How long do allergy shots take?

Question

I am allergic to cats but I love them more than any other pet. We couldn't have a cat at our house because it affected my mom more than it affected me.
I am about to move out and get a place on my own. I feel the need to get a cat to keep me company and I miss having one so much.
I plan on getting shots to stop me from being allergic, the question is- how long do shots take? If the allergic reaction isn't THAT bad around cats, would it just be okay to own one while I am getting the shots?
Please let me know!

Answer 1

The shots are an ongoing thing. They are to help you control your allergies while you are around the animal (or whatever) you are allergic to. I have cat allergies and recently got a cat. I've been taking 24 hour claritin and it helps tremendously. Also, there are wipes that you can use on the cat to reduce the allergen. Good luck with that because my cat runs like the dickens when I pull them out but they do help. Also, make sure you brush your cat regularly to remove the hair and dander. Vacuum your carpets and furniture obsessively. If you live in a place with hardwood floors, that's even better. The best thing for you but hardest thing for the cat will be if you keep it out of your bedroom. It's good to have your bedroom cat free so that you can breathe at night and give your sinuses a break from the dander. Also, when you are picking out a cat, try to go for short hair versus long hair and I've read that female cats aren't as hard on allergy sufferers as male cats. Keep in mind if you get a kitten versus an adult cat, your allergies to them may get worse as he/she grows. The allergy is really to the saliva and kittens don't have as much of a build up of dried saliva on their coats as cats do.

Answer 2

How long do allergy shots take? It takes years. It make take 2-4 years and if you are living with a Cat it may continue. The proceedure, you need a referral from your doctor. The allergist will test you for things you could be allergic to, then the shots. First it starts of as twice a week, then once a week, then once a month (this is where I am).

I saw my allergist and its been a year since I first started my shots and it has helped a lot. I live with two cats and a dog. It hasnt cured me but it did help allievate the symptoms. My doctor told me it will take another two years or more since I live with my pets.

The cons: you get a big red spot on your arm, the red spot is warm, itchy, and it swells like a mosquito bite.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I have had allergy shots. The whole series took nine years. It was five years before I had complete relief from my allergies.

Answer 4

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/shots

hope this site helps