D.P. asks from West Bend, WI on February 17, 2008
Need Advice on Pets
I am at a loss at what to do with my cats, here is a little background. I havve 3 cats, ages 7-3, I have 3 children ages 5,3, and 4.5 months old. My three year old we found out is allergic to cats and is on medicatons everyday, with out his meds he starts to cough alot and needs his inhaler. Our children are very attached to the cats. For many months now our cats have been using my formal dinning room as their litter box. we have done everything we can think of to make this problem stop, special litter, putting a litter box in the room, they peeded and pooped right outside the box, enzyme cleaners, paid to have it professinaly cleaned, phemone plug in ($40 for a month suply)I use my carpet cleaner every other day. I am going crazy. I refuse to have anyone over and as much as I do not like carpet it is not in my current budget to replace it. I am at a loss as what to do. As a mother I feel like my 3 year old is allergic and we should get rid of the cats for his health, I hate medicating him everyday, also my baby will be crawling and I do not want him crawling in that room, but we chose to have these cats and we need to take care of them. I need advice, do we get rid of them? and then how do I not have children who hate me,? Is there anything else I have not thought of? Please take time all advise is welcome. Thank you for taking the time.
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M.H. answers from Minneapolis on February 18, 2008
I would rehome them. I know others will disagree with me but a pet is a pet, not a family member or child. I know it's hard when the children are attached but it would be, in my opinion, the best thing if you rehomed them. I had a dog for 3 years before having kids and had to rehome him after my first son was born because he didn't like children. It was absolutely the hardest decision I've ever made but it was the best thing for the safety of my son.
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M.H. answers from Minneapolis on February 18, 2008
I would rehome them. I know others will disagree with me but a pet is a pet, not a family member or child. I know it's hard when the children are attached but it would be, in my opinion, the best thing if you rehomed them. I had a dog for 3 years before having kids and had to rehome him after my first son was born because he didn't like children. It was absolutely the hardest decision I've ever made but it was the best thing for the safety of my son.
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J. answers from Minneapolis on February 18, 2008
I would agree with the others, find a new home for the cats. From what I know about cats the issue of them not using the litter box is a sign that they too are not happy. They might want to live in a home free of kids. If you know someone who can take them that would be best then the kids can visit or get photos often but give everyone a break and help them out of your home. If the kids really want a pet you can consider a caged pet (less dander) or fish : ) Good luck !!
P.K. answers from Minneapolis on February 19, 2008
I have 3 cats as well, (but generally would say I'm more of a dog lover), but...in any case, I'd get rid of the cats. If one of my kids had to take meds for his allergy towards a pet, that pet would have been gone long ago. They're just cats, and the kids will get used to it.
E.M. answers from Iowa City on February 26, 2008
The cats need to find a new home.
As the primary care-giver of all things living in my home, I know that a situation like yours can eat up a lot of time and energy. The cats could be happy elsewhere, and you deserve a break from the drama. Besides, when your children are a little older and can handle the responsibility, it will be a fun family activity to choose a non-allergic pet. Ever consider a snake, lizard or turtle? Good luck.
J.M. answers from St. Cloud on February 18, 2008
I don't want to come off as rude, but get rid of them. Why is this even a question. In the past I had to get rid of a black lab, we were not home enough for her. My son was only 3 at the time. He will be 7 on the 24th of Feb. and he occasionally asks about that dog. It will be hard on the kids and they will occasionaly ask about them, but they will get over it. Find them a nice home and be honest with the kids. Telling them that the cats are making _________ sick, and so they need to go. Your job is to protect them, they will get over losing their cats and it will be hard, but I would not choose to give my child meds just because I don't want to upset by getting rid of the cats. It is a tough decision as I am a pet lover myself. Good Luck
P.A. answers from Lincoln on February 18, 2008
I agree with the others. Find a good home for your cats. The kids may or may not be as attached as you think they are. The cat dander is what is probably causing the allergic reaction. There are many pets out there that would not cause this problem. Dogs are great pets for kids and you can get dogs that don't shed.
Pam
J.S. answers from Minneapolis on February 18, 2008
My brother and family recently had to get rid of their dog. He was a great dog, they'd had him since before they had kids, but their son had been struggling with eczema and asthma and was using nebulizers and prescription lotions, and they finally got the allergy tests done and a big cause of his problems happened to be the dog.
It was heartbreaking for all 3 of their kids, but they found a good home for him and now everyone is happier. They found him a home near them and the kids walk by and "visit" from time to time.
Medicating your children for something that could be prevented should be avoided in my opinion.
Time to find your cats some new homes, and explain to the children that they cats will be happier where they don't make someone sick.
Good luck to you, I know it is hard to make such big changes.
J.
L.L. answers from Omaha on February 19, 2008
Lose the cats! Sorry, but it's the only solution.
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