Hello,

My family and I have been interested in buying a Maine Coon cat. But, unfortunately, my littlest sister is allergic, and her eyes become puffy and red when around any cat. The doctor has told us its from the dander all cats have. I was wondering if there is any way to reduce or get rid of cat dander? You thoughts are greatly appreciated! E-mail me back if its not too much trouble!

Thunder

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2001

Answers

My younger brother suffered from allergies and developed a mild case of asthma when he was about five years old. We had a cat then and our allergist explained that people are allergic to a protein in the saliva that cats distribute all over their fur when they groom themselves. This saliva eventually dries and floats in the air; the protein is a particle much smaller and lighter than house dust. He recommended we get rid of it but if we insisted on keeping our cat he warned us we had to bathe it weekly and the cat should never be in my brother's room or near his clothes or bedding. We were hoping an air filter of some kind would help but only the baths worked. Our cat hated the baths at first but eventually resigned itself to them and became tolerant and docile whenever it was bathtime. Your little sister will find a Maine Coon cat irresistible, they always are. Make sure she washes her hands after cuddling it so she doesn't transfer the allergen to her eyes. And good luck.

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2001