so if i have decently bad cat allergies would getting a hypoallergenic cat and taking allergy meds on the daily negate most of my issues
@FirstProgenitor it depends wildly on how bad is bad and what other things you're allergic to (and how hypoallergenic the cat is - there aren't really defined breeds like there are with dogs, it's a bit of a tossup)
allergies often operate at a threshhold model - basically if enough things stack up, you'll be symptomatic. so it could be that you're ok with cats as long as you're taking an anti-allergy med *and* you're also wrangling your other allergies (dust mites, mold, etc). >
@FirstProgenitor the expensive solution that's sadly only really available if you have good insurance is allergy shots. they take awhile of doing a once-a-week injection, but it means you get your body used to not being allergic to bullshit overall. and since it's all your allergies at once, for the rest of your life, it's a fantastic long-term solution to get things down where even with a cat, your body's total 'things we're being allergic to' doesn't meet the threshold (if that makes sense).
@wigglytuffitout that might not be a bad idea if I get insurance (my moms currently taking me off her insurance) especially since I’m allergic to most animals except non-shedding dogs
@FirstProgenitor yeah, def keep it in mind for when you have insurance! if you've ever had asthma, too, insurances will leap at the chance to get you allergy shots. (because from their point of view, asthma complications can get *very expensive very quickly* lol.)
for right now though you can always look up strategies to cut down on other common allergens (like mold, pollen, dust mites) and see if maybe that gives you some wiggle room to possibly put a cat in there ^0^
@FirstProgenitor (fwiw though many insurances are happy to pay for allergy shots with a little coaxing. it's cheaper overall for them do pay a mildly high cost for a year than it is to have you be much more at risk for more expensive health problems for the rest of your life.)
if you have access to one, i'd def say go see an allergist. they can do proper testing and help you map out just how allergic you are (and the other shit you're allergic to that might be contributing to it all).