Cat Allergy

You are fond of cats. You love your beloved pussy, but unfortunately you are allergic to cats. Sneezing, tearing eyes, runny nose, sinus headache, skin rash, and other symptoms can make your life miserable. You are thinking of finding the cat a new home. Before taking that drastic step first try some of the simple tips that we are suggesting and see if they provide some cure or relief

1. Bathe your cat once a month with a very mild shampoo. This will help remove the build up of dandruff beneath the skin. This dandruff is a major culprit in causing allergies. But take care not to wash your cat more than once a month because this may dry out the skin, causing the cat to scratch itself and in turn, raising the dandruff even more.
2. It is very likely that a person who is allergic to cats is also allergic to other environmental allergens. To diagnose this get a full allergy test done to determine what other household substances you are allergic to.
3. The most likely allergen found in cats is in the sebum and is a protein called Fel d 1. Have your pet spayed or neutered. It has been found that the sebum produced by a cat is highest in unaltered males and lowest in altered males. Having the cat neutered can help reduce this production.
4. Get rid of carpets and nylon and synthetic fabric surfaces. They are the breeding grounds for allergy causing agents. It is advisable to use natural fabrics. The more washable surfaces you have in your home, the easier it is to keep clean.
5. Allergy desensitization shots or immunotherapy is a very effective way to tackle cat allergy. Immunotherapy will gradually make a person more and more resistant to the allergens. The goal of immunotherapy is to increase the tolerance 10 times. This is one of the most effective treatments because it treats the cause and doesn't just hide the symptoms.
6. Use an air purifier in your home to filter many of the airborne irritants.
7. Wash bedspreads, sheets, pillows, curtains, area rugs and other fabrics often. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a good filter.
8. Brush your cat daily to prevent any accumulation of dandruff.