Sunday, October 17, 2010

Dealing With Cat Allergy

Pet lovers all over the world enjoy the companionship provided by cats. These animals provide warmth and friendship to their owners all year-round. However, cat allergy is one reality that some pet lovers have to cope with when keeping cats. Cats are often hunting at night so they're active at night while they sleep in favorite spots during daytime. Unfortunately for some people just being near cats can produce an allergic reaction even for a short period of time.Cat allergy is a type of allergic reaction to cats who have allergens in their bodies aside from dander. Truth is , cats have as much as 5 allergens released  through their sebaceous glands and Fel d 4, found in their saliva.Once a person with cat allergy reacts to these allergens symptoms such as red itchy eyes, coughing, itching, nasal congestion, rash, sneezing ,tightening of chest, swollen feet and hands and other reaction can be triggered. Some inidviduals are too sensitive to cats even if the cats haven't approached them yet.

The best way to prevent cat allergy is to simply keep other pets such as dogs. A way to lessen incidence of cat allergy would be to wash hands after touching a cat. Never touch cat's eyes or mouth since these secrete allergens.The home can possibly increase cat allergy incidence especially if there are carpets, rugs and draperies that trap cat dander. Try to vacuum, use an air filter that has HEPA or simply not use heavy fabrics or materials inside the house.It is also recommended that cats stay out of the bedroom or other rooms where they can stay comfortably for long hours. Another smart way to reduce cat allergy would be to groom your cats and provide them quality cat food so their coat is clean and dander-free. A well-groomed cat is not just healthy and clean, incidence of cat allergy is also reduced.

Cat allergy is actually manageable once a person takes antihistamines as soon as allergy starts. Also, cat owners can avail of a treatment known as immunotherapy which can make one immune to  cat allergy.  A practical approach in keeping pet cats is to only keep short-haired cats so less hair and dander is produced in the air. Keeping cats as pets should not be a hindrance even when cat allergy is possible. The crucial thing is understanding how to manage prevention and control so cat allergy is tolerable.

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