Health Problems Caused by Cats?

[SalemB]

A friend of mine got some fungal problem in her skin and the doctor says it is most probably from the cat. Some doctors says cats can cause asthma and allergy for kids... any idea?

[willow]

you can get creams and anti histamine tablets to help,but some people suffer really bad,my brother in law can only be in a house 2 hours with a cat as really bad,i have to leave windows open when he comes here for the air

[JC]

Animals are often to blame for problems that can really be from other sources. Gyms are a big source of fungal infections as well, and unless the cat has been diagnosed with ringworm then it's probably something else. Cats don't *cause* asthma and allergies in kids - but they can exacerbate existing allergies. People who are allergic to cats are generally allergic to other things as well, so eliminating the cat doesn't necessarily eliminate the allergies. I have a good friend who's allergic to cats, which she still has - and she is also allergic to dust, mold, pollen, cigarette smoke, perfumes, and several other things. When her allergist demanded she give up her cats, she told him that she couldn't eliminate the other allergens in her life, and wasn't about to give up her pets - and then found another doctor.My point - doctors are quick to blame animals, when the real cause may include other things as well.

[loisb]

I know that some people are allergic to cats. I also know of someone who got very sick with cat scratch fever.