Back to All Cat Questions. Have More Questions? Contact Us. How Can We Help? Pet Retention Resources. Rehome Your Pet. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Pet allergy. Accessed May 5, Pet dander. American Lung Association. Pet allergy. Kleinman K, et al. Immunology and allergy. In: The Harriet Lane Handbook. Elsevier; Accessed May 7, Sexton DJ, et al. The common cold in adults: Diagnosis and clinical features.
Pet allergy: Are you allergic to dogs or cats? Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Erwin EA, et al. Pets in the home: Impact on allergic disease. Allergy testing. Immunotherapy can provide lasting relief. That means it creates a skin reaction when there is no allergy.
Both skin tests have a role in allergy testing. You doctor will explain which testing method is best for you. Young children often have a more difficult time with skin testing. In these cases, the doctor will order a blood test. The blood is then examined for antibodies to common allergens, such as cat dander.
The results take longer, but there is no risk of an allergic reaction during a blood test. Buy Benadryl , Claritin , or Flonase now. Nasal lavage is a home remedy for symptoms of cat allergies. Salt water saline is used to rinse your nasal passages, reducing congestion, postnasal drip , and sneezing. Several over-the-counter brands are available.
According to National Institutes of Health , butterbur an herbal supplement , acupuncture, and probiotics may improve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
However, research is limited. Herbal remedies that show potential benefits are those that share a similar action in the body compared to traditional medications. Shop for butterbur supplements. High-efficiency particulate air HEPA filters are one of the best defenses against cat allergies. They reduce airborne pet allergens by forcing air through a special filter that traps pet dander, as well as pollen , dust mites, and other allergens.
Shop for HEPA air filters. There is ongoing debate among scientists whether infants who are exposed to animals at a very young age are destined to develop allergies, or if the opposite is true. Recent studies have come to conflicting conclusions. On the other hand, a study found that babies who live with cats, especially during the first year of life, develop antibodies to the pet and were less likely to acquire an allergy later.
A study found that cats and dogs may provide a benefit by exposing babies to certain healthy bacteria early in life. Your doctor will be able to answer questions you may have about your baby and your cat.
For children who are allergic, removing fabric toys and stuffed animals and replacing them with plastic or washable ones may help relieve symptoms. Avoidance is best to prevent the allergies in the first place.
Next, you'll want to go the extra mile in keeping your home clean. Steam clean upholstery and wash shades, sheets, and blankets frequently. Dust often and vacuum with a HEPA filter.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter might help as well. You could also try spraying your home with an anti-allergen spray. Clean the litter box several times a week and use low-dust litter. Wash your hands after petting your cat.
If you pet your cat then rub your eyes or touch your face, it might make your allergies worse. Try to keep your cat extra clean too. This could include using vet-recommended wipes that cut down on dander or bathing your cat with an anti-allergen shampoo.
Some cats are more likely to get used to bathing if you start when they're kittens or if you use warm but not hot water. Brushing can also help. You may need to try a couple brushes until you find one your cat likes.
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