How can I get rid of my allergies to my cats?

I just recently got two kittens. I have had them for about a week already and my allergies aren't getting any better. I am very allergic to animal hair( I pretty much get every symptom possible) but after being around the animal for a while I get used to them and I don't have any problems.( this is with any animal) But this time it seems like I am not getting any better. I am also pregnant so I can't take very many medicines to help with the problem. Should I get rid of the kittens or wait a little longer to see if I get used to them? Also could it be because there is two of them? Or is there anything I can do to minimize the dander from the kittens? And my last question is, is this bad for my pregnancy?

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Crystal February 24, 2009 at 9:06 am: It is actually their saliva mixed with the dander that people are allergic to, not the hair.

I also have cat allergies, and have 2 cats

Kittens are actually worse for your allergies than adult cats, so with time it should get better. When they were younger, I bathed my cats once a week with a cat shampoo and rinsed them well. Also, you will want to vaccumm at least weekly. There is a product out from arm&hammer that goes on the carpet to be vacuumed up that reduces allergens from pets, but you should put the kittens in another room while this is being done, and vacuum at least 10 strokes on every spot.

I just bought a new product from Febreeze that is supposed to reduce 75% of allergens including cats, so hopefully that helps too.

#1 rule! NO CATS IN THE BED!! Keep them out of your bed, and wash sheets often because they will be in your bed when you are not there if they have access to the room. Go a step further and lock them out during the day. They will cry at first, but will get used to it. I leave the door to my room open at night, andsometimes my male cat will try to sleep on my pillow next to my head. I wake up feeling awful, and he is as happy as can be. It would be awful to try and lock them out at night because they will cry and scratch to be with you. I have two cat beds in my room for the cats so they don't try and sleep in my bed, but they can still be with me.

There are also allergy wipes to wipe down the kittens for between bath times. It will get better as they get older, but you have to be diligent about keeping the house clean.

Also, since you are pregnant, you should not be doing anything with the litter box. It is dangerous towards your pregnancy. That is the biggest warning. You will just need to have a household effort to keep the house clean. Dander is sticky, and will stick to walls and everywhere over time. It takes 16 months for it to fully clear out even after painting and a deep cleaning.

Depending on how severe your allergies are, you can manage to live a healthy life with your cats. Some people can't even be around someone who owns a cat. Get a cat tree or two also to creat more surfaces for the cats so you will have a better chance of keeping them off sofas and other furniture.

I had allegy testing down before i got cats, and it said I wasn't allergic, but I really am. The doctor said that happens sometimes. Mine is a respiratory allergy. Around kittens my throat closes up, my eyes water, and my face turns red from my swollen sinuses, but with adult cats I am fine, or at least can be around them longer. I do better withmy own cats than other peoples cats, probably because I am used to them, and bathe them and wipe them with allergy wipes.

I also feed my cats Wellness canned food, and there skin isn't as dry when they are on the canned, so that may also help. They rarely drink any water since they get so much from their food, but when they were on dry, they were always thirsty and wanted all the water in the world.