What would you do? (Sorry Long)

We have two cats who are like our children. (4 & 5 years old). DH has been suffering from pretty bad allergies for a while now, which he has always said was the cats but I always wanted to think it was something else. Anyway, yesterday he went to the allergist who did a scratch test and confirmed that he is allergic to pet dander. He gave him medicine to try, but said the medicine will not fix the problem just hide it. He also said that it could lead to asthma and since DH is a firefighter he needs to keep his lungs in good condition. The Allergist advice is to get rid of the cats. It breaks my heart just thinking about it, they have been in our family for 5 years and I can't think about just giving them away. My Dh doesn't want to get rid of them but I know this is a constant stress factor in his daily life. What would you do? TIA!

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

OMG so sorry. That is a really tough decision. I would probably leans towards having to give them up for your DH's health.

Is there a way you can keep the cat out of certain areas of the house? Or keep you bedroom door closed so they cant get in. Maybe constantly de-hair the sofas. Maybe that would help???

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

honestly, unless there was a family member or close friend that could take my animals, i would not give them up. Thats just me though. I would figure out a way to keep the animals.

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

Thanks! I know the right decision is to try and find them a new home I just don't know how I can let them go.

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

my DH is allergic to cats, but it doesn't seem to bother him much anymore.

You should keep the cats out of the bedroom and make sure you are vacuuming the furniture often. They also make this stuff that is supposed to really help with allergies, I've seen it at Petco.

Here are some tips for reducing cat allergies:

allergies

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

Considering keep the cats could affect your DH's health and LIVLIHOOD- then I really think you should do as the doctors said and give them away.

I'm a huge animal lover and in all other cases I feel that an animal should NEVER be givem away. This, however, seems like an extreme circumstance.

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

What about allergy shots? I took them as a kid and they did wonders for me. Allegra D is supposed to be great for this too, but I'm not sure about taking it indefinitely. I could never give up our cats, but as another poster said, that's just me. I would get all the facts and see about talking with a doctor that may have a less "invasive" strategy than giving the cats away. My oldest kitty is sick right now and just being away from her overnight is making me crazy. I really would seek another opinion... doctor's are people and some people don't get the human/pet connection as much as others. Just saying what measures I would explore.

Message edited 11/27/2007 1:20:44 PM.

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

No other choice.....






Get rid of DH

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

Thanks for all your suggestions and responses. I'm going to try and shave them and see if that helps. Also, Petco has a wipe that is supposed to get rid of some of the dander and I will keep them out of our bedroom. I'm praying this will work and I'm willing to try anything I can before I have to get rid of them.

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

What about limiting where they go? And getting rid of any rugs? Keep them out of hte bed and off the couches. That should really help a lot.

DH has allergies/asthma and said he would stay on meds year round if he ever became allergic to our dogs.

I say if a family member would love them and take care of them, then maybe consider that. But I could never rehome my beloved pets. I am sorry you are in such a tough spot...

Re: What would you do? (Sorry Long)

My sister and I both have asthma and allergies. We grew up with 2 cats and the allergist said the same thing. But it was not an option... they were part of the family.

I just adopted a cat, and my sister had a kitten adopt her (a stray kitten literally sat on her feet as she was walking into her apt. building)

Both my sister and I had a small adjustment period - and now - it seems we got used to the pet dander.

BUT - the cats are limited to a few rooms. Absolutely not in the bedrooms and they stay off most of the furniture. My cat is allowed on 2 recliners and he has a few pet beds. I vacuum and swifer at least once a week, and used a hepa filter - but its not necessary anymore. I also wipe him down with an allergy shampoo I got from Petco for $10.

I think you can have the best of both worlds.

ETA - if you do have to get rid of them, please be sure they go to a reputable shelter. I am really fuming about this place almosthomeli that claims to be a no kill shelter, but i discovered their pets are in the pound. Don't give your pet to a shady place like this.

Message edited 11/27/2007 8:16:37 PM.