Hi Angie,

I don't think anyone can reliably predict whether someone will definitely get allergies or develop a specific type of allergic sensitivity. Your son is at increased risk because his father has allergies, but that doesn't mean he'll definitely get allergies too or that he would or would not have a cat allergy.

Experts are divided on whether exposure to animal dander early in life increases or decreases the risk for developing a sensitivity later on.

So, I'm sorry to tell you that it could be a matter of trial and error. If you do get a cat, work hard to keep it out of your child's sleeping and playing areas as much as possible to lessen the possibility of exposure. But it's not only cat dander that can cause allergies... it's also cat urine and cat saliva that can do it.

Hope that helps somewhat... :)

Take care,

Kathi