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How To Avoid Allergies From Cats

What Is Flea Allergy And How Is It Treated

How to Reduce Allergies Towards Cats : Treating Allergies

Flea allergy is the most common allergy in cats.

In spite of common belief, a normal cat experiences only minor skin irritation in response to fleabites. On the other hand, a cat with flea allergies has a severe reaction to even a single fleabite. This reaction is an allergic response to proteins or antigens present in the flea’s saliva. When a flea bites a cat to consume a blood meal, some of its saliva is injected into the skin. Just one fleabite may cause such intense itching that the cat may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair. There will often be open sores or scabs on the skin, resulting in a secondary bacterial skin infection . The area most commonly involved is over the rump or base of the tail. In addition, the cat may have numerous small scabs around the head and neck. These scabs are often referred to as miliary dermatitis, a term that was coined because the scabs look like millet seeds .

“This reaction is an allergic response to proteins or antigens present in the flea’s saliva.”

What Are Cats Allergic To

Environmental, flea, food, and seasonal allergies are all common in cats. This section will go over the different types of allergies and how they may affect your cat. Its impossible to have an allergy to anything because its all around us. Pollen, grass, fungi, mold, and dust are some of the substances that can cause environmental allergies.

Environmental and food allergies are common in cats, just like they are in humans. Pollen, for example, is usually more easily identified as a seasonal allergy. The severity of allergy symptoms varies depending on the season. Fleas may be irritated by cats backs or tails, which could indicate a problem with flea control. To treat cat allergies, you should clean out the house of any allergens that may have been present. If you want to see if your cats skin has developed an irritated reaction, you should reduce the amount of food she consumes. A cat can also reduce its allergy symptoms by being clean and dust-free in the home, and by bathing it on a regular basis.

How To Get Rid Of Your Cat Allergy Symptoms

Furry pet allergies are common. Dog and cat allergies affect 10%-20% of the worlds population and the rates are increasing. These allergies can not only have uncomfortable symptoms, but they can be distressing if youre an animal lover or have a family pet.

Cat allergies are an allergic reaction to some of the proteins that are found in:

  • Cat skin cells.

Thorrun Govind, pharmacist and chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, explains that generally cat allergy symptoms are caused by dander, which are dead flakes of their skin from shedding. Unlike cat hair, dander often isnt visible, but it can settle on floors, surfaces, and furniture in homes.

Adult cats self-groom and lick themselves often and their saliva tends to flake off as they grow, as it transfers to their skin and coat. This saliva contains a protein called Fel d 1, which some cats produce more of than others hence why some people might experience more severe cat allergy symptoms with certain types of cat. It could also explain a lack of reaction to kittens, as they dont self-groom as much.

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How Can I Stop Being Allergic To Cats In My House

There is not one specific answer to this question as it depends on the persons individual allergies and their cats lifestyle. However, some general tips that may help include:

Keeping your cat indoors and away from other cats Avoid bringing new cats into your home vaccinating your cat against common cat diseases using an allergen-free litter box avoiding plants in your home that may contain allergens

Recent Studies For Cat Allergy Cures

Allergy to Cat Litter

For the first time ever, science is offering hope to cat-allergy sufferers everywhere. In just a few years, your options may extend beyond HEPA filters, asthma inhalers, allergy medications and avoidance.

Two studies have discovered different ways to tackle the problem at its root. The idea is to neutralize the feline allergen itself instead of trying to minimize a persons allergic response.

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How Do I Get Rid Of A Dog Allergy

If you are allergic to cats, you can avoid them by feeding your dog before going to bed. Most dogs dont have cat allergies, but there are some breed that do, like the Ragdoll. Eating a small amount of cat food before going to bed may help your dog sleep, and will make you more likely to wake up feeling refreshed. Its also possible to get your dog tested for allergies to cats. One of the most common ways to do this is through a skin prick test, which is a simple procedure that is easily performed by your vet.

Allergy Skin Prick Test

This test is performed in your doctors office so they can observe any reactions.

Using a clean needle, your doctor will prick your skins surface , and deposit a tiny amount of the allergen. Youll likely be tested for several allergens at the same time. Youll also be skin pricked with a control solution that has no allergens. Your doctor may number each prick to identify the allergen.

In about 15 to 20 minutes, the skin prick site may become red or swollen. This reaction confirms an allergy to that substance. A positive cat allergy will usually cause a red, itchy bump to the cat allergen. These unpleasant effects generally go away 30 minutes after the test.

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Can You Build Up A Tolerance To Pet Allergies

Everyone is different and may respond differently to allergens. However, if you have had an allergic reaction to a particular pet in the past, it may be possible to build up a tolerance to that pets allergens over time.

Additionally, it is important to note that allergies can develop over time, and that not everyone who is allergic to a particular pet will develop a tolerance to that pets allergens.

How Do You Know If You Are Allergic To Cats

How to Prevent Cat Allergy Symptoms — From the makers of ZYRTEC®

Most cat owners suspect that they are allergic to cats because of the symptoms they experience when they come in contact with their four-legged friends.

But guess what?

Symptoms alone will not reveal the exact proteins a person with cat allergy is exposed to.

To this end, your doctor may recommend several allergy tests, including a skin prick test or blood test to determine if youre suffering from a cat allergy.

These tests arent painful and usually take only a couple of minutes for the result to be ready.

For instance, a skin prick test generally involves placing a tiny amount of cat allergen underneath the skin and waiting patiently for a reaction to kick in.

On the flip side, blood tests are used to test for specific immune substances associated with cats and other allergies.

The thing is, knowing the specific proteins sponsoring an allergic reaction will help your doctor determine the proper treatment for you.

This is especially important if you want to continue living with cats.

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How Do You Manage Cat Allergy

If you start experiencing allergies after contact with cat urine, its time to visit an allergist to undergo a skin-prick test.

If your doctor finds out youre allergic, he/she may recommend several treatment options, including oral antihistamines, allergy shots, antihistamine eye drops, bronchodilators, and steroid nasal sprays.

Similarly, if cat allergies leave you with a runny nose, for instance, steroid nasal sprays will help alleviate the symptoms youre feeling.

We strongly advise people with cat urine allergies to make lifestyle changes if they are serious about reducing their allergic symptoms to cat urine.

As per lifestyle changes, here are some things you can do:

  • Ensure you vacuum your home regularly
  • Bathing and grooming your cat every couple of days should be on the cards
  • If money isnt a problem, you can invest in a good HEPA air cleaner for your home.
  • Try to restrict your cats access within your home, especially your bedroom.
  • Make a habit of washing your hands after playing with your cat.

How Can I Learn To Deal With Cat Allergies

If you or one of your loved ones are allergic to cats and are not helped by medication, what can you do? Other than replacing your loved ones or getting rid of your cat, there are some ways to reduce the effects of allergens in your home.

  • Clean, clean, clean. People dont understand how much of a difference a cat’s daily grooming and a thorough house sweeping can make when dealing with cat allergies. Keep the surfaces and floors as fur-free as possible, and the reactions to the cats allergens should also diminish. Floors and carpets can especially be a haven for the cat’s hair and dander, so vacuum them often and take the rugs out for a cleaning — preferably more than once every spring.
  • Another way to reduce the effect of cat allergens is to try and bathe the cat every four to six weeks using a cat shampoo. This will help remove the cat’s dander buildup, extra hair, and saliva, which contains a natural deodorant and cleansing agent that causes allergic reactions. Rinsing the cat is important and may prove difficult, as most cats don’t like being in water. Combine that with its claws and agility, and you may be in some emergency room type of trouble. But seriously, have a trusted friend or family member sponge bathe the cat while you hold it down.
  • Image via Shutterstock

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    Examples Of Cat Allergies

    Some cats have food allergies, and these are relatively easy to identify by the symptoms, which tend to be gastrointestinal. This includes vomiting and diarrhea. The cat might also scratch its neck and throat due to discomfort.

    Felines can also experience adverse reactions to other allergens, such as cigarette smoke, fabrics, cleaning products, perfumes, and manufactured products like rubber and plastic. As they inhale these allergens, cats will respond to them by developing a wheezy cough and even asthma.

    Your cat could additionally have an allergic reaction to trees, grass, seeds, pollens, dust, mold, and mildew. The feline will display respiratory difficulty, and there will be evidence of the allergy on the skin, such as a rash.

    While fleas are a problem for every kitty, yours might be allergic to flea bites and flea-control products. You will see an outbreak on the skin, which is likely to be painful to the touch. The itching worsens, and bites take a lot longer to heal than they do in non-allergic cats.

    Symptoms Of An Allergy To Cats

    Allergies in Cats: Symptoms, Prevention and Home Remedies

    The symptoms of a cat allergy are typically similar to those of other allergies such as hay fever1, as well as the common cold or flu1.

    The best way to tell if your symptoms are from a cat allergy or a cold is when they occur1. If they only flare up when you’re around fluffy animals, the chances are it’s an allergic reaction to cats, not a cold1.

    Within minutes of exposure to dander, or just seconds in some cases, sneezing may start, then a sudden runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

    Ongoing nasal stuffiness, sinus pressure over the eyes or cheeks and an itchy throat can follow.

    The most common symptoms of a cat allergy include1:

    • Itchy, watery eyes
    • Hives raised, red patches on the skin

    If you have asthma, your symptoms may also trigger2:

    • Difficulty breathing
    • An audible whistling or wheezing when exhaling
    • Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

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    How Are Cat Allergies Treated

    Cat allergies can usually be controlled with standard allergy drugs. Your doctor might recommend:

    • Antihistamines, which are available over-the-counter — like cetirizine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine , and loratadine or some antihistamines such as azelastine come in a nasal spray
    • , like over-the-counterà pseudoephedrine or allergy drugs that contain the ingredient pseudoephedrine such as Allegra-D, Claritin-D, or Zyrtec-D

      Nasal steroid sprays, which affect allergy or asthma symptoms in various ways à steroid sprays are a common treatment for allergies. Budesonide , fluticasone , and triamcinolone are steroid sprays that are available over the counter.

    Allergy shots are another option. Allergy shots are not always effective, and completing treatment can take years. They’re also not usedà for children under age 5. But they can be a huge help to some people. Ask your doctor if they make sense for you.

    Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent an allergy. Some studies have shown that exposure to pets as a young child seems to reduce the risk of developing pet allergies later. On the other hand, a child who already has allergic tendencies may get worse with exposure to a pet.

    Cat Allergy Treatments & Remedies

  • Designate your bedroom as a cat-free zone. Begin your program of allergen reduction by washing bedding, drapes and pillows. Better yet, replace them. Use plastic covers that are designed to prevent allergens from penetrating on your mattress and pillows. Allergen-proof covers are available from medical supply outlets. Dont expect results overnight. Cat allergens are one-sixth the size of pollens, and it may take months to reduce them significantly.
  • Restrict your cats access to designated areas inside your home. If you have a safe outdoor enclosure, allow your cat some time outside where dander will waft away in the wind. Brush your cat in the fresh-air enclosure to prevent loose, allergen-carrying hair from dispersing through your home.
  • Eliminate allergen traps such as upholstered furniture and rugs. Carpet can accumulate up to 100 times the amount of cat allergens as hardwood flooring, so replacing the wall-to-wall with wood will keep allergens from accumulating as much. If ripping up the carpet is not an option, have it steam cleaned as often as needed.
  • Vacuuming blows as many allergens through the air as it removes, so when you vacuum, use an allergen-proof vacuum cleaner bag or a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency particulate arresting filter.
  • Get tested. An allergy specialist can determine the exact source of your allergic reactions by a simple prick of the skin on your arm or back.
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    Cat Allergen: Its Everywhere

    The major culprit in cat allergies is Fel d1, a protein excreted in the cats skin, saliva, and urine. When cats lick themselves, they deposit Fel d1 on their fur. When the cat sheds, the allergens on the hair and dander spread.

    And do they ever spread. Fel d1 proteins are small, so they remain suspended in the air. Fel d1 is also sticky, and takes a long time to decompose, Blaiss explains. The proteins cling to surfaces like draperies, carpets, furniture, bedding, clothing, even walls and ceilings.

    Because of this, cat allergens are notoriously difficult to remove from a home, even with cleaning and vacuuming. Research has shown that there are cat proteins in almost all U.S. homes, even in homes where there are no cats. In school classrooms, kids can bring in enough Fel d1 on their clothes and backpacks to trigger asthma symptoms in their allergic classmates.

    Bathing cats can cut down on Fel d1 in the fur, but only for a day or so. Studies have found female cats produce a lower level of allergens than males, while neutered males produce lower levels than unneutered males but they all produce plenty.

    Do All Cats Provoke An Allergic Response

    How to Control Allergies & Asthma Caused by Cats

    In an allergic individual, the signs of a reaction can occur if the allergen is inhaled or a person strokes a cat, cleans its litter tray or even sits where the cat has been sitting. Different individuals have different levels of allergies some cannot tolerate being in a room where cats have been, whereas in others the reaction may be much milder.

    All breeds of cat produce allergens, but some may produce more than others it can be a case of trial and error to ascertain which cats you react to . Although the reason is not clear, many people seem to react more to longhaired cats perhaps because more allergen builds up on their fur or accumulates because of more hair around the house. Likewise, even cats with little hair such as Rexes or Sphynx cats still cause reactions as the allergy is not to the cats hair itself. As noted above, entire male cats may produce more of the proteins that cause the allergy and are therefore probably a greater risk to an allergic individual, female cats are likely to produce the lowest amounts.

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    Are There Hypoallergenic Pets

    All dogs and cats can cause allergy symptoms. People with dog or cat allergies may tolerate some breeds more than others. People may think those breeds are hypoallergenic, but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.

    You can be allergic to the animals skin cells, urine, and/or saliva. These have different proteins your immune system may react to. Research is looking into if there is a way to change the proteins so that they dont trigger symptoms.

    When choosing a pet, consider fostering one first to see if you have an allergic reaction. Another option is to choose pets that do not have fur or feathers. Fish, snakes, or turtles are some good choices.

    Infections Caused By Cats

    Allergies are a manifestation of the immune systems over-reaction to a non-infectious substance. But you can also get an infection due to cat exposure, such as ringworm, or an infection due to a cat scratch.

    A parasitic infection caused byToxoplasma gondii is spread by cat feces. This parasite is very dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects.

    Infections caused by cats are different than allergies.

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