A new study reported in the ASPCA Alert ( 4/18/2002) says cats may be getting a bum rap. You don't necessarily have to give away the cat, says Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, head of Allergy and Asthma at University of Virginia. "You usually hear that families should get rid of their cats," the doctor told MSNBC, "but we do not have enough evidence to say to families with allergies or asthma that they should do this." In fact, recent studies show that children living with a dog or cat at home get less asthma—with two pets offering more protection than one. This research supports the current theory among allergists that exposing a child to dust, pet dander and other allergens at a young age will help him or her build up immunities to them. (In Sweden, for example, a whopping 80 percent of children who are allergic to felines never had a cat!) If you or your child is allergic to your animal companion, however, Platts-Mills recommends that you get rid of your carpeting, cover mattresses and cushions with zippered, plastic casings, and use a HEPA air filter to remove airborne animal dander.