Feline allergies afflict about 10% of the population and people are two times more likely to be allergic to a cat than a dog. A person with a cat allergy is allergic to the chemical Fel d 1 found in the saliva, flakes of dried skin (called dander), and/or urine.
It is important to note that the fur itself is not the real problem. In the case of an allergy, a person’s oversensitive immune system attacks the harmless proteins in something like cat dander as if they are an offending bacteria or virus.
However, not all hope of connecting with a feline friend need be lost for the person suffering allergies to cats, many effective cat allergy treatment options exist. Some treatments are simple and natural while others take advantage of breakthroughs in medicine.
Natural Treatments
Some simple things one can do in order to lessen allergy symptoms include keeping the cat’s living space well ventilated, vacuuming often, wiping the cat with a wet cloth daily, making sure a male cat is neutered (as hormonal male cats release the most allergens), and installing an air purifier.
It is recommended that those with cat allergies not allow the pet to sleep in bedrooms. A number of people have had success in manage their allergies by taking the herbs borage, ginger, and elder.
Taking up to 1500 milligrams a day of Bromelain can reduce the inflammation that cat allergy causes throughout the body. Further, eucalyptus in a steam treatment or tea is an excellent for alleviating coughs and nasal congestion. However, one should not ingest eucalyptus directly as this can be dangerous.
In addition, some cat lovers prone to allergies choose to hypoallergenic cats such as Abyssinians or Oriental Shorthairs.
Medicinal Treatments
One effective medical treatment for managing cat allergies is an allergy shot. These work by exposing the body for increasing amounts of the offending proteins allowing the body to build slowly up a tolerance.
Some allergy specialist will even formulate the injection using allergen extracts from your own cat, and often the shots are covered by medical insurance. However, shots may be needed for 3 to 4 years.
Antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Claritin, can be very effective in relieving symptoms. Further, decongestants, such as Sudafed, can minimize stuffiness and nasal congestion.
Humanity’s fascination with cats has spanned from the time of the Egyptians to present day. Soothing purrs, lively curiosity, and affectionate yet independent natures ensure cats’ popularity as companions.
Indeed, cats are the most popular household pets in U.S. homes. As such, many pet owners who develop cat allergies choose to keep their cats and other afflicted individuals decide to adopt a cat for the first time.
Employing cat allergy treatment options enables feline enthusiasts to continue to enjoy their special relationship with their pets. A combination of preventative measures, natural supplements, and medical treatments may offer the best plan for living allergy symptom free.