So there’s Geno, my adorable cat who is almost 2 years old. Turns out, as he gets older, I become more allergic to him. I never realized that I was allergic to cats until about a year ago. My sister was always allergic so we never had them growing up. And we never really went anywhere with cats, either.
When Geno was a kitten, he lived with me, and I never really sneezed or anything. Once he got a little bigger, though, I couldn’t touch him without sneezing and watery eyes. His dander had entered the situation, and my body did not like it! Things were ok, though, because at that point, Geno moved with Travis. I had signed a new lease and he was no longer allowed to live with me.
And then, I moved in with the two of them, and it was back to the itchy eyes and sneezing. I’m fine if I don’t touch him and wash my hands a lot, but he’s just so darn cute that it can be hard at times.
Though I’ve never been officially tested for allergies, I am pretty sure this one exists! Travis and I have been implementing some ways to avoid allergy attacks.
Here’s our list of how to live with a cat when you’re allergic:
1. Close the doors to the bedroom and don’t let the cat where you sleep.
2. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Get all of that hair and allergen out of the house! It is important to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, too!
3. Purchase a HEPA filter to eliminate as many allergens as possible. That was our latest purchase, especially because my sister is visiting today.
We’ve only had it a few days, but it seems to be working pretty well!
4. Have someone who is not allergic (which would be Travis is my case) to brush the cat often and take care of the litter box.
5. Wash hands often.
6. Clean sheets and blankets regularly to eliminate allergens.
I’m trying to combat this whole thing on my own, and so far it’s been ok. I have some Zyrtec in case I overdo playing with my little man, but I have only taken it a few times.
For now, we’re just going to keep on doing our thing and hope that the allergies stay at bay. Especially because, until I have insurance of my own, I am out of range for my family insurance. That means doctors only in emergency cases unless I make a visit to Pittsburgh!
Are you allergic to anything? I never thought I was (other than some seasonal sniffles) but it seems I may be slightly allergic to cats!
Also, skipping swim practice this morning. Not feeling 100%. Hoping to run a little later and swim tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed that it works out!
Geno is so cute! I’m not really a cat person… but I love looking at photos of him in your updates. I’m actually allergic to shellfish and it’s horrible. When I was younger I could eat whatever I wanted but as I grew older I developed an allergy (just like my mom did) to a variety of shellfish foods. Lobster is a massive no-go, I’ll break out in hives all over. Crab and shrimp are “okay” and by that I mean, I eat a little bit because it’s so tempting but soon realize when the little bit becomes too much when I start itching all over.
Steph – The Event Crashers recently posted…[the real deal] Megan and Jeremy | Santa Ynez, California
I’m allergic to grass and dust mites. In fact, I basically have a chronically stuffy nose. We vacuum every week but I still get congested. Dust mites are difficult because even if you vacuum them up, it’s there “left behinds” that people are allergic too. My brother is REALLY allergic to cats though. I think many people have allergies that get worse or more noticeable as they get older.
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I hope it doesn’t get EVEN worse as I get older! Blahhh I hate the itchy eyes!
Aw! He looks like a little penguin with his black and white fur. The name Geno is very fitting.
No major allergies for me, thankfully. Unless you count lactose intolerance. Although I tend to break out in hives every time I eat mango. Weird. And I love mango…
Angela @ Health’s Angel recently posted…[Current] Diet Staples
So glad you got the Geno reference! that’s EXACTLY why we named him that
Nikki recently posted…Mexican and Puppy Cuddles
wow I had no idea you could still live with one if you were allergic, gosh more power to you lady
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted…Have you Heard?
Oh sad! I don’t know what I’d do if I discovered I was allergic to our pup. I’m glad you guys have figured out ways to keep your sweet kitty even with your allergy!
Rach recently posted…Beef Stew and Amish Bread
I hope everything you do works! Would be so hard to be allergic to an animal.
How did I not know you were allergic to cats. I’m glad you are able to keep him though, so much work!
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I LOVE this!!! You are a true cat lover!! I am so blessed to not have cat allergies, I would be devastated! I am cat obsessed. These tips are great, and I will have to remember them next time someone tells me it’s impossible to be around cat’s with allergies!
Brittany recently posted…Coffee
Oh, no! I’m sorry to hear about your allergy. I’m glad to hear that you’re being super proactive about taking care of yourself / environment to minimize the effects – some people just take the animal to the shelter :’(
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted…Celeriac, sleeping.
I know
So sad. We’re even talking about getting another one. If I’m allergic to one, why not get another haha!
Nikki recently posted…Mexican and Puppy Cuddles
Oh I would be so sad if I were allergic to cats, or dogs! I would probably still have pets though, I love them so much! I think I don’t have allergies like that since we always had pets growing up. Geno is so cute, I hope you can keep your allergies at bay and I’m glad you didn’t just give him away.
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted…It’s Cold in Rochester
Exactly my thoughts. I think we are getting another cat…might as well since I’m already taking the precautions and they all need homes haha!
Who knew you could actually be allergic & live with such a cute little animal
Jessie recently posted…Eggplant.. yes please
Oh girl I feel ya! I’m actually allergic to Popcorn too, and didn’t find out until I had him for a few months. As a kid, we always had hypo allergenic dog breeds, so I never was really exposed to a good amount of dog dander. I use a lot of the same practices you do– I don’t let him near my bed, and clean up his fur a LOT. I also give him tons of baths, and quite frankly the worst of the reactions I get now is just itchy skin every once in a while. It’s great!
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted…Weekend Cheesecake
So glad that you understand my pain! I just love the little guy so much (as I’m sure you do too!). The things we do for our kids, right?! haha
I love cats!! And thankfully I am not alergic to them.
These are some great tips!
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