Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

One of my biggest fears in life is that my son is allergic to my 2 cats. He is 9 months old. they've been like children to me over the last 3 years that we've had them and the thought of getting rid of them makes me cry. To date it doesn't appear that Matthew has had any effects living with them. They are totally indoor and do not go in his room (door is always shut).

This past week DS's eyes have been pretty red and itchy. Especially this morning. Doesn't seem that he is stuffy or anything but DH has bad allergies so I constantly hold my breath when it comes to DS. My pediatrician doesn't believe that he has any strong allergies because any skin conditions he gets are not serious but he does believe that he is highly predisposed because of DH.

He told me that they would maybe do tests in a few months when they do his mandatory lead test to see if he is allergic to milk or soy. However, I have really great insurance through the end of June where I can go see any specialist without a referral and pay a $5 copay. At that point he told me that if I'd feel better than he wouldn't be opposed to be seeing an allergist now.

here's my dilemma. I'm totally scared!!!! I'm so scared that they are going to tell me that he is allergic to cats. And then I bet my whole family will be on my case to get rid of them because I don't think they understand my attachment to them. At this very moment all we're dealing with are itchy eyes. Am I being completely moronic about this whole thing? Part of me feels so selfish for not bringing him to an allergist while I can do it easily but then part of me thinks that I'm too paranoid and that maybe he doesn't have allergies at all. Plus why put him through all of the scratch tests?

What would you do? Please no flames, just looking for some objective answers because '"m too emotional about this topic to make a sensible decision. I'm just so afraid of getting news I don't want to hear or accept.

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

My DH is highly allergic to cats and it has progressively gotten worse over the years. Although it may start only as itchy eyes, it can get worse especially with constant exposure. Animal allergies are pretty bad, so if it does end up being that I think you should find new homes for your cats.

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

Honestly I guess it would depend on how allergic your DS is to the cats. I have a mild allergy to cats so if I pet them and then rub my eyes it is a problem but I grew up with two in my house. My exboyfriend in college had an allergy so severe that it triggered his asma (sp?) I would wait and see what the dr says before panicking.

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

it's allergy season, that's probably why his eyes are itchy. I have a cat, and I would not get rid of her if DS had allergies. most kids/ people become used to their own pet anyway.

I dont' think your whole family needs to know your DC has allergies, or may be allergic to your cat so don't worry about what they would say.

good Luck!

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

Allergies are the worst...I have them bad.

To this day, if I am invited over to a home with a cat, I sort of cringe. I know that I will have to strip down instantly once I get home to get the cat clothes off of me...then jump in the shower to wash my hair.

Get the baby tested, maybe its just the season. Start there.

If he is allergic, I would rehome the cats. My nose wasnt' always running, but I had sooooo much pressure in my ears because of my allergies.

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

My brother had very bad allergies as a kid (and we had a zillion animals...cats, dogs, pigs, geese, goats etc...) The Ped told my mom back then to keep the animals , that it will help him be less allergic in life. He does still have allergies to animals, but not as severe.

Also, my DH has awful allergies to cats, and slightly to dogs. He use to become a crumbling mess when he came to my house when we were dating, but over time it lssened to the point its barely notiiceable.

I very much fear my son having allergies, but I personally would do anything I could to make situation work. Purifiers, cleaning, brushing the animal, using allerpet.I do understand however, that sometimes it is just too severe to make work. i PRAY that doesn't happen to me OR YOU!

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

First step: Make the appointment with the allergist - take advantage of the insurance

second step: Deal with whatever the outcome is when you get the results.

It could be the cats, or it could be something completely different - don't let fear of bad news prevent you from taking care of your child.

Good luck!

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

I would make an appt with a ped allergist - and have him tested. It would put your mind at ease and there is not reason not too if you think there is a chance of an allergy.

Before I would assume it is the cats (we have two as well - who are almost 11 years old so I was scared she would be allergic as well) - this is high allergy season in general - it could be any number of things.

Actually I have bad allergies growing up so I asked the ped - and was told that actually children who grow up with a pet in the house since birth have a significantly lower risk of having allergies than those babies who do not - I believe cats are better than dogs but both are helpful to have.

I had a dog growing up and I was allergic to them - but not enough that we needed to get rid of him.

I wouldn't worry about having a problem with the cats until you know 100% for sure there is an allergy.

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

Aw Lisa, I'm sorry you are stressing about this!

I usuallly take the attitude that I won't worry about things until I have a reason to worry. Right now you don't know if Matthew is having a reaction to the cats.

I have a cat and I have slight allergies to her. If she lays on me and I pet her then rub my face, I am a mess. If she touches her nose to my lips, forget about it.. .I get hives on my lips. But I won't get rid of her, I deal with it.

Even if it is the cats, you don't know how bad his allergy is. I say get him checked out and go from there.

Re: Dilemma - Allergy and Pet Related

I just went through this situation and made the heartbreaking decision to rehome my cats. My husband also had bad allergies, and DD has likely inherited them.

According to my daughter's allergist, because DD has a food allergy (dairy), as well as an environmental allergy (cats), the liklihood of her developing a life-threatening allergy is much higher. I had the option of keeping them, but it meant having to give my daughter allergy meds forever, as well as her living in discomfort until we figured out what dosage/med worked for her.

Considering I am constantly worrying about the amount of BPA leaching into her food from plastic, as well as the possible negative efects from vaccines, I couldn't possibly rationalize choosing to pump my daughter full of chemicals when the easiest and best solution (according to the Dr.) was to get rid of the allergen.

I understand missing your pets- I miss mine terribly. What got me through it was reminding myself that my child's health is more imortant than my emotional attachments to my cats.

I pray you don't have to make this heartbreaking decision. :hug