How do you find out if you are allergic to cats?

AkiraleShiba · 01-20-2008, 03:35 PM

Trumpetjock made me want to have a Bengal Cat! We will look into it and probably visit a breeder soon.

How do I find out if I am allergic to those cats? Younger I was allergic to cats but I sense that it has disappeared. However I want to make sure before I commit to buying a cat (returning it bc of allergies is not an option). I fostered a kitten for two weeks and I was 100% non-allergic but I think kittens are less allergenic.

I am actually thinking to go to the breeder and stuff my face into the cats' fur ... does it seem like a good idea?

Also, would you bring your dog to visit the cat breeder ? (of course I will ask permission first)

Annamarie · 01-20-2008, 04:22 PM

you could see an allergist, this would probably be the best idea because they can tell if you're allergic to fur, dander, saliva etc.

trumpetjock · 01-20-2008, 04:27 PM

From the reading I've done, it seems bengals are nearly hypoallergenic. People who are allergic to normal cats have very little, if any, reaction to bengals. Their coat is more like a pelt than fur.

That being said, let me know how the process goes, I'll be looking into breeders soon enough as well.

MegaMuttMom · 01-20-2008, 04:30 PM

Just like with dogs, hypoallergenic isn't guaranteed. You should put your face in the fur of the cat you are going to take home, not just any Bengal. If you are allergic (I was to my old mixed breed cat) allergy medicine can work magic. I am getting shots now (I'm allergic to everything) and they really help. I am not allergic to my current cat but I may get another some day so I'm doing the cat shot as well as the pollens and dust.

britishbandit · 01-20-2008, 05:12 PM

If you go and see an allergy specialist as annamarie said, they can tell you a bunch of things you are or aren't allergic to. I had a test done years ago, they lay you on your stomach, and lightly (it really doesn't hurt) prick your back with numerous different needles. If the area around the "dots" goes red, it means your allergic, if it doesn't, you're good to go.

It might be possible for them to only do the ones for cat dander, and I believe they do another for the saliva too, since that's what most people are allergic too. Just that cats are constantly grooming themselves, and people assume it's the fur or dander, but that fur is usually covered in their saliva too.

Durbkat · 01-20-2008, 06:02 PM

I was about to say if you were just looking for any cat, then I was going to say just go to the shelter and see if you react when you go to the cat section.

AkiraleShiba · 01-20-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durbkat

I was about to say if you were just looking for any cat, then I was going to say just go to the shelter and see if you react when you go to the cat section.

I went to the SPCA and a cat shelter, I spent close to 3 hours with about 300 free-roaming cats and I started to feel a bit allergic after 2 hours but nothing too bad considering the enormous amount of allergens

I guess the medical test is the way to go I just hope I can get one in a reasonable amount of time. I'll probably go to the breeder first and try to put my face on the cat (I hope they're friendly lol) and if it works I will contact an allergy specialist. I have lots of time to test it since I will not be ready for a kitten until May/June.

Trumpetjock: Keep me updated on your quest for a bengal cat

Durbkat · 01-20-2008, 06:29 PM

I bet it would be funny like if you went to the breeders house and you went to where the kittens are and start sticking them under your nose and start taking deep breaths of them without explaining why you are doing it first.

MegaMuttMom · 01-20-2008, 06:56 PM

If you spent that much time with that many cats I would think you could live with one Bengal cat. I was allergic to my first 2 cats and I survived. My Bengal doesn't bother me at all. If you have a local breeder I would go to meet the cats. They are a very interesting breed.

trumpetjock · 01-20-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkiraleShiba

I have lots of time to test it since I will not be ready for a kitten until May/June.

I'm in the same boat. I'm going to wait until may for classes to get done and for Rocky to be a bit more grown out of puppyhood before I take the venture into a new furrykid. I'm already excited though

AkiraleShiba · 01-20-2008, 07:22 PM

Isn't Rocky an Akita ? I think he's about the same age of my Akira ... he LOVES cat he looks at them in admiration and gently follows them

The complete opposite of his behaviour toward dogs!

I'll be done with classes in May too and probably be moving to Paris where I won't have the right to work ! So I'll be able to be 100% devoted to my kitten and puppy

trumpetjock · 01-20-2008, 07:30 PM

He's actually a Norwegian Elkhound, but every time I take him out, 90% of people that meet him say "Akita, right?". An Akita is definitely on my list of possible second dogs someday though, would make a great friend for Rocky.

mom2kdg · 01-25-2008, 08:29 PM

I would also suggest allergist or visit the cat you want to get. You will know within minutes if your allergic. I'm allergic to my cat but I use this stuff called Dander Free and rub it on her every 2 weeks. It's not fool proof but helps a lot. I wouldn't consider giving her up. But had I known I would be allergic I wouldn't have got a cat. It's going to be a long 20 years (I hope)