Pet Allergy? - Help?

All the above and also....ask them not to do the deep cleaning within 5 hours of your visit. When you vacuum, dust etc., the allergens & especially the dander remain in the air for a bit. So it's always better to do that deep cleaning well before the visit. It would also help if they brushed the cats the day before, to get out the dander that so easily flies off. Is it possible to not sleep there overnight? Visit but stay in a hotel?

What a difficult position to be in. I really hope he doesn't have a cat allergy. I'm severely allergic to cats. I cannot visit a house where one cat lives for more than two hours -- even if they have hardwood floors -- after the red eyes and sneezing, I begin to wheeze to the point that I often have to go to the emergency room. I think you're going to have to talk with a pediatric allergist. There are medications/allergy shots that can decrease the severity of the symptoms. I hope there is something that can be done... Cat allergies are one of the worst.

As our visits are usually extended due to distance, not really an option.I'm just going to have to break down and see what the pediatrician suggests, I fear. It figures that Nicholas would inherit my eyes but not my no-allergies. SILLY JOSH. LOL.For the record, J&D DO clean before we come, knowing that Josh DOES have a known allergy. And the cats are all indoor cats so chucking them outside isn't an option. LOL. I think we might take our nebulizer with us next time around (or just take Nick's medication and use Ariana's nebulizer). Our doc appt isn't until after our trip, OF COURSE.Maybe the kid will wear a paper mask? MUAHAHAHA.

Well, your pediatrician may disagree with me, and I hope he does. Having said that, it is my opinion that your son simply cannot be exposed to a home that many cats. I mean, you wouldn't let him be around heavy smokers while smoking right? Because that's bad for him? Cat allergies can be serious and the effects can cause permanent damage. My DH can attest to that. And medicating your son just so he can tolerate heavy exposure to a known allergen? Yikes! Again, I certainly can be wrong. We know quite a bit about allergies in my household, but we don't know everything. Just my opinion.

Hmm, if this was anyone but my daughter and her family, I might agree with you. However, I have a responsibility to both children and I won't be backing down from visits for something that is manageable. If it gets to a point where it is no longer manageable, I would definitely reconsider.That said, J&D just bought the Dyson vacuum that is specifically designed for pets. (Mmm, Dyson.) She told me just this weekend. Very cool!

Is Nicholas to young for some Benedryl? Just asking because it is an easy medicine to take. Kelcee is taking Clariton. It might be for 2 and older though.

Dang, that Dyson animal picks up more hair than you could imagine. I got one about a week ago, and vaccuumed with my regular vaccum first. Then I went over it with the Dyson, and I got enough hair out of the carpet to make another cat!I hope the new vaccuum helps!

Are there any other housing options if staying in a motel isn't an option? Maybe a friend with no pets? If that really isn't an option, can they keep the pets out of the room where you all will sleep? In addition to deep cleaning the house, bathing the cats can cut down on dander better than just brushing. Good luck. I have had friends who were severely cat-allergic and it really is difficult, even if you clean "hard," to minimize the allergens. My m-i-l always stays in a motel when she visits us because cats trigger her asthma.

Thanks for the info on the Dyson. MmmDyson.Thankfully Nicholas doesn't have asthma. Again, due to prices where they live and the length of our visits, staying in a hotel isn't an option. However, J&D don't let the cats in either of the kids' rooms (we usually sleep in JD's room so Nick can have the crib and we have an air mattress on the floor). So, THAT is very good. Maybe it won't be as bad this summer since we'll be outside a majority of the time? No?

Children's Claritin :)

For those who also have questions about intermittent pet exposure like we do, I came across this info that I will be bringing up to Nick's doctor at our visit:[URL="http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/toddler/toddlerills/todallergy/1227644.html"]Babycenter[/URL].

I happen to be a reunited adoptee who has dealt with allergies/asthma for years... (cats were my first!) I have learned from my allergist that each reaction we have.. the sensitivity to the allergen increases and the reactions will get more severe as the exposure continues. The only thing that may work to some extent.. (don't know about the EIGHT cats though.. lol) are allergy shots which decrease the body's reaction to allergens. I have a best friend who has always had cats... and the stays have gotten more difficult as I've gotten older. I've had times when my 2 inhalers haven't been enough... and have almost gone for breathing treatments... My recommendation is to limit your child's exposure...and if that means not staying overnight...or spending some time outside their home...then that might be what is needed to keep your child healthy. Just my 2 cents worth...sal

Jenna: Would it be totally crazy to bring one of those little pop-up tents like you'd take to the beach for Nick to sleep in while you're there? Maybe it would filter some of the dust/dander/cat hair out during the night when you MUST be in the house. Or can you buy an air cleaner for the room and have it shipped to J&D's?

Sorry, but I have this hilarious image of J&D (with Munchkin and the little guy underfoot) trying to bathe 8 cats the day before you arrive!!!! We're beginning to wonder if our little guy might not be mildly allergic to our dog. I'm in the market for a Dyson myself - just trying to decide where I can get one the cheapest (taking in coupons/sales etc).

Adoptee, allergy patient, allergy patient's mother, and cat lover....my qualifications. Don't go running to a pediatric allergist unless you think Nick has other allergies for which he will need treatment. It can be very expensive, just for testing, even with good insurance, and treatment at that level can represent a huge commitment. Do ask the ped. about the "kitty lite" allergy shots...that might be of some help, but also find out costs....in terms of regular allergy shots, the cat shots work very well! However, exposure to a new cat or multiple cats can overwhelm the system, even in an allergy patient who has successfully completed immunotherapy. Put in a call to your ped. about premedicating Nick for a period of time prior to your visit with a prescription antihistamine. That way, he's primed when the allergens hit his system. A family member of mine does this, and it helps somewhat when visiting a multicat household. Nasal sprays might offer prophylactic help, but IMO, I don't know how effective they are with toddlers and preschoolers, given the coordination in spraying/inhaling. Super cleaning the house probably won't do much good. It isn't the dander to which people react, but the protein in the cats' saliva, which yes, gets all over their fur and skin in grooming. In my research, I found one source which stated that the offensive protein will be found everywhere in a cat-occupied home, and will be there for years after kitty vacates. Find a doc who will offer you some help...living in a plastic bubble isn't an option for most. Good luck!