Allergy?

Question
My husband and I just moved in with my father.  He has a cat, and we have a cat and a ferret.  My father is not allergic to cats, but all of a sudden he's sneezing and coughing.  Is my father allergic to our ferret?  Thank you!

Answer
Hello Nancy,
I am sorry about the delay in answering. My computer has been acting up. I have really no way tot tell you for sure that you father is allergic to the ferret, so my best advice is to check with his doctor.
I do know that ferret allergies are not nearly as common as dog or cat due to mostly the dander that dogs & cats have and the increased shedding.
If you think he might be allergic, visit a pet store and have him hold a couple of OLDER ferrets. ( Not the babies b/c they mostly still have downy fur).
Allergies might make him sneeze, or he might have a skin reaction from touching or being scratched by a ferret. Either way it is a good way to test it.
    I have heard of people who are  allergic only to intact males, so you may want to try contact with females or neutered males as well. Also note that some people are allergic to the perfumes people often put on their ferrets, but not to the animals themselves. Same with the bedding, litter or flea treatments.
I am sorry I cannot give you more insight. Good luck, and feel free to ask any other questions you may have.
amy