I have a three year old son with allergies and asthma. Since moving from Indiana to Texas we have had more problems. Went to allergist and he began allergy shots. He rated 3+ allergic to cats. We have two cats , one I have had for 7 years, the other for 9 years. Allergist and pediatric physician want us to get rid of them . I have been unable to find them homes. How do I know how significant an issue this is? After all, we've had the cats all of his life and he is on shots. This is a very emotional issue for myself, my husband, and all of our children. In ths spring and fall his asthma attacks are staying the same in frequency but are becoming increasingly serious.

Gosh that's a tough one. Keep the cats out of his bedroom and do not let him sleep with them. If at all possible get rid of carpet and go with hard floors and throw rugs that can be washed. Vacuum or sweep every day (yeah I know, like I do).

I know that it would devastate our family to get rid of our dogs. Good luck in controlling this.

Lisa

that is a tough one, I myself couldn't get rid of my cat, but what I would do is pay for her boarding to see if it's really an issue. But then again the cat hair is still all over everything.
Someone mentioned acupuncture helping their allergies/ others get helped by http://www.naet.com
I have some information about food-combining that helps alot of people on http://insomniafatigue.com/insomnia_and_allergies.htm
good luck,
sticky

There's a product called Allerpet C that you wipe down on the cats. I haven't tried it myself, but I know people who have, and they say it WORKS!

Here's link for more information:
http://www.allerpet.com/

You might want to try a HEPA air cleaner in his room too. It helps clean the dander in the air, as well as dustmites, etc.

I had a recent visit to an allergist, and he told me to get rid of my cats too. Easy for them to say!

Good luck!

[This message has been edited by Lizzie (edited 01-23-2001).]

Thanks for all of the ideas. I am already doing most of it but the stuff to rub on the cats is new and I'll check it out. Most of all its nice to synergize with people who understand that pets are not expendable!

My 15 year old daughter all-of-a-sudden is getting hives on her arms when she holds our 9 year old cat. This just started happening the last 6 weeks. The 3 year old kitty isn't as much of a lap-cat so we don't know if she's allergic to him too. Someone told me that this could be just the beginning; that some allergies become evident after years of constant exposure. We've always had nickel allergies, but nothing nasal. Now this! I'll try the allerpet stuff too, and see if that helps. There's NO way we can give them up; Skittles has glaucoma and he's 9 - who else would want him??!