems at all, just the itching, and most descriptions of cat allergies describe mostly people having problems with sneezing and runny nose. Is it possible to just cause skin irritation in some people? Would Claritin or Allegra help with it? What else can I try?
posted by anonymous on Apr 2, 2013 - 10 answers

What practical, non-medical tips do you have for pet allergy sufferers who will have to stay in a home with a pet for multiple days? Next month I'll be faced with this. Reading previous questions, I saw a good suggestion - bring your own Pillow Case. What other things do you do when you know you have to live with someone with a pet for a few days? Any nonmedical suggestions for me, the visitor, are welcome, and I'd love to hear any kooky things you have done in the past that somehow worked for you.
posted by cashman on Mar 29, 2012 - 21 answers

Trying to select a portable HEPA filter for a small (about 9x10) room. What has worked best for you? What should I avoid? Permanent filter or replaceable? [more inside]
posted by crowyhead on Jun 24, 2011 - 6 answers

I'm afraid I may have to find a new home for my dog, and I'm really brokenhearted about it. How can I best make this decision? [more inside]
posted by katy song on May 13, 2011 - 21 answers

Dog with allergies - how can I keep him from scratching himself raw? [more inside]
posted by lash on May 7, 2011 - 20 answers

My new kitten gets congested at night. Is she allergic to something? [more inside]
posted by mrfuga0 on Apr 29, 2011 - 11 answers

How do I get tested for a hedgehog allergy? [more inside]
posted by Bobby Bittman on Feb 18, 2011 - 10 answers

How to scrub a carpeted rental apartment of cat residue? [more inside]
posted by gerryblog on Aug 21, 2010 - 10 answers

I have asthma and allergies. My husband would love to get a Boston Terrier puppy. Oh and I love dogs too.... how crazy are we to get one? How are Bostons for allergies? [more inside]
posted by SarahbytheSea on Mar 18, 2010 - 28 answers

Do I go to an allergist to get tested in order to find out what animals I'm allergic to? I would like a furry pet which I can handle, and want to know the viability of owning one before I commit to a purchase. [more inside]
posted by ayc200 on Jan 9, 2010 - 17 answers

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