Cat

[love4me]

Hi☺

Can someone tell me if it is okay for me to have a cat,I do

Have lupus, i just want to if it's okay.

From love4me😕

[seanto]

I've have a cat and have never had any issues. In fact one time when i was ill she came over too see me when i was sat in the bathroom thinking i was going to be sick. I think she noticed something was wrong and wouldn't stop meowing. It was a bit hard warming.

[littleeffie]

If you have no real allergy to cats and are sensible 're hygiene ,gloves on for cat trays (actually I use cheap decorators throw away masks too but I am allergic and have asthma but love our pusscats) and wash hands etc I can't see why not.I have numerous illnesses including lupus but have never been without cats and we all find them ,especially my autistic kids,wonderful company and a real distraction from the not so good times.

If you do get one please post a photo😆

[Patricia2015]

I have had cats for over 20 years. We now have three beautiful ladies from the local pet shelter. We adopted these three because we wanted adult cats. Two were 8 then, one was 1 and very scared and aggressive because of that. People just walked by her every time :-(.

My hubby and I are volunteer for this shelter, if after a workweek I am not broken I go to this shelter every Sunday for two hours socializing scared and agressive cats. None of my own cats have ever bit or scratch me, also my two feline angels now in heaven never did that for 17 years they were on earth.

The only issue is that my skin heals very slowly if I get bitten or scratched in the pet shelter and wounds tend to inflame. I make sure I clean a wound thoroughly. Btw, I am a volunteer for more than 2 years and I got scratched or bitten about 3 times so it is no biggie.

When you take a cat at home and you have no experience take an already socialized cat (80% of shelter cats are socialized) and consider an adult cat. A cat is a kitten for just a few months but can live for 15 years or longer so that is a long life of happy living with your feline friend.

Take a cat if you want a feline best friend and you can afford one (taking to the vet yearly etc). Please also make sure he/she cannot get out on the street. Our cats have a garden but it is fenced and they never attempted to get out. In the pet shelter I see too many cats that suffered terribly (or are brought in dead) because a car hit them.

Please take care of your cat because it is a family member who will love you very much.

Our beautiful ladies are on Instagram if you look for AlexisMichikoSophia you will find them.

Btw I have UCTD.

[Lorelei]

Love4me,

My cat is such a comfort to me. I've never been told by any doctor that I shouldn't have a cat or that it's a problem for people with lupus.

My cat is a great companion. When I'm achy and hurting, he curls up with me. He keeps me company when I feel so bad that I must stay in bed for hours. When I'm feeling better, he follows me outside and watches while I work in the garden. Family members and friends come and go, but my cat is always here to keep me company!

My cat has been a great help to me in living with lupus!

Lorelei

❤️

[Patricia2015 in reply to Lorelei]

Hey Lorelei,

You are absolutely right about cats. They are great companions and Patch and Tiger, especially my little girl Patch saved my life multiple times when I only could see darkness because of the pain and suffering. I'm also sure that she and her dear brother are still with us only not in their beautiful bodies anymore. They are beautiful souls ❤️❤️.

Hugs,

[Squeeker]

I have lupus and a cat! I think pets are great, a reason to be up and someone to love you on the bad days..

Get two 🐈🐈

[Purpletop]

If you want a hypoallergenic cat, look at Siberian cats. They're huge, though but apparently more like dogs in behaviour, whatever that means.

[Patricia2015 in reply to Purpletop]

If you want a hypo allergenic cat, please also look at Russian Blue cats. I've read the are hypoallergenic too. They are very intelligent and kind cats with a beautiful athletic figure, silver colored coat and with emerald green eyes. One of my three cat ladies is a Russian Blue. We got her from the local pet shelter at age 8. We named her Michiko (she listens to her name). She is extraordinary, a smart cookie and very vocal (she talks to us).

[Cas70]

I think that having a cat who will give you unconditional love, fun, warmth and DISTRACTION. Looking after some one else stops me internalising too much. Wonderfully therapeutic - get one!

[Patricia2015 in reply to Cas70]

Yes, yes and yes, totally agree!

[milkwoman]

I have lupus and Sjogrens and my life wouldn't be complete without cats! We had a lovely Snowshoe Siamese for 20 years and when she passed last May, we adopted two rescue cats - both Siamese but one is also a Snowshoe.

I do have to be careful with scratches and bites as they take longer to heal. The female cat was quite young when we adopted her and she had not been taught how to "play" so she would scratch and bite a lot (one bite even sent me to the ER for antibiotics... not her fault but mine). The male cat (who is a big teddy bear) along with lots of patience and love from us, have calmed the female and have turned her into a very sweet girl. She still has lots of energy so play sessions occur throughout the day. Wand toys and tall (sturdy) cat trees are a must!

Both cats are allowed out in our fenced-in landscape and they are always supervised. This gets tough for me when the weather is hot so they either stay inside on those days or my husband will take them out and watch them.

We use Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal litter (black box) since it is less dusty and controls odor well. Cats are up to date on vaccines and see the vet regularly.

No doctor has ever advised that I shouldn't have cats. They are a comfort to me. I do have a husband so that makes their day to day care easier for sure. One thing to consider... adopt an older cat who is calm. Kittens and young cats have high energy and that can get overwhelming. We forgot how energetic cats can be since our previous cat was quite old when she passed. I am not sure I'd be able to give sufficient attention to our two young cats on my own, especially on those days when I'm flaring and don't feel well. Hubby is great!

It's a big decision but if you want a cat, don't let lupus stop you. There are too many kitties in shelters looking for loving homes.

Good luck!

[Tiras]

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Hi

I have cats not in the house cats but, I have SLE and have never had an issue. If you are not allergic to them, I say go for it!

👣Tiras👣

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👣The Barefoot Gardener👣

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[willowwag]

Hi there, Just to say I have a cat and have Lupus SLE I have never had any issues regarding having her I make sure my house is very clean and that all surfaces etc are cleaned down, and if she's jumped up on units etc they are wiped down again etc etc. I use a fab product called Method, its great for surfaces and all natural, so good for us and good for pets. I even find that when I'm going into a major flare unknowingly she will stick like glue to me and be extra clinging when I'm being sick she will run off and wine to my hubby and then run back and sit by my side. crazy I know lol x

[gillw]

If you can bear the heartache when they finally go to meet their maker, I'd say go ahead. I've had lupus for nearly 50 years and have had many cats during that time. My 22 year old had to be put down 2 weeks ago but I have already chosen another one at the RSPCA (or did she choose me?) She is presently being spayed. Take care with the cat's disposition and don't overlook an older cat. My experience is that animals give back more than they receive. Good luck.