Kittens/cats

[Kiera]

my 6 yr old has been diagnoised with asthma after three years of investigation, whereas we have been telling doctor at the beginning that he had asthma he is on a preventative medicine so is much better and has fewer attacks, normally more attacks in winter.  I have been having trouble breathing since September, the doctor says I have asthma but the specialist at the hospital wants to see more evidence so I have not been confirmed that I have asthma.

We want to get one/two kittens, but have been given various advice not to get any kittens if we suffer from asthma.  Does any one who has asthma or children have asthma still have cats and if so, how do you overcome this?

[PurplePixie]

You could actually have a test for a sensitivity to cat saliva/hair  at the Drs. There are different degrees of how the allergy can affect you, so I know of people with asthma who live happily with cats as long as they keep the environment as clean as possible...and also I know of asthmatics who can't get anywhere near a cat. See if your Dr will test you.

[orange-gnome]

If these tests show that you are sensitive to cat hair, then there are hairless breeds of cat. A lot of people think they are not so cute and you do have to be aware that they can suffer from sunburn in the summer, however it could be a solution!
Good luck

[Kiera]

Great

Thanks for the advice

Did not know about the test so will see my doctor about it and will let you know about the outcome.

[tinkytonks]

i suffer from asthma too, so does my son, I have also had allergy tests and it shows im allergic to most things :( however, i love animals, and have always had them, i am allergic to cats a little, but i have three, i have found that i get used to mine, but when faced with someone elses i can have a reaction.  My son doesnt appear to be allergic to any of our pets (we have a guinea pig and two birds also) I tried to have a dog once but was very allergic to them, although it also varies dog to dog. I dont use any regular medication as im ok most of the time, execpt recently with tree pollen, i think its very individual and if cats r your trigger maybe not a good idea, but equally they may not be...sorry it was a long answer

[tinkytonks]

i forgot to say, the only thing i absolutely MUST do once i have stroked one of my cats or other pets is wash my hands and i never touch my eyes as it would make them flare up.