I'm TJL and I sneeze at cats. - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJL · 09-09-2007, 03:52 PM

Hey kids, TJL here.

I'm not allergic to many things, but one thing I am allergic to is cats.

No, not the musical, the little furry four legged things that chase mice.

Okay, the musical makes me uncomfortable too.

Anyway, I have a ceetain ladyfriend who has moved into Manhattan recently, and she has a few cats in her place. Since I would like to hopefully be invited to her place again, what can I do to keep me from sneezing and wheezing while i'm there?

Anyone know any good over the counter medicines or potions I can take?

dawsongirl · 09-09-2007, 04:38 PM

I have the same problem. If I remember, I take Alavert (Claritin has the same active ingredient) or Chlor-Trimeton a couple hours before I go to my aunt's house (she has two cats) and it at least minimizes the symptoms. You won't be sitting there sneezing every 2 seconds anyway. Chlor-Trimeton makes me drowsy, so you may try the other 2 first.

Zoneboy · 09-09-2007, 04:47 PM

Does she know you're allergic to cats? If not then my advice would be to let her know before you have a sneezing fit. There's no harm in confining them to one or two rooms while you're there. It seems logical to me that she wouldn't want your visit to be an uncomfortable one and of course the cats can roam freely again after you leave.

bingbangbaby · 09-09-2007, 06:53 PM

Ooooh, I wish you good luck. I have that problem too, except my allergy is baaaad news. I haven't found anything that helps me at all, but I bet mine is worse than yours. I have eyes, nose, and throat swell shut, wherever the cat or cat hair touches me I break out in giant welts, and I'll be sick for the next two days. I'm afraid to actually come in contact with an actual cat for fear it will kill me! I can't even have them confined to one room because if they've ever been in the room that I'm in before all of that will still happen. It can even happen to a lesser degree if I brush up against someone's coat in the coat closet at work who owns a cat. Once I visited a friend's home and she had maybe 8 or 9 cats inside her house and I didn't even go in, all I did was stand outside the front door on the porch and I thought I was gonna die! It was awful and I was really embarrassed. I hope yours isn't that bad and I hope you find something to help...if you do, pass the secret on to me!

dawsongirl · 09-09-2007, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Does she know you're allergic to cats? If not then my advice would be to let her know before you have a sneezing fit. There's no harm in confining them to one or two rooms while you're there. It seems logical to me that she wouldn't want your visit to be an uncomfortable one and of course the cats can roam freely again after you leave.

If their hair and dander is in the room, it might not matter where the actual cat is though.

Zoneboy · 09-09-2007, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsongirl

If their hair and dander is in the room, it might not matter where the actual cat is though.

Good point, I never considered that.

TJL · 09-09-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsongirl

If their hair and dander is in the room, it might not matter where the actual cat is though.

Plus, it's a small NYC one bedroom apartment, so keeping them in another room isn't going to help.

TJL · 09-09-2007, 09:30 PM

I could try this...

Number 9 Dream · 09-09-2007, 09:30 PM

My friend (who is allergic to cats as well) takes non-drowsy Benadryl before she comes to my house. It seems to help her a lot (she takes it about a half hour before she comes over).

Zoneboy · 09-09-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

Plus, it's a small NYC one bedroom apartment, so keeping them in another room isn't going to help.

I obviously didn't know that.

TJL · 09-09-2007, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

I obviously didn't know that.

No worries. Personally i would love to move them as far away from me as possible.

Brooklyn would be nice.

Zoneboy · 09-09-2007, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

No worries. Personally i would love to move them as far away from me as possible.

Brooklyn would be nice.

I'd take them but I have 6 already.

catlover79 · 09-09-2007, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

I'd take them but I have 6 already.

I have 3 - my mom won't less us get anymore.

Janice · 09-10-2007, 12:47 AM

If things heat up with this lady, you could have a serious problem. For now, perhaps she can spend time at your place. After she's head over heels in love with you, she'll get rid of the felines. Fat chance. I don't mean to make light of it. It can be a real problem for people. You could ask your doctor for suggestions.

Zoneboy · 09-10-2007, 01:02 AM

If I may veer slightly off topic for a moment, I'd like to share this Dear Abby letter I read back in July. This woman is in a similar situation but apparently doesn't know where her priorities lie and the fact that she had to ask Abby for advice ensures her enshrinement in the Bonehead Hall of Fame.

Link

Dear Abby: I have started seeing a guy I love very much. I'll call him "Mitch." We spend a lot of time together. I have stayed with him while my 2-year-old son, "Caleb," visits his daddy.

I recently introduced Caleb to Mitch, and last weekend we both stayed at Mitch's place. The problem is, Mitch has a large dog that is very territorial and protective and isn't used to company. The dog, "Crusher," has shown aggression toward me, but it was nothing we couldn't handle. However, the dog is now being aggressive toward Caleb. On a couple of occasions, Crusher charged my son and left scratches.

Mitch and I have resorted to separating the two when Caleb is over. By "separating," I mean we have brought a few of Caleb's toys and his TV to set up in a room just for him. The problem is, Caleb is in the room with the door closed most of the time, while Crusher runs free in the house.

Abby, my son's life was turned upside down when my husband and I divorced. Now he has had to adjust to the fact that when he's with Mitch and me, he must be carried around for fear of the dog. I haven't come out and asked Mitch to get rid of Crusher, or even to limit him when we are in the house. Is this something I have a right to ask?

Mitch has been a bachelor all his life, and I'm afraid if I confront him about this he will feel I am making him choose between me and his dog. Please give me some advice. - Torn in Two

Dear Torn: It is your duty as Caleb's mother to make sure that he is safe at all times. Your little boy is only 2 and can't speak on his own behalf. Shutting a child alone in a room "most of the time" isn't protecting him - it is neglect. If you do not confront your boyfriend about his dangerous animal, you are choosing him and his dog over your son!

The wrong critter is being confined. When Caleb was attacked the first time, your boyfriend should have volunteered to confine his dog. That he didn't is appalling. That you said nothing is worse. As a mother, your child's interests must come before your love interest.

09-09-2007, 03:52 PM	#1
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	I'm TJL and I sneeze at cats. Hey kids, TJL here. I'm not allergic to many things, but one thing I am allergic to is cats. No, not the musical, the little furry four legged things that chase mice. Okay, the musical makes me uncomfortable too. Anyway, I have a ceetain ladyfriend who has moved into Manhattan recently, and she has a few cats in her place. Since I would like to hopefully be invited to her place again, what can I do to keep me from sneezing and wheezing while i'm there? Anyone know any good over the counter medicines or potions I can take?
	__________________ "I think I'll stroll up to the front to see how the shooting's going..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce Read my blogs! http://centralparkamisguide.com/ http://dvdcriticscorner.com Visit me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TomLevier My shop of handmade items! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColdGarageCreations

09-09-2007, 04:47 PM	#3
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,429	Does she know you're allergic to cats? If not then my advice would be to let her know before you have a sneezing fit. There's no harm in confining them to one or two rooms while you're there. It seems logical to me that she wouldn't want your visit to be an uncomfortable one and of course the cats can roam freely again after you leave.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

09-09-2007, 09:30 PM	#8
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	I could try this... Attached Images

09-09-2007, 09:30 PM	#9
Number 9 Dream That '70s Girl Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 18, 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 5,875	My friend (who is allergic to cats as well) takes non-drowsy Benadryl before she comes to my house. It seems to help her a lot (she takes it about a half hour before she comes over).
	__________________ Live a little be a gypsy get around http://www.librarything.com/profile/skelterhelter http://retrogirl82.dvdaf.com/owned formerly Retrogirl82

09-09-2007, 04:38 PM	#2
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	I have the same problem. If I remember, I take Alavert (Claritin has the same active ingredient) or Chlor-Trimeton a couple hours before I go to my aunt's house (she has two cats) and it at least minimizes the symptoms. You won't be sitting there sneezing every 2 seconds anyway. Chlor-Trimeton makes me drowsy, so you may try the other 2 first.

09-09-2007, 06:53 PM	#4
bingbangbaby I see you!! Senior Member Join Date: Jul 15, 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,070	Ooooh, I wish you good luck. I have that problem too, except my allergy is baaaad news. I haven't found anything that helps me at all, but I bet mine is worse than yours. I have eyes, nose, and throat swell shut, wherever the cat or cat hair touches me I break out in giant welts, and I'll be sick for the next two days. I'm afraid to actually come in contact with an actual cat for fear it will kill me! I can't even have them confined to one room because if they've ever been in the room that I'm in before all of that will still happen. It can even happen to a lesser degree if I brush up against someone's coat in the coat closet at work who owns a cat. Once I visited a friend's home and she had maybe 8 or 9 cats inside her house and I didn't even go in, all I did was stand outside the front door on the porch and I thought I was gonna die! It was awful and I was really embarrassed. I hope yours isn't that bad and I hope you find something to help...if you do, pass the secret on to me!

09-10-2007, 12:47 AM	#14
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	If things heat up with this lady, you could have a serious problem. For now, perhaps she can spend time at your place. After she's head over heels in love with you, she'll get rid of the felines. Fat chance. I don't mean to make light of it. It can be a real problem for people. You could ask your doctor for suggestions.

09-10-2007, 01:02 AM	#15
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,429	If I may veer slightly off topic for a moment, I'd like to share this Dear Abby letter I read back in July. This woman is in a similar situation but apparently doesn't know where her priorities lie and the fact that she had to ask Abby for advice ensures her enshrinement in the Bonehead Hall of Fame. Link Dear Abby: I have started seeing a guy I love very much. I'll call him "Mitch." We spend a lot of time together. I have stayed with him while my 2-year-old son, "Caleb," visits his daddy. I recently introduced Caleb to Mitch, and last weekend we both stayed at Mitch's place. The problem is, Mitch has a large dog that is very territorial and protective and isn't used to company. The dog, "Crusher," has shown aggression toward me, but it was nothing we couldn't handle. However, the dog is now being aggressive toward Caleb. On a couple of occasions, Crusher charged my son and left scratches. Mitch and I have resorted to separating the two when Caleb is over. By "separating," I mean we have brought a few of Caleb's toys and his TV to set up in a room just for him. The problem is, Caleb is in the room with the door closed most of the time, while Crusher runs free in the house. Abby, my son's life was turned upside down when my husband and I divorced. Now he has had to adjust to the fact that when he's with Mitch and me, he must be carried around for fear of the dog. I haven't come out and asked Mitch to get rid of Crusher, or even to limit him when we are in the house. Is this something I have a right to ask? Mitch has been a bachelor all his life, and I'm afraid if I confront him about this he will feel I am making him choose between me and his dog. Please give me some advice. - Torn in Two Dear Torn: It is your duty as Caleb's mother to make sure that he is safe at all times. Your little boy is only 2 and can't speak on his own behalf. Shutting a child alone in a room "most of the time" isn't protecting him - it is neglect. If you do not confront your boyfriend about his dangerous animal, you are choosing him and his dog over your son! The wrong critter is being confined. When Caleb was attacked the first time, your boyfriend should have volunteered to confine his dog. That he didn't is appalling. That you said nothing is worse. As a mother, your child's interests must come before your love interest.