A cat allergy can manifest itself in a number of ways: from mild symptoms, such as sneezing and coughing, to severe allergic reactions, such as asthma attacks. While it is possible to minimize allergic reactions with medications, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, it is a good idea to have a diversified approach in an attempt to decrease them.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Consult a Doctor Before Making More Attempts
Step 1. Consult your doctor
Doctors usually prescribe the following types of medications to avoid cat allergies. They are usually over the counter.
- Antihistamines: Among the most common are Allegra, Astelin, Benadryl and Clarityn. You may have to experiment with different types to find the one that works best for you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Decongestants: can be used to treat or prevent nasal or throat congestion. Some of the most popular are Allegra-D and Sudafed.
- Steroids: Most steroids require a prescription to purchase. They include sprays such as Flonase and Nasonex.
Step 2. Consider getting specific injections to reduce allergy
Performing a series of anti-allergic injections can reduce long-term allergic reactions. However, this treatment can take years to be truly effective. In addition, injections can be performed on patients aged five years and over. This option may be desirable if you really want to have a cat but can't find any other way to keep your allergy at bay.
Method 2 of 5: Keep the Air Clean
If you live or frequent a house where a cat lives, cleaning the air will be essential for you.
Step 1. Put on a filter mask
The mask will filter out any allergens that try to enter your respiratory channels, thereby reducing the chances of having asthma attacks as well as coughing or sneezing problems.
Step 2. Ventilate the house properly
Open doors and windows to encourage cross ventilation so allergens can be pushed out of the way.
Step 3. Use a HEPA filter for your vacuum cleaner
This filter is of superior quality and can capture allergens to prevent allergic reactions to cats. Try to vacuum every day for this method to be more effective.
If possible, use a good vacuum cleaner, possibly specific for vacuuming up the hair and dead cells of animals
Step 4. Clean your home frequently
Dust, wash the sofa covers and surfaces and so on at least weekly. Use pet brushes or electrical tape to catch hair from areas where cats rest. Immediately throw away any collected hair.
- Use damp cloths to dust off and minimize the amount of allergens that get airborne.
- Sweeps the areas that animals frequent the most every day. Allergens on the floor will be lifted by someone walking or sitting.
Method 3 of 5: Keep the Cat Clean
Step 1. If possible, keep a cat that has less hair
A cat with less hair will accumulate less dust and saliva residue on it (which are the two biggest causes of cat allergy). The Devon Rex cat might be a good choice, as it has very short or even no hair. It is considered one of the most "hypoallergenic" cats, if not the most hypoallergenic of all, in existence. Other things to consider before buying a cat as a pet include:
- Males tend to produce more allergenic secretions than females.
- Neutered males produce fewer allergens than intact males.
- Dark cats produce more allergens than light cats.
Step 2. Have your cat washed regularly
- Have someone in the house who is not allergic do this, or pay for a cat groomer to come to your home weekly.
- As impossible as this may seem to you (especially since most cats hate bathrooms), washing a cat 2-3 times a week has shown a considerable reduction in allergens.
- Some cat owners recommend using distilled water for the bathroom, for thorough and truly hygienic cleaning.
- After washing, you may want to consider misting the cat with anti-allergy spray to reduce allergens and attract less of them.
Step 3. Take care of the cat daily
Brush or comb the hair thoroughly every day and throw away any remaining hair on the brush. Again, it would be better for a non-allergic person to take care of it.
Brushing improves the texture of the cat's fur and helps remove all sources of allergens from the cat's saliva, external pollen and anything else the cat has rubbed against
Method 4 of 5: Take Precautions at Home
Take extra precautions if your family has a cat as a pet. Here are some tips you can follow.
Step 1. Keep the cat out of the house
This will limit your exposure. Some people keep their cats in a kennel set in the garden. In this way, the feline also has the freedom to roam outside.
Step 2. Designate areas where the cat cannot enter
Don't let the feline enter your bedroom or other areas where you spend most of your time.
Keep the doors closed in places you don't want the cat to enter. This must always be done, to avoid access; the more everyone does it, the more it will become an automatic habit
Step 3. Keep all toys and cat bed clean
Wash them regularly with warm water. This will reduce the allergens flying around your home.
Method 5 of 5: Minimize Contact with Cats
For many allergy sufferers, staying away from cats is a daily reality. If you cannot reduce allergen sources through the suggested methods, you will need to considerably reduce the chances of coming into contact with cats in general.
Step 1. Avoid visiting homes where there are cats
Find out in advance if cats live in a house. If yes, please inform the owners that you will not be able to go there due to your allergy.
Step 2. Be careful when hanging out with people who have a cat
Dead skin cells on their clothes could cause you an allergic reaction. Without exaggerating the problem, simply point out that you have a severe cat allergy and that even the fur left on your clothes can cause you to react.
- At work, this could mean sitting a considerable distance away from someone who has a cat and can't prevent their clothes from filling up with dead cells and hair.
- Don't be rude. You may also have an allergy, but cat owners have feelings. Politely explain the situation, showing understanding towards them.
Step 3. Don't let cats approach you
It may sound simple common sense, but a love of cats combined with an allergy can lead many cat lovers to do rather counterproductive things. Avoiding direct contact with cats will minimize the chances of triggering a reaction. The following actions will help relieve your allergy:
- Don't pet the cats. There is a protein in the saliva of cats (Fel D1) which appears to be the major cause of many allergic reactions in humans. By avoiding petting the cat, you will not come into contact with this allergen. If you must pet the cat, wash your hands immediately with soap and warm water (a good habit for all cat owners regardless of allergies).
- Don't bring a cat close to your face.
- Never try to kiss a cat.
Advice
- Still ongoing research is looking at ways to breed genetically modified cats so as not to cause allergies. In the future, many people who are allergic to cats may have one, because they will no longer cause reactions.
- Read The Sneeze-Free Cat Owner by Diane Morgan to learn more.
