Looking for options for cat allergies.?

Question

I adopted a cat and I'm finding that I'm terribly allergic to it. Before returning the cat I wanted to see if there were any options. Maybe some sort of powder to put on the cat, a brush that works better to take off excess hair than what I have. Anything. It's a really nice cat and I'd love to keep it. I'm hoping there is something out there that I am unaware of. Please help!

Answer 1

Hi there...here's are 10 ways to help lower cat dander:
http://cats.about.com/od/allergiesandcats/a/allergictocat.htm

1) No more cats sleeping on the bed.
Sorry, this is a small price to pay for allergy relief. If you get your symptoms under control by all means invite them back, but give yourself a break while you are trying to abate your symptoms.

2) Keep them out of the bedroom altogether.
Close the bedroom door to try and keep the cat allergen down in the bedroom. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary from allergens. So tempt your cats to sleep elsewhere during the day.

3) Wash all bedding in 140-degree hot water at least twice monthly.
This eliminates both dust mite and cat allergen (because we know some of you will still let them sneak up on the bed every now and then).

4) Use HEPA air filters in rooms where your cats frequent.
Since cat allergen is so difficult to remove, a good HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) air purifier is essential for cleaning the air in your home. HEPA air purifiers do require continued filter replacement, but when push comes to shove and you are in need of allergy relief, a good HEPA filter will do it for you.

5) Vacuum up cat allergen with a high grade HEPA vacuum cleaner twice weekly.
Vacuum walls, carpet, flooring, chairs, and furniture...everywhere. Use the hand tools on the vacuum. Cat allergen particles are very small and invasive so you really have to do a thorough job. Good hand tools on your vacuum cleaner are the answer here. Also, installing a central vacuum will help pick up the rest.

6) se a vapor steam cleaner to clean your home.
In addition to vacuuming, vapor steam cleaners are now proven by research to be extremely helpful in killing off the cat proteins/dander, which are embedded in your carpets and upholstery. Steam cleaners provide a chemical-free way of cleaning and killing dust mites, bacteria, mold spores and cat allergen.

7) Wash your hands immediately after petting your cat and do not rub your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can result in itchy eyes for hours. Use a strong anti-bacterial soap to avoid this problem.

8) Clean your cat.
Some people wash their cats to reduce the amount of cat allergen that is released from their cat into the air, but research seems to be conflicting about its effectiveness. Allerpet, a well-known brand of liquid that reduces cat allergen in the air, can be applied to your cats' coat and is available from your local veterinarian. Alternatively, you can get a micro fiber cloth and just damp rub down the cats' coats to rid it of visible dander. The majority of cats would prefer this to the highly dreaded bath.

9) Confine your cats to one area of the house.
I know this will be difficult for some people but this at least controls the cat allergens to a separate place where you can concentrate your air purifier and cleaning efforts.

10) You DO NOT have to get rid of your CAT!
If you do a good job with step numbers 1-9, your cat allergies should be significantly decreased. Keeping a cat when you have allergies takes a concerted effort, and is only for those who are nutty enough about their cats (like us), to go to all this trouble.

More websites on how to minimize cat dander to control allergy symptoms:
http://www.allergycontrol.com/education_dustcat.asp
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1424

People with mild allergies to cats can benefit from Benadryl, Allegra, Singulair, Clairitin, Zyrtec other similar antihistamines. One may work better than one another if you are willing to experiment to see which works best.

Answer 2

If by allergic you mean sneezing, eyes watering, etc.? Take some over the counter antihistimine like Benedryl or Claritin. Use Visine or other eyedrops for itchy eyes. Always wash your hands after you touch your pet or any contact with its fur. Eventually your body will get used to its presence. I'm allerigic to cats, too, but I own 4. Every time I get a new cat, I have to do the same until I get used to it within 2 weeks.

Answer 3

I worked at a clinic and took Zyrtec everyday. As long as I didn't hold the cat to my face (very hard to do with little kittens!) and as long as I washed my hands after every cat visit, I did pretty good (some days better than others). It depends on your allergy, also. Many people who have a cat allergy do much better with short hair cats, too.

Answer 4

First of all, don't brush your cat too often, it will make your allergies worst. Secondly give him/her a sponge bath by taking a damp facecloth and gently wiping him/her with it once a day. Even if he/her won't let you wipe his/her entire body it will make a difference. Doing this will wipe away most of the dried dander on his/her body which is what you are allergic to not the hair itself.

Answer 5

My child is allergic to cats and has asthma. The specialist told us that as long as she did not sleep with the cat or hold it up to her face, she would be ok. Keep your place vacuumed, keep the cat brushed (preferably by someone other than yourself), and stay on your medicine.

Answer 6

I have your same problem, you can only minimize the symptoms. sorry.
There is the medication alternative, that will make you feel a Little less of the reaction, but what I have being doing is clean my cats fur with a lukewarm wet towel, she will try to clean herself anyways, but you will remove a lot of the pet dander.
Do not even bother to buy expensive treatments in the pet store, waist of money

Answer 7

Try using hayfever tablets as these are an anti-allergen tablet. Also brush them all the time and if you have carpet vacuum every 2-3 days.

Answer 8

We raise Siberian forest cats , my son who is alregic now sleeps with one , google siberians4u if need any more info .

Answer 9

claritin works for alot of people. If u vacuum evryday it also helps keep dander away. good luck.

Answer 10

Claritin or Allegra...take your pick:)