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Relief From Cat Caused Allergies

Cat allergies are caused by cat urine, proteins in cat saliva or dander (flakes of dried skin.) You can tell if you are allergic to cats by being tested by a doctor with skin or blood tests. Common signs of an allergy are coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, redness where a cat licked or scratched you and runny, itchy or stuffy nose. Sometimes, you may even have hives on your face and chest. There are some ways to stop these symptoms, although there is no way to prevent allergies.

  1. Over-the-Counter Meds

    • Over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants can relieve an allergy to cats. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two types of antihistamines that work. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a decongestant that can lessen an allergic reaction. Try different kinds until you find one that solves your problem. If over-the-counter medicines don't work, it may be time to see the doctor for something stronger.

    Prescription Meds

    • Once your doctor has assessed that you have an allergy to cats, expect to receive a prescription to help you deal with the allergy. Prescription antihistamines such as Allegra (fexofenadine HCl) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) might help. Allegra-D may be prescribed as a decongestant. Nasal sprays that can relieve allergies are available.

    Allegry Shots and Steroids

    • Your doctor may prescribe allergy shots, but these can take a long time to work. Steroids are also another allergy reliever, though they can cause many uncomfortable side effects, such as, but not limited to, liver tumors, jaundice, fluid retention and high blood pressure.

    Preventative

    • You can stay away from the cat causing the allergy as much as possible to help keep you healthy. Make sure to keep floors vacuumed and swept. Use air filters and a central air cleaner to keep dander from circulating in the house. Avoid all physical contact with cats. Let someone else in your house take care of litter boxes and feeding the cat. You can also have someone bathe the cat regularly, provided the cat will allow you to do so. If you are visiting someone with a cat, ask them to keep the cat out of your bedroom for a few weeks before you arrive and start taking your medicine before you go to visit.

      If none of these work, you may have to give up your cat. This may seem extreme, but allergies can get worse over time. You run the risk of developing asthma, a serious medical condition. If you love cats and want to keep them or be around them, try all other options before giving up. You may find the right solution.

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