Pet Sitting

Question
I have had an allergy to cats since birth. My eyes will get very itchy. Several years ago, the garbage man came to my door with a feral black kitten that he found in the dumpster. I couldn't turn my back on the poor little thing. We kept him and I experienced little allergic reaction around him. When I recently sat for my friend's baby in a house with three cats, the experience was intense; I was ready to tear my eyes out after one hour. In a few weeks, I have committed to sitting for 2 ragdolls. My friend claims that because they have an underlayer of hair, I would be protected from the cause of my grief, i.e. the dander. Is this true -- or should I pack benedryl?

Answer
Lesley,

As far as I know ragdolls aren't hypoallergenic. It would be wise to ask your friend to have them bathed a day or two before you start sitting and I would still suggest that you pack the Benadryl. Bathing the cats will wash away some of the dander which will hopefully make you more comfortable but you could still have a reaction to them. I hope that this information helps. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me again.