Treatment for Allergy to Cats

An estimated 16 to 20% of the population suffers from cat allergy symptoms. An allergy to cats can prevent you from owning a cat, and can also make it difficult to visit the homes of family and friends do. Fel d1, which is found mainly in cat saliva, is the primary cause of cat allergies. Because cats groom themselves, cat hair and dander can also contain traces of this protein. Albumin, which is found in the urine, blood and saliva of cats, is another common source of reaction. Treatment for allergy to cats can be a long process, however, when effective, treatment can greatly improve the quality of life for a cat allergy sufferer.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum filters designed for those with allergies

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Learn to distinguish between allergy symptoms. Many symptoms can mimic symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing; red, itchy and burning eyes; sore throat; nasal congestion; wheezing and coughing and itchy skin. These symptoms related to cat allergies can vary and worsen during times of stress. Cat allergies are often difficult to diagnose as the reaction may be delayed, leading the sufferer to assume the symptoms are caused by something other than his exposure to a feline. Understanding and recognizing these symptoms is the first step to finding an effective treatment.

• 2

  Visit your doctor and ask about allergy testing. Blood tests and skin allergy tests are often good indicators of allergies, but false positives and negatives have been known to occur. A negative test result will not always mean that an allergy is not present.

• 3

  Clean your home and other living spaces to remove any traces of cat hair and dander. You can reduce or eliminate your allergen exposure by thoroughly vacuuming, laundering all the fabrics in your home, and using filters on your vacuum and air conditioning units. It might take several detailed cleanings to completely remove all cat allergens from your home.

• 4

  Reduce symptoms with OTC medications, such as Benadryl. Prescription medications, including Zyrtec, Allegra, Clarinex, Alavert, and Claritin can be very effective at reducing the frequency and severity of cat allergy symptoms. Speak with your doctor about which treatment is best for you.

• 5

  Get allergy shots in order to reset your body's immune response to cats. Immunotherapy consists of a series of scheduled injections which contain tiny amounts of an allergen. Allergy shots treat the underlying problem--the body's response to the allergen.

• 6

  Follow up with a medical professional to determine if your symptoms are lessening and your body is responding to treatment.