Posts by Sean Chavez

Look, you can definitely develop an allergy even if you never had one before. I used to have a cat that slept in my bed for 16 years and I was totally fine. But after she passed away and we got a new kitty, the allergies started creeping up on me. Now I’ve got two cats at home and I am officially allergic. I think I even developed allergic asthma, but only when they sleep in my bed. I haven't sought treatment yet, so it's become a massive issue because I can't even sleep in my own house anymore. Everything is fine when I just hang out with them for a few hours, but if I'm around too long—like all day and night—the coughing starts. It used to be okay, just itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing, which is annoying but way better than when it hits your lungs. Then it wakes you up in the middle of the night and you're coughing and hacking until morning, struggling to breathe. I'm not giving up my cat, but I'm lucky enough to have another apartment I can sleep in, so it works out. My advice? Don't let her in the bedroom, especially not on the bed—I know that sucks. Also, try bathing her more often. You don't need fancy shampoo; just plain water is fine so you don't ruin her skin, but it helps wash off those proteins from her saliva that get stuck in her fur.
Good luck!!