Can a child transmit cat's hair or fur to a person who's having a cat allergy?

Hello.

It's great that you're considering getting a cat, but the allergy concerns regarding your son's mother are definitely something to consider.

Cat allergens can cling to clothing, hair, and skin. When your son spends time with the cat and then goes back to his mother's house, he may inadvertently bring these allergens with him. This could potentially trigger an allergic reaction in his mother, even if she doesn't come into direct contact with the cat.

The severity of the allergic reaction can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others could have more severe reactions. It's important to understand how allergic his mother is to cats.

There are ways to reduce the transfer of allergens. These include having your son change clothes and wash up before he goes back to his mother's house, using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home, and keeping the cat out of your son's bedroom to minimize the amount of hair and dander he carries with him.

While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds are known to produce fewer allergens than others. Breeds like the Siberian or Balinese produce less of the Fel d 1 protein, which is a common trigger for cat allergies.

Discuss this decision with his mother and consider a trial period. You could foster a cat temporarily to see how this arrangement affects her allergy when your son returns to her home.

 If it turns out that a cat isn't a viable option, you might consider other pets that don't pose an allergy risk, such as certain reptiles or fish.

Remember, it's important to balance the benefits of pet ownership with the health and well-being of all involved parties. Discussing openly with your son's mother and seeking medical advice where necessary is the best way forward.