BBC Report;- Cats and Asthma

[Martin]

Apparently, cats are good for preventing asthma in kids, or maybe not...?

See also the links to other cat stories under "see also" on the right of the page.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/hea...00/1209204.stm

[This message has been edited by Martin (edited March 10, 2001).]

[Karen]

Unfortunately, as I well know, that isn't always true. My parents had to get rid of their cat when my older sister developed asthma that led to pneumonia when she was 4 years old. (Dad claims that it was a toss-up, but eventually they decided to keep the sister instead of the cat ... Once the cat was gone, her breathing problems cleared up considerably, but she is still asthmatic, and when she was tested for allergies as an adult, was told cats, dogs - anything with fur is off-limits for her.

[4 feline house]

Hey, Martin, I was wondering where you'd gone off too...

Spencer posted this same link at the "General" board. You too must think alike.

[Pam]

Me too Martin. Glad to see you haven't deserted us!

[Logan]

Great minds think alike! I was wondering where you were too, Martin!
Glad you're back. I know nothing about what a cat would do for asthma. Just know Helen and I have terrible sinus problems....and I don't even want to know if we're allergic to our pets.
Logan

[Heather Wallace]

Thanks to everyone who as replied to this topic. I suffer from severe asthma. Everyone says to me why do I have cats if it is so bad. I love my cats and would not give them up for anything even if I where dying!!!!! So stuff anyone who says anything different.

[libracats]

I also saw this article, but it was in Catnip magazine(Oct,2001 issue)I found it very interesting because of my experience. I had 2 cats when I was very young. Unfortunately, no one believed in indoor cats back then and one by one they were killed by cars. Neither one made it to 2 years old. Shortly after I became severly allergic to cats(other peoples cats, because we no longer had one)My parents got me a poodle and I continued to be very allergic to cats and at 17 years old developed asthma. I then lived until I turned 40 without any cats because I would get severe reactions if I went to anyones house that had one. I still have asthma and am allergic to cats(according to the skin tests) but now have 8 cats(which dont bother me)I decided to use the real thing instead of allergy shots. And I did bathe my cats for the first year.I feel so lucky now, but wonder after reading this article whether I could have avoided asthma if my parents had got another cat back then.

[wayne0214]

Although, I personally, am not allergic to much, I keep a candle burning most of the day and night to help clear the air of dust and allergins. Also, an oil-burning lamp helps much to clear the air. If you decide to try this, I suggest that you place the candle in a sizeable pot or cauldron, somewhere that if a cat knocks it over, it won't start a fire. So far none of my furkids have bothered either incendiary device. This same idea helps to clear out much of the odor in their litterbox area as well.

.........wayne

[yorkster]

Wayne- my cat lit his tail on fire a few months ago with a candle, so I'm not sure I can do that. It's a good idea though, and I love candles!