Top 10 Ways to Alleviate Human Allergies to Cats
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
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 Pet allergies can strike anyone at any age, and thousands of people suffer from allergies to animals. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies to cats or dogs occur in approximately 15% of the population. Unfortunately, some pet owners develop a severe allergy to their new pet and must decide between keeping it and suffering daily, or placing the pet in a new home.
People who are allergic to cats are often allergic to dander (dead skin that is continually shed), saliva, or urine. There are no "hypoallergenic" cats, and every cat sheds. Some have a thin hair coat, however, and shed much less than those with thick hair coats. But shedding is not the problem - the dander is often the actual allergy-inducing culprit.
Thankfully, surrendering your cat to a shelter or another home is no longer the only solution for people with allergies to cats. If you or a member of your family is allergic to cats, you can do several things to help keep allergic reactions under control and make your home a much more comfortable place in which to live. Even if you do not have allergies, these tips are helpful if you have guests in your home who are allergic to cats.
- Clean and vacuum regularly, and consider installing a good "HEPA" air cleaner.
- Keep your cat out of your bedroom(s) at all times.
- Close the ducts to the bedrooms and use electric heaters.
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Bathe your cat frequently (weekly, if possible).
- Do not allow your cat on your furniture, or use
furniture throws if you choose to allow your cat to share the furniture.
- Do not allow your cat in your car. (Use a
pet carrier when you must transport your cat.)
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Brush your cat daily and use an allergy-reducing spray such as
Nature's Miracle Dander Remover.
- Keep your cat's skin healthy by feeding a
high quality food and a
fatty acid supplement.
- Wash your hands after handling your cat, toys, bed, and so on.
- See your physician and discuss possible immunotherapy or medications.
Allergic cat owners are understandably reluctant to surrender or avoid their pet. By modifying your cat's "house rules" and adopting some new strategies for cleanliness/hygiene, allergic cat owners and their cats may enjoy a more comfortable life together. |
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