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 Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:21 am
Being Allergic to Cats... This is what forces most people to surrender their animals or prevents them from getting a cat in the first place. You hear the same story of "Id love to have a kitty but I cant do it with the fur!" It can be done. I myself am violently allergic to pet dander. Cats, dogs, etc. I get stuffed up, my eyes get itchy, I wheeze, its horrible. (My fiance is the same way, btw.) But yet, I can make it work with my feline, who as you all know is a long haired Maine Coon. By cleaning, grooming, and good food, Im able to share my life with my cat, with no hindrances.
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:22 am
Types of Allergies Quote: Five cat allergens have been described in medical literature. The two major allergens are Fel d 1 (a secretoglobin) and Fel d 4 (a lipocalin). The minor allergens include Fel d 2 (an albumin), Fel d 3 (a cystatin), and cat IgA.[1] Fel d 4 is the product of the cat major urinary protein gene. It is primarily expressed in the submandibular salivary gland and is deposited onto dander as the cat grooms itself. A study found that 63% of cat allergic people have antibodies against Fel d 4.[2] In Short, there are two distinct cat allergies. You can be allergic to the dander (the dead flakey skin on animals) or the saliva. Or both. Quote: Allergy be Gone Website LinkAn estimated 6 million Americans are allergic to cats and approximately one third of them have cats in their homes. Allergic reactions to cats can range from inflammation of the nose and eyes to asthma attacks. Although the most effective treatment is removal of the pet, recent scientific studies have shown that steps can be taken in homes with cats to significantly decrease one's exposure to cat allergen. Cat allergen is not actually cat hair, but a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. The allergens become airborne as microscopic particles which, when inhaled into the nose or lungs, can produce allergic symptoms. Cat allergen is particularly sticky and is carried on clothing. In a household with a cat, it is almost impossible not to be exposed to some level of cat allergen, which may or may not be enough to trigger allergy symptoms. Of course, the levels of exposure will be much higher where cats are present, and these levels are more likely to cause an allergy attack. Ideally, if you have a severe allergy, it is recomended you not own cats or dogs or come into contact with these animals according the National Asthma Assosiation. But it is quite possible to live beside these animals in peace, harmony and being able to breath.
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:22 am
What to do when You have a Cat Allergy So your allergic to cats. I, and a million others, are living proof that sharing your life with a cat is very possible. There are some general guidelines to follow though, to make your life a little easier. Allergy MedicationAllergy meds are great. I have sinusitis, which is diffrent than run of the mill hay fever. Im allergic to scents, dust mold, etc. And my sinuses get so dried out that I get nose bleeds, depending on the weather. Depeding on what kind of allergy you have some of the best brands out there are: Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin, and Alavert. Most are 24 hours and ideally you want indoor/outdoor allergy medication. There are also shots available from a doctors office. Clean, Clean, CleanBeing allergic to dust, I wish I was better at cleaning. D: Once a week to more frequent cleaning of your living area should help alliviate some of the allergy stress. Vaacum, dust, clean up the cat hair, lint roller your clothes, etc. Concerning LitterChoose a litter that is dust free, or non clay. I love clumping litter, but sneeze and wheeze around the box. D: Invest in a non clay litter such as WBL or Feline Pine or Swheat Scoop. Avoid perfume litters. Grooming FrequentlyBathe the cat, brush the cat, and keep her clean. It should help reduce the amount of allergens that come off the cat. High Diet in Omega AcidsFeeding your cat a high quality diet should help lessen the allergen of the dander. Good healthy coat leads to less shedding and less skin flakes. Ideally, the shedding depends on the cat, but I have found that while my beast sheds like she'd be bald, Im still not allergic to her.
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:31 am
The Siberian: The Ultimate Hypoallegenic Cat
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 4:53 pm
I just wanted to provide some additional info, when I first got my kitten about five months ago, I could barely be around him. I seem to have gotten used to him, however, and only react if I either a) stuff my face in his fur or b) rub my eyes after petting him. So it seems that allergies can go away with time.
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 6:25 pm
Dreamway Express So it seems that allergies can go away with time.
It's possible that you'll still react to other cats, though, because each cat has their own specific genetic makeup, so while you're immune to the specifics of your cat's saliva or dander, another would have different specifics, perhaps leading to a stronger presence of the allergen-component
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 11:06 pm
Dreamway Express I just wanted to provide some additional info, when I first got my kitten about five months ago, I could barely be around him. I seem to have gotten used to him, however, and only react if I either a) stuff my face in his fur or b) rub my eyes after petting him. So it seems that allergies can go away with time. It could also be seasonal. smile Some cats, like humans, tend to have drier skin during the season changes and people sometimes mistake the hair as the allergen. Im violently allergic to most cats. (I wheeze and sneeze and my eyes get super dry and itchy). I got really lucky with my girly, and your right about the allergy adjustment...Sometimes they go away or sometimes they get deadly. My fiance is allergic to tree nuts and each year, it gets more and more deadly to him if he were to consume them. D:
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Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 10:22 pm
For me, I give Roman a bath every two weeks or so, to get all the dander and dust off (cats get into that dusty stuff, you know).
And that Taste of the Wild food REALLY makes the shedding not so bad. Soon as I'm back in the town that sells it, I'm buying some to switch Roman back on it (had to change to cheap stuff, had a lack of funds there for a bit).
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