cat hair

[carmen75]

HI my question is if or what the cat hair is swallowed how dangerous it can be to a person?

[opus88]

heres the right link to the fatty acids...

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1662&aid=666

[opus88]

I also meant to say, I am not in favor of the use of steroids it can lead to many health issues including diabetes for kitties...
along with a change in diet another thing you can sure try is Omega3 fatty acids...add to the wet food, these are excellent for any skin condition...especially dryness...

[opus88]

hi ang....
these links are abt allergies and how they can cause itching that include hair loss..
another suggestion I have is too change the litter, are you using a scent FREE type? since the licking/hair loss it at the back end this is also another red flag.
allergies to products or food can develop at ANY TIME..even if they have been using or eating same all the time. as with people, allergies develop due to sensitivities that develop over time by constant exposure.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2117&aid=142

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2117&aid=140

http://www.cat-health-guide.org/cat-skin-problems.html

if you are feeding dry food, that is one thing that can cause all these problems..b/c they are so full of chemicals and additives...also grains and grains are a huge allergen for cats. try some canned foods...
hope this helps♥

[ani_010]

Can anybody tell my why my torroise shell cat keeps nibbleing her fur off, she dosent have fleas, and isnt sore. Buy she will nibble her fur so short that she looks like she has been shaved. She is a timid cat that because of her life before we reacued her from the rspca we think she may have been abused. We have had her for almost 3 years and has settled so well. But at the moment she has a bald tummy, back legs, thies,even the tip of her tail, and now she has started on her front legs. I worry about her being cold, and looking so messy, from behind she looks like a walking peice of kfc! And she eats the fur that she nibbles off too :-/. Is this a habit with torties as ive seen another one that does this too. Please can someone give me some advice? Her skin underneath the fur is in good condition and has no sore or scabs. Help please. Anita x

[zodiacqueen]

I will write you a note, so we don't keep using space in the forums!!  Look in your profile notes!!  I am starting to feel bad using all this space!

[PrettyKitty1]

Well I am an electrical engineer. Now I work for the utility company on the energy side, specifically wind which is a growing business, now that everyone wants to go green to protect the environment. I deal with the generation side of the business. I operate wind turbines, meaning I control the wind farms we own around the country. We own over 8,000 wind turbines, including GE, Vestas, Siemens, Zonds etc, and looking to expand the business in Canada, where we already own 5 wind farms. It is a good place to be right now. My company is the second largest wind business in the world, after Iberdrola in Spain. Our main customer is Texas, where most of our wind farms are located. Now you see why my job is so stressful? It is all about the money. The more we generate the more money we get because our energy is not regulated. I fully control each park's generation, so if I mess up I'm basically exposed and everyone turns into jerks. I can reset a fault in a turbine, I can bring down the generation of the park, we prevent and predict events such as outages. We monitor and operate our sites...all from our computers. I like my role. I just hate the fact that I'm always stressed. At night I can barely sleep just thinking about my job.

My husband knows and so he takes me to the beach. We walk and sometimes run in the sand, talk about the future, about owning dogs and placing a big pond in the yard for our fish... and after all the sweat, air, the perfect view, it all gets better in my head. I am happy again and can actually function and focus on things other than my stressful job. I know I'm not the only one. The corporate world, unfortunately in US is stressful because it is all about the money. I have the best man by my side. He gives me so much comfort and support...

My dad wanted me to be a nurse or be in the medical field. I was never interested but I think what you're doing is the right thing to do. The medical field is also a good place to be and stay. Congratulations on your decision. Don't give up. School is hard, I should know, but it is all worth it at the end. Let me know how school goes. :)

Hugs!!!

[zodiacqueen]

WOW-I am impressed, you must be a math whiz!!  What kind of engineer are you?  I thought about chemical at one point, but then the medical field was calling to me.  I am in radiography, good LORD is it stressing me out.  It's much, much harder than anyone would ever think!!  I am on my second semester, and just started clinicals at the hospital twice a week.  I f'd up royally today, and got fussed at by my clinical instructor.  So, it's going to be a nice soothing soak in some bubbles to destress!!  That's what you should do, I've read some of your journal entries-you've got a very high stress job.  I could feel the stressful vibes as I read.  You've probably got the beach close to you, and nothing beats a walk on the beach listening to the ocean as a GREAT way to destress!!  I would love to do that-except Virginia Beach doesn't relax me.  I hope that you are finding some ways to relax, so you don't wind up making yourself sick with all of the stress you are constantly dealing with.  You are too much of a sweetie to put up with a bunch of BS!!

And, thanks for making me feel better about my Skunk-I worry about her because she is sooo old.  You are right, though, some cats live up to 20.  We had one that lived to 22 yrs old.  That was one amazing cat, the vets were completely shocked-her heart, kidneys, and thyroid were all normal.  She had died of some weird anemia-NO-not the iron deficiency kind.  Her body stopped making enough red blood cells, and those cells are the oxygen-carriers.  We had to get her put down, but she wasn't suffering-we did not let her get to that point.  Now that's true love!!!

Huggies!!!
Staci

[PrettyKitty1]

You're going to school? I wanted to get my masters, an MBA (Masters in Business Admin) but my job has not allowed for it yet. For now I'll just focus on passing my Fundamentals of Engineering exam which is not mandatory for engineers to take but it doesn't hurt either. You kow, the more titles you have the better, and who knows, I might want to get my PE licence one day (Professional Engineer), and for that I need to pass the FE exam. What are you focusing on in school?

Well it is odd that my dh is only allergic to my cat. He has had cats before but they've all been outdoors, so maybe he is allergic to cats, he just didn't know it until Abby came along as an indoor only.  They were playing a while ago, the usual game, dh annoying th cat and the cat growling and hissing. Then I get up, walk away and the cat follows me hah hah hah.

You have an oldie heh heh. I'm glad her health is good. Something is telling me she'll be around for quite some time. I mean 15 years....that's quite impressive.  I know there are cats that last to be 20 but you don't hear that every day, so perhaps your girl will be one of those ever lasting kitties :-)

[zodiacqueen]

That's very interesting-Abby is the only cat that your husband is allergic to?  That doesn't make sense-could it be something else?  Usually, you're allergic to ALL cats and not just one.  I don't know if it's possible to be allergic to only one cat.

By the way, Skunkie is 15 years old.  She does have a heart murmur, and she's on blood pressure medicine.  It's something I have to keep an eye on.  She doesn't have any symptoms, thank God!!  Her appetite is good, and her kidneys are good.  Once a cat starts getting to be around 7yrs old, that's when you should look for diabetes, kidney trouble, and thyroid trouble.  I am very lucky that her health is good at her age.  I am sooo happy about it because I am in school right now and didn't need that added stress.

Hugs
Staci

[PrettyKitty1]

I don't know if he would get worse. He's had cats for a very long time and has never shown symptoms of being allergic.  He is allergic to MY cat.  Regardless of his condition he still plays with Abby. It is inevitable. The creature is adorable and they both love each other. My husband loves to make Abby hiss and growl. He grabs one leg and wont let go until the cat gets annoyed enough to start growling and hissing. Abby doesn't bite, though. He has never acted aggressively towards anybody. Biting isn't his thing I guess. That's right, we're allergic to the cat's saliva when it dries. I bought Allergy Relief from Cats at Pet Supermarket. I apply this on my cat once every week. As soon as I started using this product it all got so much better..
My husband's entire body used to get red, itchy etc.....well not anymore. Every once in a while I'll see a few red spots in my hubby's stomach or chest but that's about it, and it doesn't get itchy anymore.
How old is your cat?

[zodiacqueen]

Your husband doesn't touch Abby at all?  Because of allergies?  I am allergic to cats too.  A doc told me that our immune systems are reacting to cat's saliva-that's what we're allergic to.  I just can't touch my eyes, and I'm fine.  I bet that's the deal with your hubby, too.  What good product did you find to help his allergies?  Might help anyone else who reads this!

As for Skunkie, she is an indoor cat.  I was so upset that I couldn't keep Mo Mo, and I figured that if she couldn't tolerate a cat as sweet and docile as him, then she couldn't deal with any other cat.  He was perfect, and he didn't even try to dominate her.  You should've seen what a spoiled b@#$% she was to him!!  She is one feisty senior citizen!!  But, I will let her have her peace, she's entitled to it.  If she was younger, than I would've kept him.  At her age, I want nothing affecting her health for the worse.  If you want to get a buddy for Abby, he should do fine since he is so much younger than my cat.  Abby would have a lot of fun with another kitty.  I love watching them play.  LOL!!  Your only problem would be your husband-would his allergies get any worse with another cat?

[PrettyKitty1]

Those pictures you have of Mo Mo...he is so handsome. I like your story. I rescued Abby from a pet store as well. He was a little kitten and we fell in love with him. He was playing with his brother when I saw him. Then came sadness as my husband became allergic to my cat, which is odd because hubby has had cats with no problems. My husband loves cats. My mom wanted me to get rid of Abby, just like that, but I couldn't. I was going crazy. My husband's health was the most important thing for me but at the same time I couldn't fathom the thought of abandoning my little baby. It all got better when I found the perfect product. My husband gets his allergies sometimes but as long as he doesn't touch my cat he is ok. I also started bathing him, brushing and applying the medication in his fur. That's when I realized I needed to be ready to swallow a lot of hair hah hah hah.  
Speaking of cat's reaction to new arrivals, it is my biggest fear. I would like to adopt a kitten from the shelter but there's a risk that my cat will stress and wont react well to the new pet, just like Skunkie. It's not like he can go out and relax as he is indoor. On the other hand he seems to be wanting a partner to play but that's just my impression.
Is Skunkie your only cat? Is she indoor?

[zodiacqueen]

Yup-me too, I have a thing for great big kitties.  One of these days, I will get a cooney.  My little Skunkie, I rescued from a pet store.  She was the only one left in a cage by herself, and the owner threatened that he'd get "rid" of her if someone didn't take her.  That's all my NON parasitic A*@ had to hear, and I got her outta there!!  Mo Mo is another story all together.  He is my mom's-NOW.  He was mine for 3 days, and my cat, as old as she is, was beyond stressed out about it all.  She is such the snob, I swear!  She popped him, growled, hissed, and was beyond obnoxious to poor Mo Mo.  Mo Mo was not even the dominant male, he is very docile, and didn't even react at all to her "evilness".  She had also stopped eating and stopped washing herself, and I just couldn't have him there affecting her health like that.  After some begging, my mom agreed to take him in.  I was SOOO glad she took him in, because I love him and I get to see him whenever I want to!!

HUGS
Staci

[PrettyKitty1]

Actually, Coonies and Norwegian Forest cats are my favorite breeds. Those creatures are magnificent. Actually I thought he was Maine Coon when he was little. Everybody in school would tell me the same thing so I started saying he was part coonie heh heh. The vet told me he probably has some purebred bloodline very close but he didn't know exactly which. That's when I started saying he was my beautiful, spoiled DMH (domestic medium hair)
He doesn't look overweight to me, well only when I'm carrying him his belly expands to the sides lol. The vet told me I shouldn't expect for him to be a small cat because obviously his frame is that of an almost big cat. He said that just to be safe, to try to bring the weight down a lil tiny bit, like maybe 1 1/2 lbs. Every time I bring my cat to the vet, the doctor goes "aawww what a beauty! Look at it!" lol.
His gut is normal for a neutered kitty. It is not big. I like touching it..it is always so warm lol.  
How did you get Skunkie and Mo Mo?
I love Skunkie!!!!!

[zodiacqueen]

Mo mo is the one that looks like Abby.  Skunkie is my black and white 15 yr old.  Well, anyway-Abby looks like he's part Maine Coon-have you heard of that breed?  Google or yahoo it!  Tell me what you think.  Abby does NOT look fat to me, he is just a big cat.  Maine Coon's are also big cats-NOT fat, just big.  Does Abby have a big gut?  If not, then your vet is wrong and Abby doesn't need to lose weight.  Abby wouldn't look right at 10 lbs, that would be too small for his frame.  This would be like my Skunkie gaining 5 more lbs.  She's only 5 lbs and she's petite-her gut would be hanging on the floor.  Cats are just like people-we all come in different sizes.  So, why wouldn't cats come in different sizes too????

I am serious-if Abby doesn't have a big hanging gut, then I'd ignore the vet.  You can tell him zodiacqueen told ya so....LOL!!

[PrettyKitty1]

LOL I thought MO MO was the black and white and female LOL. Abby's weight is driving me and the vet crazy. He is 1 lb heavier every passing month and it doesn't seem to stop
:( He weights 13 pounds now. The vet told me to switch to light food which I did. He is pretty active for an indoor cat. I have a picture of him in my profile. The only picture where he is standing on the desk. That's how he looks and to me he is perfectly fine. He doesn't seem too overweight to us (hubby and I) but when my dad sees him he comments on how big Abby has gotten...... big meaning he is longer, taller and fatter. He is 1 year and 3 months old. You think he'll keep growing? Gosh I don't even know what his ancient breed is. I know he isn't pure but there must be some sort of purebred blood in him, right? After all, domestic cats are a combination of a purebred and a not purebred or whatever...you know what I mean. If only I knew where he comes from I'd have some ideas as to when he'll stop growing and gaining weight. I have been buying him more toys and his cat tree is pretty high. He climbs, he jumps and runs and plays...and still gains weight. I guess that is one of the effects of fixing the pet. What can I do Staci? Vet told me to bring Abby down to 12 lbs but that is just mission impossible. He eats 2ice a day. For a 1 year old that is pretty good, right?

[zodiacqueen]

Abby and Mo Mo would make beautiful off-spring if they weren't fixed!!  One small problem, they are BOTH males!!  Mo Mo is very small, he is only about 8 lbs.  Abby looks about 10-12 lbs.  

I promise to get some more pics as soon as I get new batteries for my camera.  Sometime this week, be on the look out!!  I'll get some of my sexy Skunkie, and some of my mom's cats(they're like mine, too-LOL!!).  I'll also get her schizophrenic cat Gabby, He is a complete nutcase!!  He'll probably attack the camera, knowing him.

Huggies!!
Staci

[PrettyKitty1]

They look alike lol.. too bad they're fixed. Imagine the offsprings lol. Woman you have got to be the funniest person ever....I am literally in pain of how much I have been laughing. My stomach hurts so bad lol. Don't worry, relax, you're still alive and if your bootie is not itchy I don't think you have parasites. We're all hosts of parasites, one more, one less what gives lol..just kidding. Hey whenever you can could you please upload more photos of your precious cat. I like her. She is gorgeous! Cats are beautiful.

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, WOW, I was not even thinking about a possible parasite problem.  You both are right.  I bet tapeworm is probably the easiest to get from cat hair.  Now, I am paranoid-Good lord I've been around cats for over 30 years!!!  Time for old zodiacqueen to get the stool sample test!!!  LOL!!!

[zodiacqueen]

You are right Pretty Kitty, if she's pregnant than there could be a threat of toxoplasmosis-I had forgotten about that!!  Toxo can cause birth defects, if I'm remembering right.  So Carmen, if you were worried about this because your pregnant, then I am sorry.  

Pretty Kitty, I am scared to think how much cat hair I've swallowed, as many years as I've had cats  I probably need that vaseline hairball remedy-LOL!!

Thanks for the compliment on my 15 yr. old  She's a petite little 5 pounder!!  Doesn't Mo Mo have the same coloring as Abby?  I was shocked when I saw your pic of Abby!!  They are some SEXY kittys!!!  LOL

[PrettyKitty1]

Hi, thanks for your advice. I do brush the cat very frequently although he totally hates it. I try to do my best to get rid of as much hair as possible. When I am brushing him the place changes completely; like there is hair all over...my eyes, my nose, my hair, my mouth, and yeah....I do swallow (not intentionally) hair on a daily basis. There is even hair in the keyboard right now...ugh!
When I was little, my mom took me to the doctor precisely because we had 3 dogs and 2 cats and she believed I had parasites because of this. It turned out to be true...I was infested with parasites; That is why I told before that swallowing hair can be dangerous but I don't know how dangerous it can be..just because my experience was I got infested with parasites but it was easily treatable. My health was not affected in any way. Now that I have a cat who sheds a lot I make sure to watch for those symptoms again. I have also been to the doctor to run routine exams but it seems I'm fine. I did say I was swallowing hair but they just laughed and told me I didn't have parasites, my heart was perfect etc....
They did tell me to find ways to prevent the hair from entering my mouth, and that's when they told me what Savas mentioned above about what's in the hair. He is indoor and I don't have venom, toxic substances or plants in the house.

I would say he isn't a short hair cat and he doesn't have long hair either. I think he is in between. I was trying to actually see the most dominant breed in him but in cats it is very hard to tell..so I say he is my domestic medium hair beastie, but I could be wrong.

Thanks for your concern I really appreciate it! :)
Hugs!

[kittyluv1]

Sounds like you have a long-haired cat.  Although mine is short-haired, she does shed a fair amount (more when she is anxious such as a trip to the vet).  I did start using a brush similar to the FURminator which removes a great deal of the loose hair and reduces the shedding by quite a lot so I don't worry about loose hair in my eyes (that would definitely be a concern).  I agree with the previous post that cat hair could be potentially hazardous to your health and would advise you to discuss methods of controlling this with your vet.  
Good luck and best wishes!

[Savas]

Heh heh...well...that depends. Can you make/gak furballs easily or do you need a malt?

I don't think it's very dangerous. Enough and you may make yourself sick, so don't go dishing down on any bowls of cat hair cuttings.

There IS a worry about what's ON the hair though. There are certain parasites that cats and people share in common and while it's VERY unlikely to pick them up from a few hairs, anything is possible.

[PrettyKitty1]

lol I really do swallow hair every day. I was brushing him today and I realized I had hair in my eyes.....inside!!...disgusting. I guess we have to ask a doctor about this but I know..I'm quite sure it isn't good for your health. Sometimes I think I will get hairballs some day hahahaha...I can picture it!!

If she is pregnant, though...that is far more serious and I believe she should be making an appointment real soon...like you said, my friend.

Hugs!
Take Care Staci...I love your black/white cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!