Allergy to Cat Fur

Allergies to cat fur is a very common problem for people, and deters many cat lovers from owning one as a pet. But recent advancements in medical technology and filtering mechanisms have made it possible to live happily with a cat, even if you are allergic to it. There are several different approaches to dealing with a cat allergy, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

  1. Misconceptions

    • Most people think that their allergic reaction to cats is caused by their fur. However, the real culprits are the proteins that a cat's saliva produces; since cats constantly groom themselves, much of the dried saliva ends up on the fur. This is why people often believe that the longer the hair of the cat, the worse the allergies. This is a myth; in reality, there is no hypoallergenic cat.

    Identification

    • It is relatively easy to self-diagnose when it comes to cat allergies. The symptoms include runny nose, itchy skin and eyes, or sometimes even a rash. You can confirm the allergies if you notice that when the cat is around, or you are near a place where she likes to sleep or spend time birdwatching, your allergies get significantly worse; you may start sneezing, coughing or itching while brushing or petting the cat.

    Solution

    • There are several ways to combat the allergies that make you miserable without having to get rid of your feline friend. A medical solution is to receive an allergy shot or immunotherapy, or your doctor may prescribe antihistamine pills or steroids, depending on the severity of the allergy. It is important to confirm with your allergist that you indeed are allergic to cat dander, since other types of allergies can cause similar symptoms.

    Another Solution

    • There are a number of nonmedical solutions to reducing your allergies as well. Veterinarians suggest bathing your cat on a regular basis to decrease the presence of saliva proteins; however, you must use shampoo that is suited for cats, rather than humans.

      Another common approach is to brush the cat daily and vacuum as often as possible, and to always wash your hands after handling the cat or her toys.

    Prevention/Solution

    • There are also steps you can take to reduce the chance of your allergies ever developing into a severe or life-threatening condition. Many cat owners have installed HEPA filters with great success, both within their air ducts and in their vacuums. Additionally, you should keep your cat out of your bedroom, so that you can get a good night's sleep without breathing dander. The same goes for your car, particularly if you are a commuter. Reducing the presence of cat fur from these areas can greatly decrease the frequency of your allergies.