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Am I allergic to this cat? SORE THROAT!!!

If you are wondering what is the right cat for you, this is the place to be. In this introductory forum we talk about topics such as breed vs. mix, size, age, grooming, breeders, shelters, rescues as well as requirements for exercise, space and care. No question is too silly here. This particular forum is for getting and giving helpful, nice advice. It is definitely not a forum for criticizing someone else's opinion, knowledge or advice. This forum is all about purring and learning.

  
Boop?

I'm being- fostered, hope- they adopt me!		 
 
Purred: Sun Aug 23, '09 12:54pm PST 
Boop has been here for 7 days now. My throat has been sore for 6.

The first night she was here I had a normal allergic reaction of itchy eyes and runny nose. I wasn't shocked, it happens sometimes with my other cat and dog. Before bed, I got into clean clothes, washed up, used a saline nasal rinse and eye drops, and the next day before petting Boop I took an OTC allergy pill.

I didn't have any allergic reaction to her that day, and dismissed my sore throat as being dry. After it didn't go away for 5 days, I thought maybe Boop brought some weird bacteria here with her from the shelter and started taking an antiobiotic that I had from a doctor the last time I had a sinus infection (I told him I didn't need it, he gave it to me anyway, so I saved it for my next sinus infection).

I've now taken 5 pills (it's a take one 3 times daily thing) and the sore throat is still here. Now I'm nervous that it's just an allergic reaction and I shouldn't have started the antibiotics, but I think now that I've started them I have to finish. I think the bottle is a 7 day course.

Today I dusted, vacuumed, and rubbed Boop with a moist cloth that is *supposed* to be an allergen reducer for cat's fur.

I can deal with itchy eyes and runny nose, but this sore throat for a week straight is getting old. It HURTS. Also, I'm a professional singer and I'm scared that having an inflamed throat is going to invite worse things to happen in there. Anyone have any words of wisdom?

Edited to add: I just read the other thread about allergies and it was helpful. But wondering if anyone is aware of a sore throat being the only symptom of an allergy?

Edited by author Sun Aug 23, '09 1:05pm PST

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Boop?

I'm being- fostered, hope- they adopt me!		 
 
Purred: Mon Aug 24, '09 11:33am PST 
Went to the doc today. Of course, he told me to get rid of the cat. I might have to, but allergies will NOT be the only reason. Poor Charlie has to go to the vet tomorrow. This situation might be too stressful for him right now :-( (He is coughing and I suspect a heart issue.)
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Tiger

Don't leave,- Mommy and Daddy!- Stay!		 
 
Purred: Fri Aug 28, '09 8:52am PST 
Get Boop bathed, first of all.

Second of all, you CAN have a sore throat as your major symptom. It probably means drainage from your nose into your throat. You may have a sore throat from producing mucous that is going down your throat. Another sign of drainage could be heartburn. To start, I'd get some good cough drops (Ricola works well) and some good antacids (I like the chewables where you take one and it lasts all day.)

Get yourself an allergy pill! Take an OTC allergy pill. The most powerful one is Zyrtec and the generic form is super cheap at Sam's Club or also at Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS. Less powerful is loratadine which is generic for Claritin. Allegra is another one that is available generic, that's what my husband takes.

If you are experiencing red, itchy eyes, you may need to take something on a daily basis anyhow. I was able to get a 10 month supply of generic Zyrtec at Sam's club for $17. That's what I'd do. You may be able to get coupons online.

Also, as far as eye drops, Ronto and Allaway are essentially prescription formula and strength (that's what my eye doctor said anyhow) that are available OTC. However, I have found that Opcon A from Baush and Lomb works the best. It stings some when you first put it in, but it clears up itching and red eye right away. They sell a two-pack at most pharmacies and places like Kmart and Walmart. But right now Rite Aid has a two dollar in store coupon and so you can get the two pack (normally $11.99 a good deal) for $9.99. they are pretty big little bottles so they will last you a while.

I not only have terrible allergies, but I have weak eyes that get tired and worn out easily and also express my allergies. When I'm tired or stressed, I get red, itchy and the twitches in my eyes. Lovely!

Hope this helps!

Allison
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Ben

I fetch,- therefore I am.

moderator		 
 
Purred: Sat Aug 29, '09 2:53am PST 
Tiger is right...bathing cats when you're allergic is very important. It isn't a cat's hair that humans are allergic to, it's the proteins in saliva that remain on the hair after cats bathe themselves which then dry and flake off that cause the allergic reaction. Bathing removes the saliva proteins and can help prevent a reaction.

The mom here has had success with Claritin (or loratadine--the generic version works just as well).

Sending purrs that your tests bring back positive results, Boop!
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