Allergic to cats...grrrrrrrr

[jennhowland]

My 5 year old son is majorly allergic to cats, and we will be moving into a new home in to weeks where 2 cats lived before us. We are replacing the carpets & carpet padding, cleaning the air ducts & will be vacuuming the slab before laying down new carpet. Lord willing, these steps will take care of any remaining cat dander. Can anyone think of anything else we should do before moving in? Any input is very much appreciated! Thanks!

[This message has been edited by jennhowland (edited 11-16-2000).]

[Jacinta]

Hello jennhowland,

Sounds like you've taken all the major steps to making sure your son lives in a good environment. Air filters can be really helpful too, in case you don't have one of those yet. They'll keep the air very clean. I hope all goes well with you and your family. Take care. -Jacinta

[jennhowland]

Thank you Jacinta! Yes, we will be putting some good air filters in. Thanks so much for your response! Jenn

[Christine VR]

Since you all are on the subject of allergies to cats, I was wondering... We just got a kitten a few months ago. I have never had allergies to cats in the past and don't reallt seem to unless the cat licks me on my face. Anytime she does my lips seem to swell up, but no other symptoms. Is it possible to be allergic to her saliva only on my face? This doesn't happen if she licks my arms or hands.

[jennhowland]

Hey Christine! Well, I've done *some* research on the web about cat allergins and everyone is saying that it's the "Fel d l" protein that is found in the saliva that causes a lot of allergies. This protein is also produced by the cats sebaceous glands (skin glands that keep the cat's coat sleek and shiny). Since the skin on a human's face is a lot more sensitive than other parts of our bodies it wouldn't surprise me that this is where you have your allergic reaction. You know, when my son has a reaction usually consists of coughing, sneezing and breaking out in hives around his mouth and his eyes swelling...so his face is the main thing affected by it too. I'm so sorry to hear that you have this problem. Good luck! Jenn

[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 12-27-2000).]