Allergic reaction to cats can be lessened most successfully by minimizing exposure to the animals. If living with a cat is unavoidable, frequent handwashing and avoiding touching eyes or other sensitive areas is advisable. Minimizing upholstery, rugs and draperies in which the allergen can accumulate in the home is another strategy. Barring the cat from certain rooms (in particular the bedroom or other rooms where much time is spent) or limiting it to the outdoors is also partially successful. Finally, some allergy sufferers find relief in periodic injection therapy designed to stimulate the body’s natural immune responses to the cat allergen. Although this is not usually 100% successful, it can reduce reactions to tolerable levels for many individuals.
Having pets has been shown to be emotionally healthy. However, if having anything other than a mild allergy, the allergies should be addressed.
Allergies are Cumulative
This means that every allergen (e.g. dust, mold, pollen) will add to the reaction. If then adding a cat then the total allergic reaction will be worse than any one allergy on its own. This is because people have a threshold; reducing all allergens will reduce the cumulative total and hence possibly reduce the reaction below the threshold
Desensitizing
Many people originally allergic to cats have, over time, become “immune” to allergic symptoms from their own cats; however, they may still have allergic reactions, of varying intensity, to other cats. This is not reliable when deciding to get a cat as a pet, as allergy may become worse, not better, with time.
Lower Exposure
Allergens are airborne and survive for months or even years by themselves, hence removing anything that can trap and hold the allergens (carpet, rugs, pillows) and cleaning regularly and thoroughly with HEPA filters and Air purifier systems reduces risk. Furthermore, regularly brushing the cat will reduce the amount of loose fur (and its attached saliva) in the air. Regularly bathing will reduce allergens by 85%.
Medications
The most appropriate medication depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma and eczema) may require other treatments. Generally, hay fever medication or over-the-counter antihistamines have positive effects on cat allergy.
