Cat Allergy Treatment

According to research conducted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation America, allergies to cats and dogs affect 10 - 20% of the world’s population. But we can’t rule out the fact that pets, especially cats, are adorable creatures, and none of us can resist petting them. Also, we understand how awful it feels when you desperately want a cat roaming around your house and purring softly in your ears, but you can’t control your cat allergies.

What if we tell you that treating your cat allergies is possible and is easier than you think? To begin with, let’s understand what cat allergies are, their symptoms, and whether what you’re experiencing is something else. 

What Are Cat Allergies?

Generally, if you are suffering from a runny nose, chest tightness, intense sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, skin rashes, itching, or facial pain, then that’s likely due to an allergy. But, the issue with allergies is that it’s hard to determine what’s causing them. Some people have a higher sensitivity level and are also allergic to dust, pollen, grass, pesticides, or medication. But it’s always best to consult a physician if the reactions become intense. There are blood and skin tests that can efficiently and reliably diagnose the underlying problem.

Causes

A myth associated with cat allergies is that their fur causes problems, so people often get their cats trimmed. However, it’s actually a protein in cat saliva, also known as Fel d 1, that’s ultimately responsible for causing allergies. When cats groom their coat, the Fel d 1 spreads onto their fur and becomes airborne, causing allergic reactions when inhaled. 

The human body is also very reactive to unidentifiable objects, and each time the body’s immune system detects unexpected guests, it goes bananas! Your body believes that harmless allergens are dangerous foreign particles and releases antibodies to fight them off. Consequently, you start to experience the allergy symptoms mentioned above. 

On the brighter side, there are plenty of cat allergy treatment options; all you have to do is follow these simple steps. 

Cat Allergy Treatment

Let’s take a look at the easy ones first.

Salt Water Steam

Sodium Chloride, also known as common salt, is really helpful when it comes to respiratory issues such as coughing, breathing difficulties, and sore throats. It works by rinsing your nasal passage and reducing mucus, resulting in reduced wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and chest congestion. This is also one of the reasons why doctors recommend gargling with warm salt water to cure sore throats. 

This is an easy at-home solution for those who suffer respiratory symptoms. Simply bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then mix in 1 tablespoon of table salt. After the salt is fully dissolved, bring your head above the hot water, then cover both your head and the hot water with a kitchen towel, making sure that no steam escapes. Repeat every day for 10-15 minutes for symptomatic relief!

Installing an Air Purifier

Another effective method to treat cat allergies is installing an air purifier at home. Air purifiers not only filter out dust and other harmful particles, it also filters out airborne proteins, such as Fel d 1. With Fel d 1 out of the way, you can cuddle with your furry buddy without having to worry. Check out our other article to learn more about what air purifiers can do.

Grooming Your Cat Regularly

It's very normal for cats to groom themselves, it's a part of their daily routine. But for allergy-sufferers, this presents major problems, as grooming is what really causes Fel d 1 to become airborne. Giving your cat a nice warm bath, no matter how much they hate it, can be helpful. There are plenty of medicated shampoos that are formulated to minimize dander that you can use while bathing your cat.

After a bath, brushing off your cat's loose fur is another way to reduce the amount of dander. However, it is strongly recommended to do this in an open area, not in a contained space, otherwise the dander will simply accumulate in the closed space.

Frequent Hand Washing

Petting, cuddling, and bothering cats is one of our favorite things to do, but those with allergies beware! Making direct contact with your cat is a guaranteed way to trigger an allergic reaction. After making contact with your cat, make sure you avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes or nose. Instead, wash your hands with soap and dry them off. This cat allergy treatment option removes a lot of the unwanted bacteria, viruses, and allergens from your hand.

Pacagen's Cat Allergen Neutralizing Spray

For a more modern take on allergen management, consider Pacagen's Cat Allergen Neutralizing Spray. The spray contains nanobodies, a groundbreaking new protein designed to target and neutralize Fel d 1 before it even enters your system. As a preventive measure, using the spray means that you don't have to suffer allergy symptoms before you can seek relief. Simply spray every 2 - 3 days to neutralize up to 98% of accumulated Fel d 1.

Seeking Medical Help

Sometimes, natural remedies just don’t work out, and that's absolutely fine. Each person is different and reacts to our environment in a different way. While some people may find success with natural remedies, your body might not necessarily react to them in the same way. There's plenty of medication out there for allergic reactions. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratidine (Claritin) are very commonly taken for allergies. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also help a lot. For a more long-term solution, allergy shots are relatively widespread, though they may not be viable for immunocompromised individuals.

Conclusion

Allergies can be very frustrating, but they shouldn't get in the way of your happiness. After all, who doesn’t love cats? But we must also emphasize that your health is equally important. Following just a few simple steps can make your life a whole lot easier, especially when you have a bunch of soft and cuddly furballs constantly meowing in your ears for additional snacks! 

Don't let cat allergies hinder the joy of having a cat – take proactive steps to enjoy a sniffle-free life. Whether it's adopting natural remedies, creating an allergy-friendly space, or using Pacagen’s Cat Allergen Neutralizing Spray, there are plenty of options to help you coexist comfortably with your furry friend.