Cat allergy help

[Usury]

My girlfriend is allergic to my daughter's cat. Any ideas for natural allergy treatment to help???

[Lore]

Depends what she's allergic to and how sensitive she is. The source of a pet allergy is usually the animal's dander or saliva. If you brush the cat regularly with a better-than-average brush, it reduces the workload for the cat, reduces loose hair around the house, reduces saliva in the fur, reduces hairballs, and might help your relationship.

Brush the cat thoroughly (but gently and carefully) for at least ten minutes a day. More than that and you're liable to get clawed or nipped. If the cat isn't enjoying it, don't force the issue.

Diet is a factor as well, particularly for dander. It may be a sign that the cat isn't getting enough hydration, in which case try another wet food. Obviously, fresh water needs to be available at all times.

It never hurts to run a search for more info. Example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_allergy

Does your girlfriend normally have sinus trouble / hay fever? Neti-Pot really fixed me up after suffering for many years and wasting a bundle of money on unnecessary prescriptions and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.

[phideaux]

I am allergic to some but not all cats. My symptoms are extremely watery and itchy eyes. If I'm going to a friend's house with a cat, I take a double does of Claritan (generics). an hour before visiting. It really helps me, Give it a try.

[justtom]

Taking 3 or 4 grams of vitamin C per day helps a lot with any allergy. Start with 1 gram per day and work up gradually to avoid stomach irritation. I got over my cat allergy in an odd way. A family member died suddenly and no one wanted his cat. I did not want the cat to be killed at the animal shelter so I adopted him. The first few months were rough on my allergies, even with vitamin C. I eventually built a tolerance to the cat and we got along great. The little furball even started sleeping in my bed with no ill effects.

[Goldhedge]

My wife is allergic to cats, dogs with fur, greasy dog's, flowers, perfume, plants, etc.
I sometimes feel like a hostage to her allergies. Can't do 'xyz' because of it.

I would either get rid of the cat, or the gf. If you plan on marrying her, the cat.

The place you live is FULL of cat dander and vacuuming is probably the worst
thing to do because it spreads it all over the place.

I would also check with an allergist? - justtom might be onto something?

[nergal]

One word for cat allergy help - - - shotgun . . . .

[honu5050]

Taking 3 or 4 grams of vitamin C per day helps a lot with any allergy. Start with 1 gram per day and work up gradually to avoid stomach irritation. I got over my cat allergy in an odd way. A family member died suddenly and no one wanted his cat. I did not want the cat to be killed at the animal shelter so I adopted him. The first few months were rough on my allergies, even with vitamin C. I eventually built a tolerance to the cat and we got along great. The little furball even started sleeping in my bed with no ill effects. how many milligrams of c in the gram of vitamin ? I take pill form.... 1000cc throughout the day and night. no timeing involved.. well slight a 24 hour dose varies for me but 7 to 10,000 mgs would be average. took me awhile but It eased up symptoms with my k-9 who thinks my bed is hers . we're resolving that issue quite well . smart hound. vitamin & c b-12 . have antihistamine otc .

[Merlin]

I am allergic to my dog's dander. There are products you can purchase at places like Pet Smart that are designed for removing pet dander. Dampen a paper towel or cotton cloth and wipe the pet down. It does wonders for my dog. If your friend's cat will tolerate the treatment, it would probably help. I certainly cannot imagine giving a cat a bath.

[Gcubed]

Make the choice.

[Zed]

Store the cat underwater, it helps keep the allergens down.