I am allergic to cats. My boyfriend has two of them in a rather small house. The first time I visited him, after 15 minutes my eyes itched, my nose ran, and I could not stop sneezing. So as my very first romantic gift to him, I gave him a brand-new Hepa vacuum cleaner! It improved the situation a little, but after sitting for an hour on the couch, I had to evacuate. Long story short, I went to the allergy clinic. The allergist, after hearing my story, asked me the following two questions: “How serious is your relationship?” “How old are the cats?” I turned to ever-helpful networks, the Internet and my friends. They were a lot more encouraging than the doctor! Here’s what I’ve put together from all these sources and from my own experiences, in hopes it will help others allergic to cats, too.
First, good news! Even though all professional allergy specialists will deny it – an overwhelming majority of people in my situation adjust over time and their allergies weakened substantially or even disappear. Having constant controlled exposure to pet allergens seems to work in the same way as allergy shots do.
Second, controlling the exposure is not that hard! It does take some investment in technology, some organization, and some dedication from the person not allergic to pets (in my case, my boyfriend). It is the exposure to allergens you need to control, not the exposure to pets.
Many people erroneously think that the allergens are in the hair/fur of the dogs or cats. This is not the case. The allergens are actually the proteins found in saliva. This is why cats, who lick themselves all the time, tend to cause more allergies than dogs. Also the proteins in dogs and cats are not the same, so a person can be allergic to cats and not dogs or vice versa. These proteins are rather small and sticky, which means that they tend to stay in the air once they are released, and that they do not necessarily get picked up off the carpet by a vacuum cleaner. Here are some fixes nonetheless that could lead to great improvements for you and the cats you wish to befriend!
Fix #1, the vacuum. As mentioned above, consider getting a top of the line, powerful vacuum cleaner with a Hepa filter. I prefer the bag-less ones because they are more economical. I even put a surgical mask on if I’m the one emptying the stuff from the vacuum.
Fix #2, the air cleaner. Some of these proteins will escape the vacuum cleaner filter or will be launched into the air by wind, air conditioner, or forced air heating systems. We tested the Pet Machine by Austin Air which worked great. My boyfriend turns it on as soon as he is done vacuuming and leaves it running until I come over. The air feels so fresh. If I start feeling a little tickle in my nose, I stand right next to it for a couple of minutes and it goes away.
Fix #3, the chemicals. Allersearch ADMS is a spray that binds proteins. This means that if you spray it on your carpets and couches a few hours before vacuuming, you will actually be able to remove the allergens. AllerPet topical solution, which has a cat version and a dog version, neutralizes the proteins on the skin of your animals. It can be used as a shampoo if you bathe your animal (note: I find it works better for dogs!), or it can be put on a wash cloth which you can pat your animal with (note: wiping from the tail towards the head works better for cats.) If you can’t avoid direct contact with a pet that you are allergic to, AllerPet is your a very helpful tool as it mostly nips the problem in the bud. Of course all of these products are designed to be harmless to animals.
There are a few more tips, and even though they may only help marginally, those small benefits can help make the difference between having symptoms and not having symptoms.
– Allersearch Anti-Allergen Wash can be added to your laundry to get allergens off the sheets and clothes.
– Keep the litter box clean!
– Use an allergy-proof mattress cover and pillow cases.
– Try to avoid having other allergens in the air (dust, pollen, etc.).
– Shampoo your carpets once a year.
There is no need to choose between pets and a loved one who is allergic to them. For more, consider reading a great book by Shirlee Kalstone called “Allergic to Pets? The Breakthrough Guide to Living with Animals you Love.” As for me, I’m happy to report that after a year of making these improvements I can spend an extended period of time at my boyfriend’s house without resorting to anti-histamines or nasal steroids. I’m not quite ready to have the cats on my lap, but I no longer freak out when they make themselves comfortable on top of the quilt or under my chair! Most importantly, although I do have occasional sneezes, I don’t have to leave the house! The air is cleaner and we can enjoy each others’ company. I’m sure it will only get better – and I am looking forward to a long-term relationships with the cats, and with my boyfriend!
Galina Hale never had a pet in her home growing up, but has now become a true animal lover. She currently lives and works in San Francisco, CA.
Exercise is important for cats! You probably already know the importance of getting enough exercise for yourself, but did you know that regular exercise can significantly improve the physical and emotional health of your cat too? About 40% of cats in the United States are considered obese, a risk factor that contributes to many of the same serious diseases that affect people, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Consistent doses of physical exercise can not only help your cat stay fit, but mentally stimulated as well. Once your cat gets a clean bill of health from your vet, you can build up the length and intensity of your cat exercise sessions slowly. Cats have a reputation as lazy pets who love to sleep all day, but they can easily be bored and not getting enough attention. Instead of just leaving out some kitty toys, if you can participate in your cat’s exercise sessions, you can enjoy benefits as well. Indoor cats especially will appreciate the opportunity to safely fulfill their natural hunting instincts, keeping them happy and satisfied.
Recently someone wrote in an #AskKatya question and asked the following about her new rescue dog: “My adopted dog keeps getting into the cat litterbox! I live in an apartment so my box locations are limited. Are there any other tricks I can try?” Well, unfortunately it’s not that unusual for a pooch to want to get into a kitty box! Here are a few helpful suggestions you can try.
Here’s a story to brighten up your day! (You can email us yours at 
however, is that chinchillas are sadly abandoned by their owners, too, and many are homeless just like cats and dogs are. With the increase in foreclosures, all animals were effected. This means that there are many adorable chinchillas up for adoption through rescue groups or local shelters. You can even search 
Got fosters? If you open your heart and home to pets in need, then you know that one of the biggest factors to consider is how well a foster pet will get along with other pets you may already have in your house. It is always best to do slow, gradual, and supervised introductions between animals who are strangers to one another. Over time relationships (and hopefully bonds) will develop between them, allowing you to let everyone interact freely. 
Just picture it: you’re walking down the street, smiling at all the people and dogs passing by. Suddenly, you see a cat. Not a stray cat. Not a roaming kitty. But a feline wearing a harness, on a leash, proud owner behind him. Leash training your cat to walk outside on a leash and harness has become more and more popular in recent years.
Nothing puts big smiles on our faces like hearing from happy adopters who have used Adopt-a-Pet.com to find their new furry friend! (You can email us yours at 
In an art exhibit in Taoyuan, located in northern Taiwan, a Taiwanese photographer named Tou Chih-kang hangs his portraits on the walls. But he is not like other artists because Chih-kang is also a hero for animals. Visiting Taiwanese animal shelters for over two years now, he has been taking more conventional and formal style pictures of shelter dogs as if he were snapping human portraits. Hoping to capture their distinct personalities and create a sense of dignity for these discarded beings, some think that Chih-kang’s pictures make the dogs themselves look almost like people.
Even the most responsible pet owner can be caught with an unexpected and overwhelming potential vet bill. Our vets tell us sadly time and time again of owners that, when faced with their pet’s medical emergency, end up choosing to put their pet to sleep simply because they can’t afford a costly veterinary surgery, and their pet is suffering too much to live without it. While we certainly advise preparing for your pet’s vet costs, it simply isn’t always possible. Pet insurance can be a life-saver, but perhaps it is a pet you just rescued off the street, or a pet with a pre-existing condition not covered by insurance. We often get emails from pet owners asking us if we know where they can get help for their vet bills. While there are a few charities that offer limited help (usually small personal grants around $100 – here’s