Allergic to the cat?

[Aranea]

What would you do if you suspected DC was allergic to the cat?

We got a kitten in October, which the DDs adore. But since the start of January, DD2 has had a series of itchy eczema-type rashes. I'm praying it's not the cat. WWYD??

[yani]

It might not be the car per se.
Could the cat have fleas and they are biting your dc?

Do they get any other symptoms like itchy eyes or runny nose?

As there seems quite a big gap between cat arrival and dc symptoms, maybe it's due to something else. New washing powder or shower gel.

It might also be weather related? Cold weather can trigger itching in dry skin.

[ukey]

has ur child had any allergy tests? as can get skin prick test for cat.

[Aranea]

Thanks for your replies.
The cat definitely doesn't have fleas, as she doesn't go out. And we haven't changed washing powder or anything.... I will cling to the hope that it's the cold weather!

The GP says we should wait & see for a few months before getting tests done. I really hope it isn't the cat...

[Maz007]

Such a tricky situation :-( fingers crossed it won't be the cat. It took about three years before I twigged that our cats might be behind my recurrent respiratory infections (also my symptoms got more severe with time) and got tests done to confirm it. We very sadly rehomed them. Hope that's not your situation though...

[ukey]

FWIW my reactions to cats are hives and a cough, with watery eyes. Wee ones allergy to cats is similar, hives, puffy eyes and cough. Fingers crossed its not due to the cat!

[Aranea]

Yes, fingers & paws crossed. I'd be sad if we had to rehome her, but I think the DC would be devastated.

[Lovesgiantbuttons]

Both my DH and DC are allergic to one of my cats (have 2) but its only a problem when my DC smothers her face in his fur!! (She calls this gving him a love!) her face gets blotchy and her eyes itch/water. Same goes for my DH so i guess it depends whether the reaction comes without close contact as to what you feel you need to decide about your cohabiting...?

[ukey]

plus keep the cat out of the bedroom may help if it is cat related

[Aranea]

Hah, ukey, I know you're right about keeping the cat out of the DC's room. I just find the miaowing and banging from outside the door makes bedtime that bit harder! She is a determinedly sociable cat.

[ukey]

lol put her out into the garden ;) if she's an outdoorsy kitty

[CognitiveOverload]

Im allergic to both my cats. They stay out of bedroom and i wash my hands after touching them. How serious is the reaction?

[Aranea]

It is pretty mild actually, it just activates my maternal guilt gland.