Need Advice on Pets

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.

I do disagree that a pet is not just a pet...it is part of your family, hence why this decision is probably very difficult for you.

My husband is allergic to cats too...but by experiment I found he is actually allergic to the litter, not the cat itself. He would sneeze, his eyes got so red I don't really know if he could see or not...(I now use the tidy cat, the stuff that clumps) I had to move it out of our living area and into the basement...far away from 'humans'. I still have a cat who gets upset with me and will go and mark in spots...I have to clean his TWO litter boxes everyday to make him not do this to my carpet.

If you have tried everything under the sun you can think of, the problem is persisting or getting worse, re-homing them would be for the best...as hard as it may be.

There is also the option of trading in the cat for maybe a small dog, or a family fish tank that everyone could help put together...the kids will heal, and yes they will be sad that is a given...but overall you have to do what is the best for your son.

Lose the cats! Sorry, but it's the only solution.

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.

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

Well, Inyour profile you state that you love being a mom and are still kinda learning.... this is one of those learning curves. Same thing happened to us with my daughter... I would do anything to keep my kids healthy and safe. . . wouldn't you ?

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 !!

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.

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.

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

You could contact secondhand purrs in milwaukee or the humane society to find homes for your kitties. I was fortunate to adopt a wonderful cat who I still have many years (she's 13 yrs old!)later from a situation similar to this. It will be hard to see them go but it will be for the best. Maybe you could get some goldfish as a new pet for everyone to enjoy and help take care of.