When people say they are allergic to cats or dogs, how often does it really mean

[Anonymous]

I am extremely allergic to cats and very allergic to some dogs (but not others). It is extremely annoying to me when someone questions my allergies or worse yet I end up in a position where I can't stop sneezing, eyes and throat itching like crazy, rashes (even days later) etc.
I would suggest trust as a first reaction instead of doubt. And be glad you don't suffer from this too.

PS I love cats and would have one in a heartbeat if I could.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:that they don't like cats or dogs?

probably not very often.

i grew up with cats and love them. went away for college and developed an allergy. can't have them now.

[Anonymous]

Why does it matter? Either way, they don't want to be around cats and dogs and are well within their rights to stay away.

Of course, if they want to use it as an excuse to complain about my dog in the common areas of our pet friendly building, I don't have much empathy and suggest they move to relieve their allergies or stress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am extremely allergic to cats and very allergic to some dogs (but not others). It is extremely annoying to me when someone questions my allergies or worse yet I end up in a position where I can't stop sneezing, eyes and throat itching like crazy, rashes (even days later) etc.
I would suggest trust as a first reaction instead of doubt. And be glad you don't suffer from this too.

PS I love cats and would have one in a heartbeat if I could.

Plus one. My inlaws are disbelieving of my pet allergies and it drives me crazy. Their lack of trust in me makes me not like them. I sure as hell will not go out of my way to take care of them when they get old and start developing health issues after their comp,eye lack of regard for mine

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does it matter? Either way, they don't want to be around cats and dogs and are well within their rights to stay away.

Of course, if they want to use it as an excuse to complain about my dog in the common areas of our pet friendly building, I don't have much empathy and suggest they move to relieve their allergies or stress.

Easier said than done, I would love to live in a pet free building but they are few and far between.

[Anonymous]

I suppose about as often as passive-aggressive people say stuff about other things.

Why are people so weird about other people's allergies? Yes, DH "seems fine" when he comes over to your house because he is on nasal steroids plus Claritin, he doesn't sit on or pick up anything upholstered, we leave when (or hopefully before) he starts to get a chest whistle, and he changes his clothes and showers as soon as we get home. Maybe try taking this as evidence that we like you enough to go through this rather than that he's lying.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure some people lie about it, but don't think it's a big deal. Some people might have a phobia to animals and don't want to admit it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Why does it matter? Either way, they don't want to be around cats and dogs and are well within their rights to stay away.

Of course, if they want to use it as an excuse to complain about my dog in the common areas of our pet friendly building, I don't have much empathy and suggest they move to relieve their allergies or stress.


Easier said than done, I would love to live in a pet free building but they are few and far between.

BS. It's a lot harder to find a pet friendly building in DC than a pet free one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure some people lie about it, but don't think it's a big deal. Some people might have a phobia to animals and don't want to admit it.

This. People laugh at me when I say that I am fearful of cats. Allergic is an easier (and also true) answer.