Cat allergies

Received a call today for a farm house cleaning. I don't normally take them as they are always off some long stretch of gravel road and the homes have terrible soil loads from the dusty roads and muddy foot traffic, but I had nothing else going on so I took it.

As expected, it was about 4 miles of gravel road to get there and the carpets were badly soiled wool berber left over from the days of horse and buggy. At least it was without stains and was only 2.5 rooms. Nice elderly couple, made me a blt sandwich and sweet tea while I cleaned.

I'm not sure who was more surprised by the results, but it really did look great...hadn't been cleaned since 1987! She did tell me that she made the family take off their shoes and vacuumed daily...except for a couple of cats, their wasn't any of the outside being tracked inside. The only problem became the cats.

I grew up with cats in an old farmhouse (only way to keep the mice and cricket population down), but I developed an allergy to them in my late teens. This was the first house that I reacted to the presence of cats and it became a problem after about an hour. Head started itching really bad, sinus draining, and a headache all came out of nowhere and even now after a long shower, I'm getting small hives.

So, I am off to find some benedryl and hope things settle down. Anyone have similar issues? Is it worth it to take some benedryl prior to cleaning or would that not work?

Another cruddy day...at least the weather is awesome again (75 and sunny). Still hoping for a big recovery next week, but many cleaners in my area are reporting a dead period right now as well.

Maybe I should just start decorating for Halloween instead.

No allergies for me.

I bet it sucks though.

It sure does....it only seems to be with farm cats, but not sure why. I don't get any seasonal allergies, so I don't think it is weed related.

The benedryl helped, but my ears are stuffed up now...like hearing under water.

Boy, it sure wasn't worth the $110 ticket. Need to listen to that little voice next time.