Allergy Asthma and Cat

[TailPoof]

I used to have breathing problem attacks around my nans cats when I was a child. I've just been diagnosed with allergy asthma which is not a surprise because I've had this since I was about nine years old. This is the first spring with my cat so I had no idea I had this problem again. Now I might have to give him away. Has anyone else had to give their pet away and if so how did you make sure they went to a good home. On the side I want to be on; Has anyone managed to keep their pet and keep their breathing under control. The doctor was addement I should remove him until after the bloodtest but even with an inhalur and antihistamines he thinks I should rehome my cat! Has anyone else found takinf antihistmamines allowed them to keep their cat? Also, How do you use an inhalur!? Sorry So Many Qeustions, Thanks for any help.

[Poobah]

My family have cats and I've noticed that since I've been taking Montelukast my allergies are much better. I stay regularly in a household with cats and don't have a problem now. Even the occasional illicit overnight visit by one of the cats doesn't bother my asthma. I'm pleased as cats used to be a huge trigger.

I had a cat as a child and eventually became desensitised to that one cat, but not to others. We were inseparable and he would always sleep on my bed.

[TailPoof in reply to Poobah]

Thank you so much for your help. My nan is keeping him as her self isolating buddy for the mean time. As of yet I've been diagnosed over the phone and just as an allergy to my cat until I have a blood test. Did you find that you also reacted to candles and hand sanitiser or just cats?

[Poobah in reply to TailPoof]

I react to all scents and cleaning products. My asthma nurse is against air purifiers too. My worst allergy is rabbits.

Food wise, I can't tolerate celery and soya. I also have an aspirin sensitivity so have to take dry powder inhalers as the propelent in wet inhalers is a known irritant for aspirin sensitive asthmatics.

Allergies can be quite random. But Montelukast has definitely helped.

[Singinglouder]

Re using inhalers: if you go to asthma.org.uk there are videos to show you how to use inhalers. Hope you get the problem with the cat sorted!

[KnPoa]

I’m allergic to dogs and cats and am asthmatic as well. I take fexofenadine, opatanol and montelukast on top of my inhalers and for dogs (I have long haired dogs) it keeps it at bay only when grooming I have to take an extra antihistamine. My doctor said I’ve probably built but a slight immunity against my own dogs. Short haired dogs I find set my allergies off more. Cats on the other hand I can’t be around even after all the medication.

I also have random reactions to different things (shampoo, food etc).

[TailPoof in reply to KnPoa]

I'm waiting to get an allergy blood test as my doctor is sure it's "just a cat allergy' overseally people don't always agree with their doctors but I think this normal asthma. Not blaming him as it is hard to hear peoples lungs through the phone. I had a hunch this was more than just a reaction to my cat shedding when nine days ago it started affecting my breathing aswell as my skin. Now I'm triggered by smoke, candles, air freshners, cold air, cat, exercise and dust. But I used to get this to just my nans cats and now it's come back with avengense.

[KnPoa in reply to TailPoof]

It could be.. best thing to get a blood test. That’s how I found out, they asked what I was around and any family known allergies and just tested for them. Then my eye specialist (my allergies affect my eyes) said that he also thinks it is dust mites, alcohol and very possible that it’s petrol fumes with how my eyes react but no point testing because not much can be done about petrol fumes and dust mites.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

I have a cat allergy. I am really allergic to all cats, other than mine/my parents. When I was seeing him frequently (as a student I saw him once a week) I was fine with him, but now I’ve moved out and see him a lot less (my parents have him) my allergy is slowly becoming worse to him. However I am hoping to change this now that my parents are living closer to where I am, so I can see him little and often to rebuild my immunity. Hope that helps

[TailPoof in reply to EmmaF91]

I'm feeling more positive about having him back home. I had 5 attacks today but after the antihistimine I've been fine. I feel like I'm still breathing shallowly but I can't figure out if it's asthma or a panic attack. I hovered my lounge but not the whole flat and nowhere is setting it off now so I'm intreged to have this allergy test for cat allergy and see if it's positive or negitive.

[water_juggler]

It will be the dander in the hair that sets you off. I have allergic and now severe asthma too. What you feed your cat makes a huge difference. If you feed your cat hypoallergenic cat food. It has no wheat in it which means the dander doesnt have this allergen in it. It this allergen that really triggers our ashma. Also brush your cat outside daily & wear mask & gloves...you not the cat! You can get pet versions of baby wipes, a wipe down with a fragrance free wipe can also remove any pollens your cat brings into your house. Put throws on your sofa & wash them every couple of days at 60°. Make sure you hoover often & wash filter once a week... Get some spares so you can swap them. The biggest one is dont let your cat sleep in your bedroom. I hate this one but has to be done. I have 2 cats xx