Treating cat fur allergies

[GTI]

Hey all,
Does anyone on here have a cat fur allergy which they are treating, or putting up with because they can't quite give up their pet?

I'm pretty gutted because the missus has just seen an allergy specialist and he has confirmed that she is allergic to our beautiful, 1 year old Somali . The doctor was pretty clear, give the cat up or you will develop asthma. Doctors here in Switzerland are pretty pragmatic when it comes to health, so I'm wondering whether there might be another way to keep the little fella.

Obviously the wife's health comes first, but I'm wondering if there is something I've perhaps missed on the treatment front with minumum long term side effects. Immunology is not my strongest subject

Cheers

[beerman]

Unlucky mate, I was gutted when my cat died. At least I had 17 years to enjoy him and not a year.

I did hear whilst at the vets about a treatment called Allervax Cat. It doesn't cure the patient just helps to supress the symptoms. After a quick google it seems to work too.

Have you tried HEPA air filters around the house?

[CzarJunkie]

She should give up dairy and meat (including fish and eggs) for a month or so and stick to a plant based diet. See how she responds. If no different then contemplate getting shut.

It's not the easiest solution but it depends on how much you love the animal.

[Fear345]

Just a thought but would shaving the cat work ?

[GTI]

Just a thought but would shaving the cat work ?

Not really because the bulk of the allergen is in its saliva and dried skin (dandruff).

[blaggard]

That's really unusual for a Somali, you will have realised by now the fur is not like most cats. I have people in and out of here all the time because of the private guitar lessons I give, quite a few have professed to a cat allergy but don't seem to react to my Somali. As mentioned a top of the line vacuum with hepa filter might help and get plenty more opinions, Doctors are often very quick to jump!

[Shrek1802]

try anti histermine tablet my wife takes them. she has hayfever very bad and the cats do not help we have five. she lives with it cos her cats are her life and she would not be with out them.

[Shrek1802]

she has also got told that the cats cause her hayfever and asthma but she had both since she was 7 and did not have cats till see was sixteen. Stumped the doctor there abit

doctor ask do u have pets.

wife yes 5 cats

doctor well thats the problem.

wife how can it be when i have had it since i was 7 and did not get a cat till i was 16

Doctor mmmmm errrrr well then Stumped

lol

[super mike]

Keep the cat, sell the wife?