Living with a Cat Allergy

For some people, the diagnosis of a cat related allergy means the end of their chances of being a cat owner and this is very sad.  But for others, it may be that they are in the position of being able to live with both their allergy and their cat.  Here are a few tips that may be suitable for you.

Understanding the allergy

Step one is to fully understand your allergy.  Visit your doctor and find out exactly what type of allergy you have as this could be important in dealing with it and might even lead to a pleasant surprise.  Some people have assumed their cat was the cause of the allergy but when tests were conducted it was something different such as a pollen from a new plant in your garden.  It could even be something as simple as a reaction to a new brand of cat litter, or the dust from it.

If the test comes back to show that you are allergic to your cat, then the next step is to completely understand this allergy.  Allergies are triggered by something called an allergen in saliva and skin glands that often comes on animal’s dry skin (dander) and fur.  This dander and fur then sticks to walls, carpets and even clothing.

How people react to allergens varies from one to another.  It can range from a mild sniff or sneeze to a very serious asthma attack.  It can also be made worse is there is a secondary exposure to another allergen such as pollen, dust mites or mould.

When it comes to dander and fur, the reaction can be differ depending on the breed of the cat.  Some breeds are viewed as less likely to cause an allergic reaction, such as hairless cats, while others are seen as more likely, such as longhaired.  The truth is there is no universal rule.

Living with the allergy

If you don’t have the more severe reactions to the allergen, it is often possible to live with the cause and use a few steps to reduce the exposure to them. 

One idea is to create an allergy-free zone, often chosen to be the bedroom, where the cat isn’t allowed access.  Make use of a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner and also consider impermeable covers for mattress and pillows in the room.

HEPA air cleaners can be used throughout the home as well and consider avoiding furnishings that collect dust and dander, such as cloth curtains and carpeted floors.  Clean frequently to remove any dander that has adhered to things such as pillows, sofas and chairs and pet beds.

If you have a young cat, learn them to have a weekly bath.  Make use of a special kitten and cat shampoo and check with your vet about how best to bath your cat.  This reduces the dander that is released into the rooms.

There are lots of different treatments to try in order to live with an allergy and an allergen.  These include allergy shorts, nasal sprays and anti-histamine pills.  Consult with an allergist who can help you understand what will work best for you but generally, a combination of all of these ideas works best for most people.

Conclusion

 

While not everything will help someone suffering with an allergy, there are a few things to try before making the difficult choice to give up your pet.  Talking to people to see what works for them never hurts and with a bit of luck, you may find the perfect solution to the problem.