What Causes Cat Allergies

What Causes Cat Allergies

About 10% of the people in the United States have pet allergies and cats are the biggest culprits

Cat allergies are more than twice as common as dog allergies, most people think it is the hair or fur they are allergic to but hey are really allergic to the proteins in the cat’s saliva, urine and dander.

Life with cat allergies could explain your children’s cold symptoms all year long. Cat allergies can usually be controlled with antihistamines which can be purchased over the counter, like Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra ad some antihistamines like Astelin which come in a nasal spray. Some decongestants like Sudafed and Allegra-d along with nasal sprays like Flonase can also be bought over the counter. There is also allergy shots that are an option. But unfortunately there is no way to prevent allergies.

Reduce your exposure to cats to help control the allergies. Here are some tips, Don’t touch hug or kiss cats, some people think that a little contact is OK but it isn’t.

Some people who have cats and visit you even if they leave their cats at home can still bring in dander with them from their clothes and luggage.

What if you already own a cat and you have allergies? You shouldn’t have it in your home I know this is harsh advice but if the cat has to stay limit your exposure, restrict the cat to certain areas, keep your distance, clean the air, clean your house rigorously and often use a heap filter vacuum, consider bathing you cat often, bathing helps reduce the allergens.

These techniques might help you but as hard as it may be you or a family members health could be at risk and you might have to give it up.