Morning...so, as many of you know and have been quite supportive, I rescued a tiny kitten in early September. I’ve developed a rash, and it is, without any doubt, from the cat. I’ve seen both my primary and neurologist, and have Rx’s for topical medication. Neither physician has said to give up the cat. ( medical professionals are ultra-conservative about saying these kinds of things..)My concern is that although the treatments may help, the problem will keep coming up. “Skedaddle” is staying with a friend for the moment, until I sort this. Last night was terrible, restless, etc...this kitten/ cat and I have fully bonded. And, not meaning to sound maudlin, I’d pretty much stepped away from wanting a person in my life, and Skedaddle fit the bill perfectly. Are there any cat fanciers/ vet-techs out there who can discuss this, realistically. If need be, he can stay with my friend. I feel SO bad...but my own health (and I have a rare auto-immune condition, anyway) might be on the line, or at least somewhat compromised. Please help. Thanks
rohaan: Morning...so, as many of you know and have been quite supportive, I rescued a tiny kitten in early September. I’ve developed a rash, and it is, without any doubt, from the cat. I’ve seen both my primary and neurologist, and have Rx’s for topical medication. Neither physician has said to give up the cat. ( medical professionals are ultra-conservative about saying these kinds of things..)My concern is that although the treatments may help, the problem will keep coming up. “Skedaddle” is staying with a friend for the moment, until I sort this. Last night was terrible, restless, etc...this kitten/ cat and I have fully bonded. And, not meaning to sound maudlin, I’d pretty much stepped away from wanting a person in my life, and Skedaddle fit the bill perfectly. Are there any cat fanciers/ vet-techs out there who can discuss this, realistically. If need be, he can stay with my friend. I feel SO bad...but my own health (and I have a rare auto-immune condition, anyway) might be on the line, or at least somewhat compromised. Please help. Thanks
Sounds like you may have an allergy, my cousin gets bad asthma attacks in the presence of cats. I realise you are attached to skedaddle, but cats are fickle creatures and attach themselves to the hand that feeds them, I had a cat once that used to scoff down its food then run next door for seconds
It might be worth chasing this up and see if the docs can suggest a solution.
rohaan: Morning...so, as many of you know and have been quite supportive, I rescued a tiny kitten in early September. I’ve developed a rash, and it is, without any doubt, from the cat. I’ve seen both my primary and neurologist, and have Rx’s for topical medication. Neither physician has said to give up the cat. ( medical professionals are ultra-conservative about saying these kinds of things..)My concern is that although the treatments may help, the problem will keep coming up. “Skedaddle” is staying with a friend for the moment, until I sort this. Last night was terrible, restless, etc...this kitten/ cat and I have fully bonded. And, not meaning to sound maudlin, I’d pretty much stepped away from wanting a person in my life, and Skedaddle fit the bill perfectly. Are there any cat fanciers/ vet-techs out there who can discuss this, realistically. If need be, he can stay with my friend. I feel SO bad...but my own health (and I have a rare auto-immune condition, anyway) might be on the line, or at least somewhat compromised. Please help. Thanks
I would see how you fair without Skedaddle for a few days at least, well how the rash fairs, it maybe nothing to do with the kitten, hopefully not so you can reunite.. My old granny would probably recommend dousing yerself in holy water and saying 12 hail Mary's..
rohaan: Morning...so, as many of you know and have been quite supportive, I rescued a tiny kitten in early September. I’ve developed a rash, and it is, without any doubt, from the cat. I’ve seen both my primary and neurologist, and have Rx’s for topical medication. Neither physician has said to give up the cat. ( medical professionals are ultra-conservative about saying these kinds of things..)My concern is that although the treatments may help, the problem will keep coming up. “Skedaddle” is staying with a friend for the moment, until I sort this. Last night was terrible, restless, etc...this kitten/ cat and I have fully bonded. And, not meaning to sound maudlin, I’d pretty much stepped away from wanting a person in my life, and Skedaddle fit the bill perfectly. Are there any cat fanciers/ vet-techs out there who can discuss this, realistically. If need be, he can stay with my friend. I feel SO bad...but my own health (and I have a rare auto-immune condition, anyway) might be on the line, or at least somewhat compromised. Please help. Thanks
The safest and best way to find out if it is your pet causing the problem is to have a skin allergy test. It's easy enough for a medic to do and should settle the issue as to what is causing the rash. To develop an allergy 5 months after ownership seems odd as allergies usually manifest with a few days..
Have you changed your laundry liquid or powder recently, or eaten anything different or any sea food ? We can develop allergies at any time to certain foods or products. I had a dreadful rash a few years ago which drove me mad and I've always used non bio washing products. I changed to a plant based product for my laundry and the rash disappeared. Sometimes companies change the formula .
Don't give up on your pet just yet ,just try to resolve the rash then deal with any other issues . Good luck and I hope you get to keep your pet as they are precious .
Tiger_Moth: The safest and best way to find out if it is your pet causing the problem is to have a skin allergy test. It's easy enough for a medic to do and should settle the issue as to what is causing the rash. To develop an allergy 5 months after ownership seems odd as allergies usually manifest with a few days..
Have you changed your laundry liquid or powder recently, or eaten anything different or any sea food ? We can develop allergies at any time to certain foods or products. I had a dreadful rash a few years ago which drove me mad and I've always used non bio washing products. I changed to a plant based product for my laundry and the rash disappeared. Sometimes companies change the formula .
Don't give up on your pet just yet ,just try to resolve the rash then deal with any other issues . Good luck and I hope you get to keep your pet as they are precious .
I love cats and have a terrific affinity with them. I haven't even met Skedaddle, but have already taken a liking to him because he chose to be your friend. I can understand your reluctance to give up your precious buddy. And although there are folks who adjust to their pet allergies by taking antihistamines or getting allergy shots, others may continue to suffer severe allergies or symptoms may worsen, resulting in dangerous anaphylaxis shock (albeit, rare cases). Your auto-immune issue seems the most significant thing to consider, I believe.
Wood or tile flooring is better than carpet, as dander builds up in the carpet fibers. Cats sleeping on the furniture or on top of your bed blankets will also worsen your allergies. Perhaps get a pet bed for him. You have to keep up with daily vacuuming and dusting and grooming your cat to remove most of the pet allergens. Or maybe you can get a friend or hire a maid to do those tasks for you. Consider using a hypoallergenic cat litter, too. All in all, only you can decide if the symptoms are manageable enough to live a happy life with dear Skedaddle. Good luck, dear Rohaan.
La_Femme_en_Bleu: I love cats and have a terrific affinity with them. I haven't even met Skedaddle, but have already taken a liking to him because he chose to be your friend. I can understand your reluctance to give up your precious buddy. And although there are folks who adjust to their pet allergies by taking antihistamines or getting allergy shots, others may continue to suffer severe allergies or symptoms may worsen, resulting in dangerous anaphylaxis shock (albeit, rare cases). Your auto-immune issue seems the most significant thing to consider, I believe.
Wood or tile flooring is better than carpet, as dander builds up in the carpet fibers. Cats sleeping on the furniture or on top of your bed blankets will also worsen your allergies. Perhaps get a pet bed for him. You have to keep up with daily vacuuming and dusting and grooming your cat to remove most of the pet allergens. Or maybe you can get a friend or hire a maid to do those tasks for you. Consider using a hypoallergenic cat litter, too. All in all, only you can decide if the symptoms are manageable enough to live a happy life with dear Skedaddle. Good luck, dear Rohaan.
rohaan: Morning...so, as many of you know and have been quite supportive, I rescued a tiny kitten in early September. I’ve developed a rash, and it is, without any doubt, from the cat. I’ve seen both my primary and neurologist, and have Rx’s for topical medication. Neither physician has said to give up the cat. ( medical professionals are ultra-conservative about saying these kinds of things..)My concern is that although the treatments may help, the problem will keep coming up. “Skedaddle” is staying with a friend for the moment, until I sort this. Last night was terrible, restless, etc...this kitten/ cat and I have fully bonded. And, not meaning to sound maudlin, I’d pretty much stepped away from wanting a person in my life, and Skedaddle fit the bill perfectly. Are there any cat fanciers/ vet-techs out there who can discuss this, realistically. If need be, he can stay with my friend. I feel SO bad...but my own health (and I have a rare auto-immune condition, anyway) might be on the line, or at least somewhat compromised. Please help. Thanks
Gosh Rohaan, that sounds unpleasant....Hang on, you've had the kitten for ages now, so how come it's only now you're having a reaction? I dunno...it might not be your cat at all...Unless it's something that's been building up and now it's reached tipping point. I dunno.
Why not go to your doctor and get an allergy test done?
Also, (sorry haven't read full thread) what's the rash like, is it flat, raised, irritated, itchy, have you headaches/intolerance to light. It could be just something you've eaten...or it could be your cat . "Rash" doesn't really give many clues to be honest. ...Personally, I think you should go and get a second opinion from a different doctor as a good doctor would have already taken some bloods and sorted out an allergy test for you..
Anyway, that's not much help I know, but I hope it's nothing serious and clears up soon....
blathin: Gosh Rohaan, that sounds unpleasant....Hang on, you've had the kitten for ages now, so how come it's only now you're having a reaction? I dunno...it might not be your cat at all...Unless it's something that's been building up and now it's reached tipping point. I dunno.
Why not go to your doctor and get an allergy test done?
Also, (sorry haven't read full thread) what's the rash like, is it flat, raised, irritated, itchy, have you headaches/intolerance to light. It could be just something you've eaten...or it could be your cat . "Rash" doesn't really give many clues to be honest. ...Personally, I think you should go and get a second opinion from a different doctor as a good doctor would have already taken some bloods and sorted out an allergy test for you..
Anyway, that's not much help I know, but I hope it's nothing serious and clears up soon....
Thank you. I tend to have dry skin/ rashes anyway. Have Rx ointment, which ( amazingly!) has helped tons already...yes, 24 hours of several applications. I’m in good medical hands here, I see the docs frequently. (It’s different, more relaxed here...in the city you get 11 minutes and they’re jealous giving you that much time! Today/tonight going rad...very happy.
rohaan: Thank you. I tend to have dry skin/ rashes anyway. Have Rx ointment, which ( amazingly!) has helped tons already...yes, 24 hours of several applications. I’m in good medical hands here, I see the docs frequently. (It’s different, more relaxed here...in the city you get 11 minutes and they’re jealous giving you that much time! Today/tonight going rad...very happy.
Ah ok, so it's not the first time you've had a rash appear ....hmm have you considered food intolerance? Dry skin problems tend to be associated with things like wheat/cereal. It might be worth a little reading. Glad to hear the ointment is helping
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