| Cats Cause Allergies |
| Dear Deborah: I don't have a cat right now because my boyfriend is allergic to them. Is there a type of cat the he wouldn't be allergic to? What about other pets? It is so important for me that I share my home and my life with animals. I just don't know if it is fair of him to insist I give up all that. Animal Lover |
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Dear Animal Lover: I can name some types of cats that are
less likely to disturb allergies, but no cat is allergy free.
Contact the Cat Fanciers Association for details about breeds or look at
a good cat breed book. There are "hairless" cats called Rex and other types that were bred with allergies in mind. Before you fall in love with a kitten, make sure you and your boyfriend visit and touch adult cats of that breed. Give your boyfriend at least one day of exposure before you declare him immune to the cat's effect. Chances are, your boyfriend will not be comfortable around cats of any type. In fact, you probably can't even have a hypo-allergenic dog like a poodle or wheaton because, no matter what breed or type of pet, all animals attract dust, dirt and pollen from outside. You can fill the need you have for animals without filling your house with fur, hair, dust and dirt. Visit your local vet or animal shelter and join their volunteer program. You can give care and comfort to animals who really need it, and watch their troubled stories end with happy homes. If you truly need to own a pet, then I wonder about your connection with this man. Because of his health, he has no place in his life, or need, for animals and no understanding of this aspect of your personality. |
| For more tips, get Deborah's
book, Good Dog! from your local book store. Deborah also writes for the Family Dog Magazine. Available at Save-On Foods, London Drugs, and in Free boxes everywhere. Send your pet questions to: Fax 604- 732-2088 |