If an immediate relative (sister, brother, parent) was very allergic to cats... (POLL)

Original post by jgl

Aug 25, 2007 12:33 PM

would you still get a cat as a pet in your place with FH?

FH wants a cat - I like all animals although i would prefer a dog. But my brother is VERY allergic to cats (ETA: My brother and I are very close). I don't want to get one when we move in togheter because my brother would never be able to come over. He gets to the point where he can't breathe. He does have allergy meds but why should he have to take it everyday, or start a few days before - just so he can come over.

last xmas he had to go out for a walk in the rain because my aunt has 2 cats and he couldnt breathe and he had taken his meds.

Just wanted your opinion - what would you do?

jgl Posted: Aug 25, 2007 01:57 PM

Re: If an immediate relative (sister, brother, parent) was very allergic to cats... (POLL)

Posted by kristi313

here's what i think - please don't take this as being mean towards your brother at all

if your brother didn't like kids and couldn't stand to be around them, would you not have them so he would still visit?

i dont take offense at all. i just dont think that is the same thing. Cats make him very sick. Its a health issue not a like/dislike issue. If he just didnt like cats - i'll tell him to F-off we are getting one anyway

kristi313 Posted: Aug 25, 2007 02:00 PM

Re: If an immediate relative (sister, brother, parent) was very allergic to cats... (POLL)

Posted by jgl

Posted by kristi313

here's what i think - please don't take this as being mean towards your brother at all

if your brother didn't like kids and couldn't stand to be around them, would you not have them so he would still visit?

i dont take offense at all. i just dont think that is the same thing. Cats make him very sick. Its a health issue not a like/dislike issue. If he just didnt like cats - i'll tell him to F-off we are getting one anyway

ok good, i didn't want to make anyone mad, but it was just an example of how it's your life and you can really do what you want ya know. my dad told me i should never get a dog - take a look at my album - that's sophie i obviously dont listen, it's not his house he can't tell me what to do lol

hayleyandsteve Posted: Aug 25, 2007 02:03 PM

Re: If an immediate relative (sister, brother, parent) was very allergic to cats... (POLL)

i'm also very allergic to cats....

my aunt has one, and for at least a week before we come over, she keeps the cats in the basement and vacuums like crazy! IT DOESN'T HELP! i still get watery, teary eyes.... and i feel like i can't breathe.

we deal with it though... and although its very uncomfortable we still go over.

that being said, i personally wouldn't get a cat if an immediate relative was very allergic. we deal with it because my aunt had cats before we were born.... but if my brother decided to get a cat knowing how allergic i was... i'd be upset!

jgl Posted: Aug 25, 2007 02:06 PM

Re: If an immediate relative (sister, brother, parent) was very allergic to cats... (POLL)

Posted by kristi313

Posted by jgl

Posted by kristi313

here's what i think - please don't take this as being mean towards your brother at all

if your brother didn't like kids and couldn't stand to be around them, would you not have them so he would still visit?

i dont take offense at all. i just dont think that is the same thing. Cats make him very sick. Its a health issue not a like/dislike issue. If he just didnt like cats - i'll tell him to F-off we are getting one anyway

ok good, i didn't want to make anyone mad, but it was just an example of how it's your life and you can really do what you want ya know. my dad told me i should never get a dog - take a look at my album - that's sophie i obviously dont listen, it's not his house he can't tell me what to do lol

no worries im not easily offended!

I totally get what youa re saying. My brother never told me i cant get a cat, this is all me. I just dont feel comfortable getting one because of my brother.. its just that FH would like one.

kristi313 Posted: Aug 25, 2007 02:08 PM

Re: If an immediate relative (sister, brother, parent) was very allergic to cats... (POLL)

Posted by jgl

Posted by kristi313

Posted by jgl

Posted by kristi313

here's what i think - please don't take this as being mean towards your brother at all

if your brother didn't like kids and couldn't stand to be around them, would you not have them so he would still visit?

i dont take offense at all. i just dont think that is the same thing. Cats make him very sick. Its a health issue not a like/dislike issue. If he just didnt like cats - i'll tell him to F-off we are getting one anyway

ok good, i didn't want to make anyone mad, but it was just an example of how it's your life and you can really do what you want ya know. my dad told me i should never get a dog - take a look at my album - that's sophie i obviously dont listen, it's not his house he can't tell me what to do lol

no worries im not easily offended!

I totally get what youa re saying. My brother never told me i cant get a cat, this is all me. I just dont feel comfortable getting one because of my brother.. its just that FH would like one.

Butterfly123 Posted: Aug 25, 2007 02:59 PM

Re: If an immediate relative (sister, brother, parent) was very allergic to cats... (POLL)

Posted by jgl

Ladies who have put YES - they don't live there'

would it bother you that a relative you are VERY close with wouldnt be able to come over? Just Curious

My whole family is allergic to cats. I was allergic to her too at first but I have become immune. My mom has horrible allergies but there are things you can do so it wont affect them. They have wipes you can use on your cat that pull the allergens off. You just wipe your cat down before they come. They have Febreze Allergen reducer, and if you have carpets you can just vacuum with the Allergen Reducer Arm & Hammer powder. And you can lock her up in a bedroom for a few hours. As long as they have a window, cats are happy. My FH has a friend who has the worst allergies I have ever seen and when he comes over, I wipe her down, he doesnt sneeze once!

Autumn08 Posted: Aug 25, 2007 03:05 PM

Re: If an immediate relative (sister, brother, parent) was very allergic to cats... (POLL)

If your FH already had a cat I would say, well you knew he had a cat...

But since he doesn't have one yet I believe he should respect your wishes regardless of the reasons. Although your brother who you are close with is a good reason.

I would suggest a compromise such as a small dog like a maltese or shih tzu. My dogs are half shih tzu, half pomeranian and sometimes when I pet them I feel like they are going to purr because they are cuddly dogs.