Cats are great pets, but they're also a major allergen for many people. There's no cure for cat allergies, but with a few simple steps at home and--depending on the severity of the allergy--a visit to a physician, most pet owners can live in harmony with their cats.
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Causes and Symptoms
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Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, according to Web MD. Though cat hair isn't the main source of the problem, it's actually the cat's dander, its saliva and its urine. Common symptoms of cat allergies include coughing, hives or an itchy rash, red, itchy and watery eyes, skin irritation from where the cat licks, bites or scratches, a runny nose and sneezing. Before beginning to treat a cat allergy, it is wise to visit a doctor to make sure it actually is a cat allergy and not the result of another health problem or a different allergen.
Medicinal cures
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Over-the-counter allergy medicines can usually take care of a mild to normal cat allergy, according to Web MD. An over-the-counter antihistamine, decongestant or nasal spray can work wonders. For more severe allergies, consider a prescription-strength medication such as prescription steroids. Allergy shots, a more dramatic medicinal option, are an alternative. They're not guaranteed to work, though they can help in certain situations. Talking with a doctor about more serious medicinal treatment is advisable.
Minimize contact
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Minimizing face-to-nose contact with a kitty is the easiest way to reduce the allergy problem. For those who are not cat owners but have friends who are, remember to try to avoid petting, hugging or kissing someone else's cat. Guests who have cats can bring dander into a cat-free home, so make sure to clean thoroughly after guests leave. When staying in a home where a cat lives, make sure the cat is kept out of the room before arriving, and in all cases be sure to have medicine handy to prevent or relieve allergy outbreaks.
Cat Owner Tips
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For cat owners, the last option is usually getting rid of a beloved pet, so managing the allergy becomes key instead. Again, limiting time spent with the cat is helpful. The person with the allergy should avoid doing cat chores, especially concerning the litter box. Closing doors and keeping the pet in certain areas of the home can help. Vacuuming regularly and using a HEPA approved filter in the vacuum is good; getting rid of carpet altogether is even better. Not sleeping with a cat is important; dander on sheets and in the mattress can become highly problematic.
It is best to work on these things from the time a cat enters a home; once habits are formed, they can be difficult to break. Although most cats aren't a fan of baths, bathing a cat is a good way to reduce dander and the spread of the cat's saliva. Over-the-counter allergen reducers can be found at many retail pet stores, and wiping a cat down with a shed- or allergen-reducing cloth can be helpful for the allergic owner.
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