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Meds for Cat Allergies

Cats give their owners love, comfort and support. Unfortunately, they can also give them allergies. Allergenic components found in cat hair, dander, saliva and urine are enough to make the best pet owner sneeze, wheeze and, ultimately, avoid the kitty. Fortunately, there are medications available that can make living with felines manageable for most folks with allergies to cats.

  1. Loratadine

    • Loratadine, also known as Claritin, is a medication that is often helpful in managing allergies to cats, according to the Health Communities website. Loratadine is available over-the-counter and offers non-drowsy relief from allergy symptoms. Follow dosage instructions on the product’s label. Along with taking loratadine, use filtering systems throughout your home to eliminate dander and fur, and brush the cat daily. Bare floors are often better than carpeted floors, which more easily trap dander and hair.

    Cetirizine

    • Cat allergy sufferers often find relief when they take cetirizine, also sold under the name Zyrtec. Cetirizine is available over-the-counter and in both 12- and 24-hour formulations. Cat saliva is typically the culprit of feline allergies. It sticks to their hair when they clean themselves. We pet them and transfer their saliva onto our hands. A protein in the saliva causes allergic reactions. Cetirizine can help to prevent that reaction in most cat allergy sufferers. Follow the directions on the product’s label for dosage instructions.

    Fexofenadine HCl

    • Those suffering from runny noses, sneezing and watery eyes because of cat allergies may find relief by taking Fexofenadine HCI, sold in generic form and under the name Allegra. This non-drowsy medication is available through prescription and may cause mild side effects, including headache, nausea and drowsiness. Fexofenadine HCl fights cat allergies by combating the effects of histamine on your body. When your body encounters a foreign substance, such as cat saliva, it releases histamines in its defense. Excess histamine can cause sneezing and other common allergy symptoms. Fexofenadine HCl can minimize the effects of histamine.

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