It’s nearly as bad as breaking up with someone when you see a lovely cat, like a big tabby, and you go up to it to give it a kiss and a pat, but then you sneeze and scare it away.
Unfortunately, you have a severe allergy to cats and will never be able to pet Garfield. Maybe you’re not, though.
Is there any way to counteract an allergy to cats?
In this piece, we’ll talk about whether or not it’s possible to develop an immunity to an allergy, and whether or not you’ll ever be able to enjoy the company of a lovely cat again without breaking out in hives.
An allergic response to what?
You can have a mild allergic reaction like a mouth itch or a life-threatening one like anaphylaxis, both of which require immediate medical treatment.
Sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, red, watery eyes, and rashes are typical symptoms of an allergic response.
- Breathlessness
- Lip enlargement
If you have a cat allergy, you can start sneezing or experience watery eyes when you come into contact with one.
In what ways might allergens be triggered?
- When confronted with potentially dangerous foreign compounds, the human body often responds in a variety of ways.
- If you’ve ever had a cold, a fever, or even just a few sneezes, you know that your body is attempting to get rid of some sort of invader.
- Interestingly, this is also what occurs in our bodies during an allergic reaction. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to a perceived threat, yet they might mistakenly label a harmless chemical as dangerous.
- This is why some individuals have allergies while others don’t: some people can’t eat peanuts while others can’t stand pollen.
- Allergies to peanuts and pollen are caused by the body producing antibodies that recognise and respond to the offending substances.
Exactly how does immunotherapy accomplish its goals?
- An allergen injection regimen might last anywhere from three to five years.
- Allergy shots include gradually increasing doses of the allergen (in this example, cat dander) injected under the skin.
- You’ll experience a little allergic reaction at first, but after repeated exposure, your body will get desensitised to the cat allergen and your sensitivity to it will decrease significantly.
- If your current allergy meds aren’t helping you or if they’re interacting negatively with another medication you’re on, you may want to look into allergen shots.
- Is there anything you can do if immunotherapy doesn’t help, or if you just need anything to help with your symptoms in the short term? Well, you can go a few different ways:
• First, isolate allergens to make a “no-allergy” zone.
- Keep your cat out of the bedroom and the bathroom. This is really relevant for getting a good night’s sleep. If you’re trying to create an allergy-free “haven,” keeping your cat out of the bedroom or those places where you spend the most time will help.
Secondly, jump onto a cat bed!
- The accumulation of dander on your furniture might be minimised if you provide your cat with its own comfy bed for napping.
- Allergens are notoriously difficult to remove from beds, carpets, and other materials in the home. This means you shouldn’t let your cat near them.
- You should also regularly wash the cat bed in hot water.
3. Give your cat frequent baths.
- Your cat’s allergy burden can be greatly lightened if you do this once every two to three weeks.
- Grooming services are an alternative to bathing for cats who don’t enjoy water. You can’t generalise based on one cat’s personality, therefore it’s up to you.
- If you can’t bring yourself to give your cat a bath, try cleaning it down with some fragrance-free hypoallergenic baby wipes.
Fourth, install HEPA filters
- Allergens in the air can be removed with the use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
Fifth, keep your house clean on a regular basis.
- Rugs, carpets, curtains, and cushion coverings are just some of the household items that may be washed. Central vacuum systems and high-efficiency vacuum cleaners can further minimise dust and allergens.
- Keep in mind that if you don’t use a HEPA filter or a double bag, they won’t work.
Six, take your medicine
- Particularly effective at reducing allergy symptoms are antihistamines.
- Medications including Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin, as well as antihistamine eye drops and antihistamines for the lungs, can help alleviate nasal symptoms. You should always talk to your doctor before taking any of them.
Seventh, Take Precautions
- Put on some long sleeves before approaching a cat for a cuddle. I, too, have found that arm sleeves to be helpful. This reduces the amount of dander that comes into touch with your skin while still providing the feel-good serotonin rush from cuddling your cat.
- To add, you should use soap and water to clean your hands right away.
How to Develop Immunity to Cat Allergens.
- That being said, those who are allergic to cat dander will be relieved to learn that they can develop an immunity to the allergen.
- In addition to seeing a doctor, all you need is your trusty kitty companion if your symptoms are bearable.
- It is important to discuss the possibility of allergen immunotherapy with your doctor, as this treatment is not recommended for persons with severe allergic responses.