It's a brand new house, Sneezydiva, and we've been in it for about five months. My bedroom vent has never been open and my cat is restricted to this area. The other cat has been given to my other son, but i'm sure left dander traces all over. The little one has had two scary asthmatic/bronchial episodes this winter and last week was put on albuterol neb as needed, pulmicort and singulair. He is doing so much better now.

Cleaning the vents is probably a good idea once the cat is gone. Carpets are being shampooed next week. I appreciate your candid comments and have learned so much here. Thank you

Quote from hypatia:

The little one has had two scary asthmatic/bronchial episodes this winter and last week was put on albuterol neb as needed, pulmicort and singulair. He is doing so much better now.

That may have been due to the season as well. I'm not sure where you're located, though. My son hasn't been diagnosed with asthma yet (he's a week shy of turning 2 y/o) but every winter he has breathing problems and is on the albuterol neb as needed.