In the two years I've known my partner and her cat, my cat allergy has developed from a slight sniffle to full-blown asthma attacks. My homeopath has tried everything, while my GP can only suggest antihistamines, which stop the itching and streaming eyes, but not the respiratory problems. My partner cannot bring herself to rehome the cat, which she rescued.

Contact the British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy (01974 241376, www.allergy@onetel.com), give them samples of the cat's hair, and they will make up a homeopathic remedy specific to your cat. Airborne allergies can be greatly relieved with an air purifier (from Allergy UK, 01322 619864; www.allergyuk.org). Allergy Relief From Cats is a drug-free, nontoxic solution wiped on to a cat's coat to remove the allergy-causing dust; it costs £4.99 a bottle (01480 464550).

I'm a 37-year-old woman, and for eight months I've had chronic thirst. My mouth feels very dry, as if I'm not producing enough saliva. I have a reasonable intake of fruit, vegetables, pulses and fish, and I don't eat meat. My GP could not detect anything.

Your GP will have checked for diabetes and kidney problems, but ask whether the thirst could be due to medical drugs you are taking. Another possibility is a deficiency of essential fatty acids, which can cause dehydration of the mucous membranes. Eat oily, cold-water fish, nuts and seeds, and take Udo's Oil (08450 606070; www.savant-health.com). Drink filtered or mineral water and diluted fresh juice. Avoid salty foods. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be the result of Sjogren's Syndrome, which affects the salivary glands - visit www.sjogrens.org.

Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.

Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: .