hi everyone- i've had a cat for 7 years now. i've always had mild allergies but now they're out of control. i am so torn about getting rid of him; he's my baby! i'm going to try some prescription drugs for allergies before finding a home for him. shots are out of the question because of cost :(
anyone have any info about which drug helped you the most with animal allergies??
i appreciate any help.
thanks so much.

Most say Zyrtec and it worked for me before I went on the shots. If cost is an issue, you can buy them from Canada very cheaply. They have the generic (Cetirizene -sp?) which we don't.

I hear ya Jadetree about being torn with the idea of giving up your cat. I too have severe cat allergies, had them since I was a kid, (I'm 33 now) and I have two cats! I have moderate dog allergies as well, and I also have two dogs. Never in a million years would I even entertain the notion of giving up any of them. I of course take as many steps as I can so that I can live somewhat comfortably with them. Allergy shots, antihistamines, frequent brushing of the animals with my face covered, then it's a mad dash to the shower because my skin is very sensitive to them as well. There is NO carpet whatsover in my house, (all hardwoods) and I have to vacuum every two days. I once had an all animial ban onmy bed, but then I found out last summer that my 16 year old cat is dying with Chronic Renal Failure, so he is now allowed to sleep with me again. I'm usually ok until he gets too close to my face, and that's usually when it becomes unpleasant for me.

What it would boil down to is a life and death situation for me to get rid of my animals, and even then I'd be putting up a fight!

thanks for the information...i'm a little lazy ;) about keeping the house vacuumed...i should get on that...i bought masks today so that i can clean comfortably.
it feels good that someone else understands how impossible! it would be to get rid of my cat.
i'm going to the doc to try zyrtec...i'll keep you informed.