There is some hope for those who avoid cats out of concern for allergic reactions, even though some people avoid them because they fear or detest them. The type of allergies you have will determine a lot of things. If they are the sneezing, watery eyes, and running nose kind, you might be able to gradually increase how much you can tolerate cats.
But you should get tested for allergies first, especially if you have asthma, before adopting a cat. Studies reveal that the prevalence of cat allergies is actually much higher than the estimated 30% of individuals with allergies who are allergic to dogs and cats.
Here are some pointers to help you manage the symptoms of your cat allergy while still having the lifetime company of a feline.
Symptoms of Cat Allergy
It’s difficult to overlook symptoms of a cat allergy. They typically occur when a cat is around or you’ve seen cat hair left behind on furniture. The proteins in cat dander, saliva, or urine are triggering an immune response in your body. The following is a list of common symptoms associated with cat allergies:
Coughing, Sneezing, Wheezing, Skin rash, Congestion in the nose, Difficulty breathing, Runny or stuffed nose, Itchy, red, watery eyes.
Take Out All the Allergens in Your Home
Remove as many other allergens from your home as you can, such as dust, mold, and mites, before thinking about adopting a new pet. The majority of airborne allergens, including cat dander, stick to soft materials like carpets, upholstery, and draperies. To get rid of allergens in your home, try these popular methods:
- Use blinds in place of window coverings. If you rent and are unable to obtain authorization to replace them, make sure the curtains are regularly vacuumed and kept clean.
- If at all feasible, swap out plush upholstered furniture for leather.
- Get rid of plug-in air fresheners, potpourri, and decorative scented candles, as they can all make allergy symptoms worse.
- Think about switching out the wall-to-wall carpeting for tile or wood floors. If not, regularly vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
Advice
Allergens in the air tend to be dispersed by vacuuming. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to capture more cat dander particles and prevent them from recirculating.
Think About Allergy Drugs
When it comes to managing a cat allergy, medication is frequently the first thing people think of. It’s worthwhile to look into over-the-counter or prescription medication, natural treatments like BioAllers, or a course of allergy shots (immunotherapy). Remember that before starting a new treatment, you should always consult your doctor or an allergist.
Go See Friends With Cats
If you want to spend some time getting up close and personal with a cat, choose to visit a friend who has an outgoing cat. Request that your friend select a time when the cat is relaxed, comfortable, and fed. If you need to use allergy relief wipes or spray on the cat while you’re visiting, ask your friend’s permission first.
Take your allergy medicine thirty minutes in advance of the scheduled time. Let the cat lead the way when you get there. First they might greet you by sniffing your legs and feet. If the cat rubs against your hand when you dangle it, it may be a sign that petting is okay. You might let the cat climb onto your lap if your allergies are still under control. To keep you and the cat comfortable, limit the duration of your visit to no more than fifteen minutes.
Return in a week or two with the same cat, and stay for a maximum of thirty minutes. Start going to other friends’ houses who have cats.
Think About Hypoallergenic Dogs
A select few cat breeds are thought to be hypoallergenic, or at the very least beneficial to individuals with allergies. These breeds include the following:
- Sphynx: The hair on these cats is very fine and sparse.
- Rex: Unlike breeds with thicker coats, some rex breeds, such as the Devon Rex, have fine, wavy or curly hair that may not trap dander.
- Siberian: These cats don’t have the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, which after grooming turns into dander. This feature might be beneficial for allergy sufferers.
Check to see if there’s a local cat show you can go to where you can watch these particular breeds in person to learn more about them. Numerous cat breed clubs host exhibitions that highlight particular breeds.
Check Out the Animal Shelter in Your Community
After you believe you have control over your allergies, think about adopting. Here’s how to handle a visit to the animal shelter in your community or a cat adoption event.
- Dress comfortably and casually.
- Do not forget to take any allergy medication in advance.
- Be ready to stay at the shelter or event for approximately an hour.
- If a private room is available, take a few cats, one at a time, and spend some time getting to know each one.
It’s commonly believed that cats typically select their humans, so base your decision on what a cat does. Before you locate the cat that suits your lifestyle, you might need to make multiple trips to the shelter.
Ensure that everything in your house is ready for a new pet. After making your decision, speak with the staff, let them know about your allergies, and inquire as to whether the cat can be returned as a last resort in the unlikely event that your allergies worsen after you bring the pet home. Try to limit the amount of time your new cat spends in your bedroom so you can sleep through the night without even the slightest allergy symptoms.
Consider giving your cat Pro Plan LiveClear, a particular allergen-reducing cat food, once you get them home. It has been demonstrated by science that this diet reduces the Fel d 1 allergen in cat dander. Additionally, regular use of moist cloths or baby wipes to clean your cat’s fur will help prevent the spread of dander.
Cats are wonderful animals, and with the development of allergy drugs, feline diet management, and regular coat care, perhaps you can have a cat companion despite having allergies.
WARNING:
The material in this article is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be used in place of medical advice from a licensed professional. For the diagnosis and treatment of any worrisome symptoms or medical conditions, please see your physician.
