Allergic to Cats?
You don't have to give up your feline friend
Photo by Karen Leigh
Just because you have allergies doesn't mean you must part with your feline friend. If you're allergic to cats, chances are you're allergic to other things, too. So getting rid of your cat will solve just part of the problem. And while allergies can't be "cured," they can be managed. Here are some suggestions.
---See an allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergy problems. And make your goal clear - you intend to keep your cat. Too often, the cat is the most obvious target, and the doctor recommends removing the cat before looking for other possible irritants in the home. Insist on a thorough screening to reveal all of the allergens that bother you.
---See an allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergy problems. And make your goal clear - you intend to keep your cat. Too often, the cat is the most obvious target, and the doctor recommends removing the cat before looking for other possible irritants in the home. Insist on a thorough screening to reveal all of the allergens that bother you.
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— Allergy shots work. And so does NAET, a natural healing method using acupressure and sometimes acupuncture and other modalities.
--- Breath clean air. Invest in a good air purifier with a HEPA filter. The air purifier can be installed in your home heating system or can run from a standard electrical --- Establish an allergy-free zone. Keep pets out of your bedroom. --- Wash your hands after handling your cat. And keep the cat away from your face. --- Use Allerpet. It works! And while you're at Allerpet's Web site, read their brochure. ---Groom the cat. Brushing your cat daily will reduce shedding. ---Give her a bath. Bathing cats in lukewarm tap or distilled water every few weeks reduces the production of allergy-causing protein found in cats' saliva and on their skin and coats. A "sponge bath" works, as long as the water reaches the cat's skin. |
Allergy Remedy |
--- Feed her right. A high quality diet that includes some natural fat can prevent excessive hair loss. Adding a little fat a few times a week reduces skin dryness and flaking.
--- Beware of litter. Unscented litter is least irritating. Use a brand that produces little dust. Some suggestions: The World’s Best Cat Litter and Swheat Scoop. Pellets, like Yesterday’s News, produce no dust at all. But many cats dislike the way they feel under foot.
--- Buy bags of zeolite and put them in every room the cat uses. Zeolite has a positive charge and a honeycomb structure, so when used in conjunction with a good HEPA air filter, it can cut down on airborne cat dander.
--- Spray tannic acid: A 3 percent tannic acid solution sprayed on carpets, upholstery and bedding (NOT THE CAT) kills many allergens and is not toxic.
--- Vacuum often and thoroughly. And damp wipe all surfaces, including the walls.
---Dust your drapes by running them through the dryer on the spin cycle. Do this a couple of times a year to get rid of cat dander and other allergens.
--- Beware of litter. Unscented litter is least irritating. Use a brand that produces little dust. Some suggestions: The World’s Best Cat Litter and Swheat Scoop. Pellets, like Yesterday’s News, produce no dust at all. But many cats dislike the way they feel under foot.
--- Buy bags of zeolite and put them in every room the cat uses. Zeolite has a positive charge and a honeycomb structure, so when used in conjunction with a good HEPA air filter, it can cut down on airborne cat dander.
--- Spray tannic acid: A 3 percent tannic acid solution sprayed on carpets, upholstery and bedding (NOT THE CAT) kills many allergens and is not toxic.
--- Vacuum often and thoroughly. And damp wipe all surfaces, including the walls.
---Dust your drapes by running them through the dryer on the spin cycle. Do this a couple of times a year to get rid of cat dander and other allergens.
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