Buying an untested kitten

Families with mild to moderate cat allergies might consider purchasing an untested kitten. Testing in-person with kittens 12 weeks or older is a good indicator of future allergic reactions. We do not advise testing with kittens younger than 12 weeks of age. Younger kittens do not produce stable amounts of allergen.

Even low allergen matings can produce normal allergen kittens. Cat allergies can be mild to life threatening. Please obtain medical advice before exposing children with severe cat allergies to cats. Always have Children’s Chewable Benadryl and prescription allergy medications on hand when testing with a kitten.

 1.  Start with the kitten close to your face, (but not against your skin) and waft air from the kitten towards your face.  If there is any itchy nose eyes or throat, or odd “smell,” stop testing and gently rinse your face.  If the reaction subsides quickly, go on to test with a different kitten. If the reaction persists, stop and wait for another day.

 2.  Briefly place face-in-fur with the kitten that caused the least reaction.  If there is no reaction, hold the kitten to the face for a minute, and then wait for 10-15 minutes.  Look for obvious signs of cat allergies, such as red or itchy eyes, runny nose, itchy skin or rashes, asthma or wheezing.

Cat allergens build up in the home for six months, and reactions will get worse with time. Do not take home a kitten if there is any reaction.