What can I do in case of allergy to cats?
Allergy to cats, The obvious answer is: stay away from them! But if you are a cat lover, you will like to know that there are ways to make things much easier.
You’re allergic?
Many owners do not realize that they are allergic to their animals first. Karen Hayes is a cat owner who didn’t find out until a friend took her to a feline show:
“I had gotten used to frequent sneezing attacks and eye irritation, but I blamed it on living in an old and dusty house. It was only when I attended a feline show in a pavilion with hundreds of animals that I discovered that I could be allergic to my own cats.
Being at the exhibition soon affected me badly; My eyes were itchy, and my palms itched intensely. I started to realize that when my cats stayed at home for longer periods or if they slept in my bed, I would wake up with symptoms of a bad cold. ”
Fortunately for her, Karen was able to take steps to control her allergy and now lives with her cats without undue discomfort.
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What really causes these allergies?
Many people believe that the problem is cat hair, but it is protein-type glandular secretions in reality. After its grooming sessions, the cat has dry saliva (rich in these secretions) all over its coat. It also shed dead skin flakes (dandruff) all over the house. They are five times smaller than house dust particles, so they float in the air for a long time before settling, making them easy to inhale.
Are short-haired cats better than long-haired cats?
The truth is, no. In some cases, research has shown that long-haired cats can be even better than short-haired ones. No breed does not cause any problems, but it is useful to know that male cats produce more protein secretions than females and that neutered males produce less than non-neutered ones.
What can I do to reduce the risk?
Two main factors affect the number of allergens present in your home. In the first place, the upholstery and the house clothes you have, and secondly, if you have your cat outside or inside.
If it can be inside, try to limit the amount of time, or have it only in certain parts of the house. Mattresses, duvets, sheets, and upholstery attract allergens, so don’t let him sleep on them, no matter how comfortable your bed maybe.
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Cleanliness is key
You’ll need to steam clean your rugs every three months, so it’s best to get used to the idea. Allergens stick easily to carpets, and vacuuming can exacerbate the problem by causing them to fly through the air. One idea might be to use a special carpet cleaning device; many models are on the market.
Also, be sure to use washable allergy covers everywhere in the house, especially your bed. Wash bedding at least every two weeks, at a temperature above 40 ° C. Keep your windows open for as long as possible to make it easier for allergens to escape and allow fresh, new air to circulate.
You can always consider switching to smooth wood or vinyl floors and easy-to-clean sofas that you can wash periodically at the end of the spectrum.
It’s a lot of work, but every second is worth it!
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What about medication?
Do not forget that you can always receive medication to combat an itchy throat and eye irritation. Many different over-the-counter or prescription drugs are available, and even injections. Combining these treatments with all the previous tips, you can live much more comfortably with your cat.