Cats in the cellar ok?

I have just had a nebulizer delivered to my home to assist when I have severe breathing attacks. Right now I have a virus and my breathing is labored..I am pregnant and uncomfortable. I am allergic to cats. We have 3 large cats. I lived with the cats in my home for 3 years. Now, we moved and the cats have have lived in the basement for 3 years. My husband tends to them and I rarely go in the basement. We debate about the cats. Are they making my problems worse? I need help and information and maybe someone to finally answer the question. Should we get rid of the cats? Because of my allergy, will my daughters inherit it and likely be allergic to cats also? They seem to be ok, though my youngest has RSV....the heavy breathing that babies develop. Will newborn be at risk too? Thank you for your professional and unbiased help.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be very difficult to answer your questions. It depends a lot on whether the basement is completely isolated from the house or not. But still some exposure is inevitable.

Have you been tested for the allergies? Allergies are in fact known to pass on to generations , though this is not the rule.

It would be best to consult an allergy specialsit and talk to him/her in detail about your problem and see if a solution can be found.

Let us know what your doctor advises.

Regards.