How to cope with cat allergies? And introducing cats and dogs?

[Roy]

My whole family(Me, my mom, and especially my dad) are allergic to cats, but there is a cat(BEAUTIFUL little Calico with no tail) that that roams around our yard and I feed her and pet her everyday(I wash my hands afterward though). But I want to keep her inside. Any way I could and she wouldn't bother our allergies? And, how should I introduce her to my dogs?(10 year old female Lhasa Apso and 7 year old female English Bulldog)

 

[andieligon]

Go talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for an allergy medication. Also check about setting up an appointment to see an allergist. Since you want to have the cat come live with you, you are going to be willing to do all this, but unless your parents are also willing to go into the doctor, see an allergist, get and take an allergy medicine, it's all for nought. Make sure that they would be willing to have the cat enter your life too.
If you do wind up bringing the cat to live with you, it will be a bit of a slow and gradual process in introducing her to the dogs. Some dogs are extremely gentle around cats, others are incredibly curious, some just want to play. The cat also needs to have a behavior and demeanor that will meld with your dogs. Have you seen the cat interact with dogs before? Is the cat a little skittish around new people, things, moving objects? Is the cat maybe a little assertive? You won't be able to get a true understanding of how they will react to each other until they finally meet each other.

 

[bloomorningglory]

There are a couple of options to improve the situation but I don't think you can prevent the reaction completely. First is feeding a high quality food. Better quality means less dander. That would be something with no corn, wheat, or by-products. A good amount of protein helps, say 35% or more. Then make sure the cat is not allowed in the bedrooms. Folks with allergies don't really need to stick their face in a pillow for 8 hours after a cat slept on it, etc. Vacuum religiously. The more the better, but I would think at least 2x a week. Also get an air cleaner/HEPA filter, or perhaps a couple of them and put them around the house.

You may be able to get immunotherapy for your allergies, depending upon how badly you want a cat. It's a series of shots to reprogram your body. This can be kind of time-consuming and expensive though.