How to Have a Cat If You Have Cat Allergies

Even while some individuals avoid cats out of fear or hatred for them, there is still some hope for those who do so due to allergic responses. The type of allergies you have will determine a lot of things.

You might be able to progressively increase how much you can tolerate cats if your allergies cause sneezing, watery eyes, and running noses.

But if you have asthma, you should first get evaluated for allergies before getting a cat. For instance, research shows that the percentage of people with allergies who are allergic to cats and dogs is far lower than the projected incidence of cat allergy symptoms.

Here are some tips to help you control your cat allergy symptoms so you may have a feline companion.

Cat Allergy Symptoms

It can be difficult to overlook the signs of cat allergies. They often happen when a cat is nearby or when there is still cat hair on your furniture. Your body is responding immunologically to the proteins found in cat urine, saliva, or dander. The following is a list of typical symptoms of cat allergies you could experience:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Skin rash Chest pain Chest congestion Runny or stuffy nose watery, red, and itchy eyes

Eliminate Additional Allergens from Your Home

Remove as many additional allergens as you can from dust to mold to mites if you’re considering obtaining a new pet. Cat dander is among the many airborne allergens that adhere to soft surfaces like carpeting, draperies, and curtains. Here are a few common techniques for eliminating allergies from your home:

• Switch the window coverings for shades. If you’re renting a house and can’t alter the curtains, keep them tidy and give them a periodic vacuuming.
• If at all possible, swap out upholstered furniture with leather pieces.
• Remove plug-in air fresheners, decorative scented candles, and potpourri because these can all make allergy symptoms worse.
• Instead of using wall-to-wall carpeting, think about using wood or tile flooring. Otherwise, properly vacuum your carpet on a regular basis.

Tip

Vacuuming frequently causes the airborne allergens to travel around. To stop cat dander from spreading, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture more allergens.

Consider using allergy medicines

Medication is typically considered as the first option for treating a cat allergy. A series of allergy shots, over-the-counter or prescription medication, herbal remedies like BioAllers, or other treatments are worth investigating (immunotherapy). Keep in mind that you should always speak with your doctor or allergist before beginning a new treatment.

Visit Friends With Cats right away.

Visit a friend who has an extroverted cat if you want to get close to one and spend some time with it. Ask your companion to choose a moment when the cat is fed, comfortable, and relaxed.

30 minutes prior to the specified time, take your allergy medication. When you arrive there, let the cat show you the way. It may start with a sniff of your legs and feet as a greeting. You might be able to pet the cat if it brushes against your palm as you extend your hand. If your allergies are still under control, you might let the cat leap into your lap. Keep your visit to no longer than a quarter of an hour to ensure the comfort of both you and the cat.

In a week or two, go back to the same cat and extend your visit to 30 minutes. Visit your friends who own cats in other cities.

Consider breeds that are hypoallergenic.

The following cat breeds, among others, are said to be hypoallergenic or at least helpful to persons with allergies:

• Sphynx cats have exceedingly fine, scant fur.
• Rex: Some rex breeds, like the Devon, may not be as successful at collecting dander as dogs with thicker coats because of their fine, curly, or wavy hair.
• Siberian: These cats don’t have the salivary Fel d 1 protein, which after brushing, transforms into dander, which may be beneficial for allergy patients.

Check to see if there is a local cat show where you can attend and watch them to learn more about these specific breeds. Several cat breed clubs hold exhibitions where specific breeds are featured.

Visit the local animal shelter.

Once you feel your allergies are under control, think about adoption. How to avoid going to your local animal shelter or attending a cat adoption event.

• Put on loose, comfortable clothing.
• Any allergy drugs should be used as prescribed.
• Be prepared to spend around an hour inside the shelter or event.
• Take several cats in at once and spend some time with each one if a private room is available.

Take a cue from a cat’s behavior; it’s said that cats normally pick their humans.

You might need to visit the shelter several times before you find the cat that fits your lifestyle.

Make sure your home is prepared in every way for a new pet. After you’ve chosen your choice, talk to the staff, explain your allergies, and inquire whether you may return the cat in the unlikely case that your allergies worsen once the kitty is at home. One last piece of advice: do your best to keep your new cat out of your bedroom so you can sleep through any allergy symptoms completely.

RELATED TOPICS

CAT HEALTH & WELLNESS

By catfoodsite.com

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