Cat Allergy: What To Do If You Are Allergic To Your Cat

Cats are considered to be the most allergenic among pets. In previous years, cat fur was believed to be the cause of cat allergies in people. We now know that it is a glycoprotein, namely Fel D4 in the saliva of cats and Fel D 1 in the sebaceous glands, the culprit that triggers allergic responses. As the cat grooms itself, the saliva containing the allergen settles on the skin, where it becomes part of the dander.

People diagnosed with cat allergies are often advised by their doctor to get rid of their cats. If this is your case, do not panic, in most cases it will not be necessary.

There are several things you can do to lower allergen levels:

1. Keep the cat out of your room. Ideally, you should have one or more “cat-free” spots in your home where you can take shelter.

2. Use good quality HEPA air filtration systems in rooms where cats are frequently housed. It is worth buying a vacuum cleaner with a good quality HEPA filter, as cat dander particles escape from normal filters.

3. If possible, consider getting rid of plush rugs, rugs, and furniture. Cat dander gets trapped on these surfaces, and because it’s small and sticky, it often lingers there for months. If this is not a feasible option for you, use environmentally friendly anti-allergy upholstery and carpet sprays like AllerSafe Dustroy anti-allergy spray, which is said to reduce and / or neutralize allergens in cat saliva.

4. Clean your cat with a cloth dampened with allergy-friendly pet products such as AllerPet Dander Lotion at least once a week to remove dander from the fur and neutralize allergens in saliva. You can also use this lotion in a spray bottle and then comb your hair to evenly spread it. The lotion is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, so you can apply it as often as needed.

5. Wash your hands after petting the cat. Avoid kissing the cat and don’t let it rub against your face. Wash bedding and rugs in hot water regularly (once a week).

6. Ask your doctor about hyposensitization injections. Hyposensitization is not always successful, but it is worth a try. Some people report great relief with homeopathic treatment.

By taking the necessary precautions, most people with milder cat allergies experience significant relief. However, if you experience life-threatening allergy symptoms, such as severe asthma attacks and breathing difficulties, your only option may be to relocate your cat.