Convincing Parents

[Lucas]

Hello there, my name is Lucas. I am 14 years old, and have always had a special place in my heard for cats. I don't know why.. but in my head cats just beat dogs 100 to 1. I'm a true cat person. But, unfortunately, I haven't been able to get one. Reason? Everyone in my family is allergic! And to add on that, I found out that I am also allergic, but it's very light.. just wattery eyes. But not for my parents and sister. Just standing Infront of the cats at a local shelter puts there faces in a puffy, red state, with my dad sneezing. I've been begging and pleading for years. I don't have to improve my grades . Already a straight A student.. and I own a snake and a few fish so I think I am capable of owning a cat... But It's the allergies. I recent found out about the hypoallergenic cats, ones that produce less of the FEL d 1 protien and or dander, thus causing LESS allergies. I found 2 cats that I would like to adopt, both older cats. (I prefer older cats). But after telling my parents about the breeds.. they are just annoyed and are ignoring me every time I try asking "can we go see the cats again at Petco?" So I've resorted to asking you guys for help. I've literally told them every option.. to fur samples to fostering. I've explained over and over that they might have little or no reaction, with the only response being 'no!' So.. any ideas?
Thank you for the help.

[Lilith]

Hi Lucas and welcome - ohh a snake person? I have a royal python, LOVE snakes!

However, the allergy thing is serious. I knew a neighbour who, the minute she came into my house, began to sneeze and wheeze. If you're allergic, that is it, nothing you can do.

About the only cat you might manage in a family like yours is a breed called the Sphynx which is hairless, and probably VERY expensive since it's so rare and specialised...other than that the Devon Rex could be possible as it's very thinly coated, a bit like poodles, who are said to be less allergy-causing, but also very expensive.

So I can't really give you much hope unless you're very wealthy, but I do sympathise with your passion for cats; they're wonderful creatures but perhaps not for you and your family.

All the very very best and much sympathy, and perhaps someone else on here can give more advice

[Judy Barnett]

Hi Lucas, I too am very allergic to most animals. I have eczema and asthma and if I fuss anybody else's cat or dog I come up in an all over rash. However, I'm not allergic to my own two cats. I have a theory that you build up an immunity to your own pets but its can take some time. I married in to two cats and I use to sneeze and scratch like crazy when I first met my husband. My youngest cat Georgia use to set me off too but after a few weeks persistent cuddling I'm absolutely fine with her now.

[Lucas]

Thank you for the advice! About the 'getting used it it' , my mom as a vet tech for 5 years.. she had to quit because of the cat allergies. I was thinking of a Bengal cat. Getting HEPA filters in their room, in the vacume and in the air system. I would have to keep it out of their room, and probably vacume the house once a week. Bathe the cat with allergen removing shampoo every other week, but every day wipe it down with those allergen removing wipes. I think if I did that and kept all of the cat things in my room, it could be possible. I will have to bring them to see the cats that I'm thinking about, and if they has even less then a normal reaction then I think it's entirely possible, just some work required.

[booktigger]

I don't think a Bengal would be a good idea - while their fur is different to a moggie, how much research have you done on their energy levels? They need a lot more stimulation than a moggie and are very destructive when bored.

[MarySkater]

Lucas, I can see that with 3 people in the house who react adversely, it would be difficult to bring a cat into your home. But would it be possible for you to be a volunteer helper at your local shelter? Obviously that's going to depend on distance, school times etc. If that would work, it would give you a chance to get your "cat fix." And, incidentally, would give you very useful experience of cats with many different types and temperaments.

[Lucas]

I don't think a Bengal would be a good idea - while their fur is different to a moggie, how much research have you done on their energy levels? They need a lot more stimulation than a moggie and are very destructive when bored.

I have done my research,and knowing how much time I have on my hands I don't think he will ever get bored.. and the ones I'm looking at are 5 and 8 years old.. so they won't be super hyper like the kittens.

[Lilith]

Hi, while I realise that many cats (usually show longhairs) get used to regular baths though don't like the idea myself, I'm not sure about introducing a mature Bengal to fortnightly baths. These are wonderful cats but oh boy are they terrors. AND they have a very low boredom threshold. I knew one (not mine) and although only a crossbred she was a madam! I wouldn't have cared to try and bath her - I'd have needed plastic surgery.

Allergy problems apart, Bengals STAY super hyper - believe me!

I don't know what they're on but could I have some please?

Sorry to sound discouraging, and while Judy's post reminded me of a cat rescue worker I once knew who was asthmatic and STILL carried on with cats arriving every day, and coping, the rest of your family obviously don't want to try the experiment although once you leave home you might well be in a position to do so.

Mary's suggestion of volunteering at the centre is brilliant; it would give you contact with needy cats who would benefit from your help, and also help you to build up an immunity to cat dander.

All the very very best, I really sympathise

[Ruth B]

I hate to be discouraging but I have to agree that introducing a cat in your situation may not be for the best.

As you have said 3 people in the house are very allergic to cats and don't seem too inclined to experiment. I also know someone whose allergy was always there but suddenly has become much worse, he used to be able to visit and would just laugh when he realised that he had been encouraging our Ragdoll to roll around on his coat. Now he hardly even dares come in the door or his symptoms will flare up. No matter how much you try and reduce it everyone in the house has to be in agreement to try and make it work.

You say you are 14 years old, that means that you are out at school a lot of the time and will be starting on exams work soon (if you haven't already). While you think you have a lot of free time, the cat will have to be shut in your room or outside whenever you are at school which is not really fair on the cat. While I haven't had experience of a Bengal myself I have heard of how hyper active and intelligent they are. One cat cam from Canada that I follow recently rehomed a rescue Bengal cat and her kittens to an owner that had experience in training service dogs and she was intending using those techniques to train the cats. As you can imagine that was reckoned to be a full time job. My understanding also is that some Bengals now have quite a bit of Siamese in the lines, another breed not exactly know for their placid, laid back temperament.

I have to agree with the others volunteering with an organisation might be the best option for the time being. Use the time to gain as much knowledge about all aspects of feline welfare as possible and know that in the future you will be able to give the best possible home to any cat you want to.