Being allergic to cats (or dogs) doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have one, or that you must give up the one(s) you have. The problem may be solved by learning more about minimizing pet-related allergies and making some adjustments to your environment. Controlling allergies takes some work, but if you really want to … YOU CAN DO IT!
In case you don’t know how it all works, allergic reactions are (duh!) caused by allergens – substances like pollen, dust mites, mold spores and food additives. And, in case you haven’t noticed or taken a poll, people who have an allergy are rarely allergic to just one thing – thus the term, “having allergies”. The allergens your pet carries are associated with its skin, hair follicles and saliva. Dander is a naturally-occurring combination of skin cells and saliva that the pet is continually shedding and is most often the cause of pet allergies. It is the protein of this dander that causes the reactions. It gets even better; dander imbeds itself in the carpeting, furniture and draperies and remains in the environment to cause reactions.
When it comes to cats, the cat allergen “Fel d I”, is the major cause of allergic reactions. During a cat’s self-cleaning process (which seems constant), Fel d I protein in the cat’s saliva is deposited on its fur. It is also produced by sebaceous glands – the glands that secrete oils that keep kitty’s skin and hair sleek and shiny. Male cats usually produce more allergen than females, so someone with allergies who simply must have a cat should start by looking for a female. Proteins in a cat’s urine will also trigger allergic reactions, so keeping the litter box out of your living space is a good idea as well – and gives you an excuse to NOT have to deal with the litter box.
Some animals seem to be more tolerable than others because they shed fewer allergens. Unfortunately, however, there are no non-allergenic animals. It is also an absolute myth that the length of hair alters the amount of allergens it sheds. Short haired animals are not less allergenic than longer haired animals. The whole thing can be so arbitrary that within any given breed, or even within a litter, you may find animals that you can tolerate better than others.
Allergies are usually cumulative. Since the allergic person is sensitive to more than one thing, it is the Total Allergen Level that causes a reaction. Whether or not a person has symptoms depends upon how many allergens are in the environment at the same time. An individual who is allergic to animals may exhibit no noticeable symptoms when the total exposure is below his or her allergy threshold level. The trouble begins when there are enough allergens in the environment to exceed this level. The goal is to minimize exposure to airborne allergens that exceed tolerance thresholds and trigger attacks. In other words, if you can manage to keep every other allergy trigger in your environment low enough, your cat may not cause significant symptoms or perhaps none at all.
How does one do that exactly? Let me count the ways. They range from regular baths for your cat, lots and lots of dusting and vacuuming your home, special covers on pillows and mattresses, etc. A doctor’s advice and treatment may be necessary as well. An allergy specialist may prescribe medication or allergy injections to build your immunity to the triggers in your environment, including your pets. Over the counter allergy medication may also do the trick if your symptoms are minimal.
So, there is no need to write off kitty completely. If you already have a cat (or cats), try some of these things mentioned here before you try to find her a new home. If you have diagnosed allergies, ask your doctor if cats are among the things you’re allergic to and then use your best judgment.
