Girlfriend allergic to cats- any suggestions?

[Staple]

I want to get a kitten sometime in the next few months, but my girlfriend (at least for now) is allergic. So I'm wondering, anyone know if there is a breed etc... that people allergic to cats can handle?

[mhowe]

So, you want a kitten more than you want a girlfriend? Because if someone is allergic, they can't even be in the same house. You're not talking "dislikes" cats, you are talking about a biological reaction to them. If I were you're girfriend, I would take your getting a cat as a big RED FLAG.

[sara-pezzini]

agreed, also the at least for now part doesn't scream real love.......if i were you GF i would leave before being dumped or forced to be around a cat that made me not able to breathe.....

[tattoobunnie]

Owners and breeders of the Rex cats claim that these cats rarely cause allergy attacks. The cited reason is their short, very fine coats which tend not to hold dander as much as longhaired cats, and other cats with multiple coat layers, especially cats with dense undercoats. Rex cats have no top coat at all, and only a very fine undercoat.

 

There are three recognized breeds of Rex cats: the Cornish Rex (pictured here), the Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex, and a related breed, called the LaPerm. Another breed, the German Rex is well-known in that country.

 

But if she's allergic to dander, then don't get a cat, unless you aren't serious about her. There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Now if she loves cats, okay, then it's up to her to take pills everytime she comes over.

[sidehop]

The hairless cat obviously would be as close as hypoallergenic cat; my sister has one but that look is so bizarre!

 

Russian Blue's are very good as well. My old roommate had one, we are boarding one that's a Russian Blue mix and with my cat allergies I can pick her up with no issues. Or Siberian cats. I'd also get a female as their "Fel d 1" that trigger allergy symptoms are much lower than the male cats.

 

There are other breeds but don't have much experience with them.

[PrettyGood]

Well I know it's probably not the best looking cat in the world, also it's very expensive, but this breed is the best known for people who have allergies. It's caled: Cornish Rex. This cat doesn't have any hair, also those cats are very intelligent. Read on the net more. And if your GF still say that she's allergic for "ANY" kind of a cat, then I'm great in doubt about it, maybe she just doesn't like cats at all. Finally, I may sound ugly, but it's a GF, not a WIFE material yet

[mbblanch]

I can't give much advice on what breed to get, but definitely go with a short-haired cat.

 

Also, I personally think some of these other posters are being a bit unfair about your desire to get a cat in spite of your girlfriends allergies. I'm assuming the two of you don't live together at this point, and if I'm correct about that, I think it's perfectly okay to want a cat for yourself (über cat-lover here).

 

Anyway, my ex-boyfriend had moderate cat allergies (mostly watery, itchy eyes--no breathing issues). I have two white short-haired cats (both mixed breeds) and live in a tiny apartment, so he had some allergic reactions while over here, as he practically lived with me for the better part of each week. But he kept OTC allergy meds over here, and never had a huge problem with staying over.

 

The best advice I can offer you is to talk to her about her allergies (the severity, what she can take for it, etc.) and ask her how she feels about you getting a kitten. Also, another great thing you can do to alleviate her allergies is to get an air purifier and vacuum regularly (the frequency would depend on the size of your house/apartment, but as I said, I live in a very small apartment and I try to vacuum a couple times a week).

[tattoobunnie]

It's true though...heck, I'm severly allergic to cats, hives, blood-shot eyes, lumps in my throat as it closes up...though my fiance is moving in with me along with his cat. And there's NO WAY in the world I would ever ask him to get rid of his fur-baby. But that's the thing, he's had this cat for years and years. Whereas, you still have the option of having an allergen-free home, or a home where she will forever be uncomfortable...and no matter how many humidifiers you have, and vacuuming you do, and whatever pills she may take...there will always be a level of discomfort.

 

It's like you saying I wanna eat Mexican food everyday for the rest of my life, so therefore, when you are over, we have to always eat Mexican food (nothing against Mexican food).

[Unknown1607307972]

I basically have to deal with my cats living in my homeland because my boyfriend is allergic they are still my cats, they just live with my family. I miss them so much but I couldn't make my boyfriend feel constantly ill in his own home.

[Angel Irulan]

I basically have to deal with my cats living in my homeland because my boyfriend is allergic they are still my cats, they just live with my family. I miss them so much but I couldn't make my boyfriend feel constantly ill in his own home.

 

In my book this post is a winner!

 

Angel

[birdname]

I have a life threatening allergy to cats, even hairless cats. Most people with cat allergies are allergic to the dander, not the hair, and hairless cats still produce dander.

Personally, I can't be close to anyone that owns a cat (no hugging, cuddling, can't be in their house or their car) so dating someone that owns a cat isn't worth it to me. I'd dump someone if they got a cat after we started dating.

 

If you really care about this girls comfort, ask her about her allergy, it may be manageable, it may not and this issue might be a deal breaker.

[Fudgie]

Ask her about her allergy.

 

I get watery eyes, itchiness, and runny nose if I'm around ANYTHING with fur...cats, dogs, rabbits, etc. However, I deal with this with OTC allergy meds and I'm fine. I live with animals at home and someday, I'll get a cat and dog of my own. I'll take OTC stuff for the rest of my life - I don't care.

 

If her allergy is anything like mine, it can be managed. I'd talk to her and see how she feels before you make a choice.

[rustyskyline]

Owners and breeders of the Rex cats claim that these cats rarely cause allergy attacks. The cited reason is their short, very fine coats which tend not to hold dander as much as longhaired cats, and other cats with multiple coat layers, especially cats with dense undercoats. Rex cats have no top coat at all, and only a very fine undercoat.

 

There are three recognized breeds of Rex cats: the Cornish Rex (pictured here), the Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex, and a related breed, called the LaPerm. Another breed, the German Rex is well-known in that country.

 

But if she's allergic to dander, then don't get a cat, unless you aren't serious about her. There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Now if she loves cats, okay, then it's up to her to take pills everytime she comes over.

 

My parents have two Cornish Rex cats but it's not the hair or lack of it that causes the allergic reaction. Cats bathe themselves with spit and then they proceed to rub themselves up against every square inch of your home. Eventually, there is no place you can sit or touch than isn't coated with cat spit. I usually start weasing after about twenty minutes in my parent's home and it doesn't stop unitl I leave.

[WitchGhetto]

Siberian Cats are longer haired, but produce less of the allergen that is present in the saliva. There is also a spray I believe, that helps reduce allergens, but if it works or not, is a mystery to me.

 

You can also go to a breeder location or a shelter and do a visit to see if there are any reactions. However, it may take a while for some reactions to show. I'd see what kind of allergy to cats she has first and go from there

 

There is hope though! I used to be allergic to dogs, but after a while of being around them, my allergies seemingly disappeared. My allergic reaction wasn't that severe though. I hope you can get your kitten!

[dtgrl812]

Has she ever been around cats for an extended amount of time? I never had when we first got our cat. I was sneezing all the time for 2 weeks... when I thought I could not take it anymore I stopped.... the doctor said my body wasn't used to the allergines.

[wiseoldwoman]

I had cats when I met my husband, who's allergic to cats. It's possible for some people to build up an immunity. At first, his eyes would get red and watery and he'd have some trouble breathing good. Over time, he built up an immunity and now has virtually no reaction to my cats, although he still reacts to other cats. We got a new year a few years back that he was super allergic to. If he touched him, his had would swell and turn red. If he then touched his face, it would swell up and his eyes nearly swell shut. Now, although he washes his hands after petting him, he doesn't suffer a reaction anymore.

 

Your girlfriend could consider shots or OTC allergy medicines. Or you could consider getting a small dog rather than a cat if she's not allergic to them. Totally different animal, I know, but sometimes one must sacrifice for the one you love (which is what you might be telling her as her eyes turn red and she's blowing her nose like mad).

 

Hope you don't have to give up your plan of getting a cat. They add so much to life.

[Fringe]

Get a hairless cat.

[calidreamin]

HM, if she is allergic... Keep the cat located to a few rooms, which honestly does is not so fair to the poor cat or gf. But DO NOT keep it in the bedroom. And put an air purifier in your place. And always have some benadryl at hand. At least that will show that you are caring for her best interests.

 

BUT if you live together... its not right, unless this was an animal you've had for YEARS. but a new one? no. It should be something you both want and can live with. Its just arguments and misery waiting to happen.

[Mesemene]

link removed

 

None are completely hypoallergenic - but this lists the top 7 that are lowest in the protein that causes the allergy.

 

Balinese: Often referred to as the "long-haired Siamese," the Balinese looks like an unlikely candidate for a hypoallergenic cat. But it is one of the few breeds that produces less of the Fel D1 protein than other cats, thus causing fewer allergic reactions in allergy sufferers.

 

Oriental Shorthair: They're hypoallergenic, but it's still a good practice to groom your cat frequently (brushing as well as wiping her down) to keep dander to a minimum.

 

Javanese: Like the Balinese, the Javanese sports a medium-long single coat that doesn't mat. Because of the lack of undercoat, they have less fur which translates into fewer allergens.

 

Two "Rex" cats are on the list: the Devon and Cornish Rex. Both shed very little fur, which is good news for allergy sufferers:

 

Devon Rex: Of the two, the Devon has both shorter fur and less fur. Your Devon Rex will need to have her paw pads and ears cleaned of oil build-up frequently, but doesn't need frequent full baths like the Sphynx or Cornish Rex.

 

Cornish Rex: The Cornish Rex requires more upkeep than the Devon because they require frequent baths to mitigate the oil buildup on their skin.

 

The last two cats on the list offer you a choice of hairless or hairy:

 

Sphynx: The hairless Sphynx is the cat most often associated with being hypoallergenic. Being hairless does not mean they're maintenance-free, however. Your Sphynx will need frequent baths to remove the gummy buildup of oils on her skin, and her large ears will also require frequent cleanings.

 

Siberian: Like the Balinese, the Siberian sports a moderately long coat, but still is hypoallergenic due to the lower-than-average enzyme levels in their saliva. Some claim that 75 percent of cat allergy sufferers have no reaction to the Siberian.

[Unknown1607307972]

Siberian Cats are longer haired, but produce less of the allergen that is present in the saliva. There is also a spray I believe, that helps reduce allergens, but if it works or not, is a mystery to me.

 

You can also go to a breeder location or a shelter and do a visit to see if there are any reactions. However, it may take a while for some reactions to show. I'd see what kind of allergy to cats she has first and go from there

 

There is hope though! I used to be allergic to dogs, but after a while of being around them, my allergies seemingly disappeared. My allergic reaction wasn't that severe though. I hope you can get your kitten!

 

This is what I'm going to try with my boyfriend (he is allergic to cats), We looked up Siberian cat breeders in Denmark and found a place that insists upon people with allergies receiving a fur sample to test their reaction and a compulsory visit to the cattery to see how they react to the cats before they are allowed to place an order for a kitten. It's worth a shot! Although we won't be doing this for a few years because right now we live in an apartment and it's not ideal for cats.

 

If that fails then we'll consider getting a dog.