End Cat Allergies

By Sven Ullmann

Cat allergy symptoms afflict many people. Sufferers are in real trouble if they happen to own a cat. This might not make sense to the ordinary person but to a cat lover it does. The symptoms may developed long after they have acquired their furry companion so getting rid of the rascal my simply not be an option. So for many cat lovers and owners living with cat allergies is a real problem that they have to live with.

Allergies in general are still not completely understood by the medical community. Inroads have been made but the fact remains that not enough knowledge has been gained on allergies to completely eliminate them. Some of the best experts on allergies in the medical community are themselves allergy sufferers. This in itself has allowed them to make the observations necessary to gain a better understanding of allergy symptoms.

Cat allergy symptoms can manifest themselves in many forms. They can appear singularly or in combination. They can come and go for no apparent reason. So you may have been mistaking your symptoms for a lingering cold and or a sore throat that comes and goes. A rash that sometimes responds to topical treatment and sometimes doesn’t. Sneezing fits that you blame on dust or pollen allergies.

Some of the symptoms are clogged and ringing ears. Sneezing fits. Red and watering eyes. Burning eyes. Skin rashes. Cold-like symptoms. Sore throat. Sound familiar? If you are a cat owner and you have these symptoms on a regular basis that you may be suffering from cat allergies. You can however take steps to reduce your suffering and still keep your beloved friend.

Until recently the actual cause of the allergy symptoms was a mystery. People thought they knew but in the end no one really knew for sure what in fact was on the cat that was causing the suffering. Hair?small skin flakes? The cat box? It turns out it is the cats saliva that is the culprit. By licking its hair, which is a cats favorite past time, your cat is spreading the stuff that is the root of your suffering.

The best method of determining if you are suffering from cat allergies is to remove your cat from the house for about two weeks and vacuum and clean anything your cat is in contact with and see if the symptoms disappear or are lessened. Not doing a thorough cleaning defeats the purpose of this test. This is a common test for most allergy sufferers. Remove the suspect material and see if it goes away.

Assuming that you have made a determination that you are in fact suffering from cat allergies then the next question is what to do about it. The easiest and most complete solution short of finding your cat a new home is to make it an outside cat. This might seem like a great sacrifice to yourself but your cat may love it once it has adjusted. A cat door can be installed on a side room or garage so it can still come in from the weather.

Other solutions can be had but they are not as completely as effective as putting your cat outside. Vacuuming and cleaning your house more often helps. It’s a lot more work for yourself but the allergen can be removed. Receiving medical treatment for your allergies can be effective if you respond positively to the treatment. Limiting your cats access to your whole house particularly your bedroom is a must.

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family. Read more about cat allergy symptoms. Interested in our healthy newsletter?

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By Laura Marsh

An allergy is a reaction to a substance in the environment, these can be a range of things such as pollen, dust mites, animal hair etc. For some very unlucky people, they have an allergy to their cat.

Most allergy sufferers will suffer from more than just one allergy, should they ever be tested for them. And the belief that giving away the family cat will stop the allergy problems is often wrong as the other allergens still remain in the house.

The most common cat allergen is cat hair and cat dandruff. The symptoms of these produce themselves in the same way as pollen or dust mite allergies. These often include, swollen, itchy and runny eyes, a runny nose, coughing and in severe cases Asthma.

You should not even consider giving your cat away, as it is normally a combination of factors in your house that are causing you to have this allergy and therefore giving the cat away will not solve the problem.

You can ease the symptoms of cat allergies and in many cases prevent them from happening in the first place by following a few procedures:

• Do not let your cat in your bed room. As you sleep in the bedroom, you do not wish to get cat hair and dandruff on your bedding or around your bedroom, as this can make the allergic reaction worse at night, causing you breathing and sleeping problems when your body is trying to repair itself.

• Vacuum your cat. This sounds like a completely mad ritual, however you can remove a lot of the loose hair and debris this way. Most cats are happy for you to do this with a low suction setting and low noise. And for those cats that are reluctant, if you keep repeating the process they will soon get used to this new regular grooming process.

• Wash your cat once a week. This will help with the cat dandruff. Most cats are actually quite happy to have a bath, although using the bathtub is not a good idea. Use a large bowl or the kitchen sink, and make sure the water is only tepid.

• Clean your house regularly and thoroughly. Pay extra attention to your upholstery and carpets where cat hairs and cat dandruff my lie unseen. If you invest in a good vacuum cleaner you can purchase ones specifically for use in households with pets.

• There is also a range of injections available to desensitised you to the cat and these are carried out over two to three years, however this should really only be considered in severe cases.

If you only have a minor case of cat allergy you can try taking antihistamines available over the counter from your pharmacist. Often you will find that after a few months of taking these the allergy no longer effects you.

Written by Laura Marsh. For more information on cats and your family visit http://www.caringforyourcat.info

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By Davis Newberry

Is Mr. Whiskers making you sick? Exposure to allergens such as cat dander can cause health concerns in many loving cat owners. Are you afraid you or a member of your family may have cat allergies? If the thought of saying goodbye to Mr. Whiskers is beyond unacceptable, then please read on for the 6 tips you can implement today to combat those nasty cat allergies in order for you and your companion to live happily ever after.

When a cat washes itself the dried saliva sticks to loose hair as well as the cats’ dander. It is then released into the air, and when you or the family member with the cat allergy breaths in or comes into direct contact with any of these particles the results…an allergic reaction. Exposure to cat dander, hair and dried saliva will cause family members with cat allergies to exhibit some of the most common symptoms which are sneezing, wheezing, watery itchy eyes, coughing and perhaps even breaking out in a rash. These particles can become airborne or embed themselves in your carpeting, clothing and upholstery.

In order to live with your fury friend you may want to try a few of the following tips.

1. If possible restrict the rooms to which your cat has access to. It is imperative that a cat not be allowed in the bedroom of any family member who has the cat allergies. Bedding, carpeting and the air will house these particles and most certainly cause a reaction.

2. Wash bedding in 140-degree water at least twice a month.

3. Wash your hands after petting and playing with your feline friend.

4. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.

5. Place the cat litter in an area restricted to the air supply to the rest of the house

6. The last and most important step is to purchase a high quality air purifier for your home. The air purifier will not only control the pet dander but any other problems with your air such as dust, pollen or mold.

Following these tips should allow you or the family member suffering from those irritating cat allergies to happily co-existence with your feline friend for many happy years to come. Great news Mr. Whiskers looks like you’re staying.

Want to know what’s in the air you’re breathing? How would you like 3 FREE air test kits you can use to determine exactly what pollutants you and your family are breathing? For more information on how to safely remove those airborne pollutants like pet dander, dust and mold please visit NANOO2-airpurifier.com

© Copyright 2007 Davis Newberry. All Rights Reserved

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By Charley Hwang

Although pet cats are becoming more and more common, and those who do not own one do not usually resist to pet or stroke them when one approaches them, there are people out there who keep their distance from these felines, and not because they dislike them, but they have allergies!!

For true cat lovers, it is very hard to overcome this issue, for they cannot enjoy the perks of owning a pet cat due to allergy reactions and the complications that come with it, especially if the cat itself is the allergy trigger.

As strange as it is, there are more people allergic to cats than there are to dogs. Cat allergies are not to be taken lightly, especially with children with breathing problems such as asthma, or other related issues for exposing them to cats may worsen the situation. For some people, having a cat nearby without actual contact may even cause serious reactions and other problems.

The biggest misconception is that the cat’s fur causes the allergy reaction. The truth is, this substance called Fel D1 that is found in a cat’s saliva is the culprit that causes the allergy. It gets onto the cat’s fur when it licks itself clean. From there, it may get blown or carried by air or other medium into the surroundings, and any unfortunate person with cat allergies would react when breathing nearby a cat. As the substance is airborne, one do not have to be too near the cat to get a reaction. Therefore, when a cat comes within distance, one would start to sneeze or cough and so on.

Hairless cats prove to be just as hazardous as furry cats. Even if your cat’s hair is shaved, or has naturally short fur, it does not mean that it won’t cause allergy attacks, as aforementioned, the substance that causes allergy reactions are contained in the cat’s saliva, not the fur, and it is natural for a cat to lick itself clean.

There are determined cat lovers who do own pet cats despite their allergy issues. If you are a true cat lover and would really want to own a cat, check with your doctor or find an allergist nearby who can help you control your allergies. This way, you can enjoy having an adorable pet cat around the house, with less allergy reactions. See below for more information on allergies to cats.

For more information on Allergic to Cats or visit http://www.siamesecatsinfo.com/help-i-have-allergies-but-absolutely-love-cats/, a popular website that offers information on Cats, Cats Breeding, and Cats Behavior. Please leave the links intact if you wish to reprint this article. Thanks

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By Dana Madison

These allergic symptoms can include itchy skin, red and dry eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. It may take you a while to realize that the allergies are coming from your cat. If your allergies didn’t arise until after you’ve had your cat for awhile, it can be very difficult to give your beloved cat away.

Don’t send kitty packing too quickly; there are several things you can do to make your allergy symptoms less severe.

The allergen is the dander that comes from the cat and compiles around your house in the bedding, curtains, and on the furniture. Because we spend at least 6 hours or more per night in our bed, it makes sense to stop letting your cat on your bed.

This will dramatically reduce pet dander while you are sleeping. Another good recommendation is to take a shower before bedtime so that you can remove as much of the pet dander that may be on your skin before prior to going to bed at night.

Another big factor is to reconsider whether you should let your cat into your bedroom at all. By keeping your bedroom pet free, it will provide a safe retreat when your allergy symptoms flare up.

Because of cat allergies, be certain to change your bedding weekly. Take extra time to vacuum your carpets daily, and wash your curtains at least once a month. These simple tasks will greatly help in removing the amount of dander found in your home. Be sure to get a HEPA filter with your vacuum cleaner for best results.

Another good practice is to wash your hands after handling any pet, including your cat. It’s even more important to do this since you have allergies. The simple act of touching your cat, and then your face can leave you with an uncomfortable evening later on.

Consider using a micro fiber cloth to stroke your cat. This will eliminate more dander than a bath, and it’s easier for you since your cat may not be too fond of baths. If you continue to have trouble controlling your symptoms, confine your cats to one area of the house and see if your symptoms lessen.

Last but not least, keeping yourself healthy is very important, but hanging on to your cat is also important. By following the basic steps mentioned above, as well as speaking with your doctor about allergy shots and medications, the above recommendations should allow you to feel good and keep that beloved feline at the same time.

To discover how you can dramatically reduce cat health problems, visit my blog for more details: www.fortopinfo.com/cat-health-problems.htm

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By Willhelm Williams

Next to dogs, cats are the most common family pet. Cats are great family pets that offer comfort, warmth, companionship and unfortunately for some people allergic reactions. Because of cat allergies, many of those who would otherwise love to have a cat cannot do so. Cat allergies can range from mild to severe, so it is important to take special care when being around these precious felines.

Up to 40% of people who suffer from asthma have cat allergies and are much more sensitive to these creatures than they are to dogs.

What triggers an allergic reaction to cats?

A protein that is found in the cat skin and saliva is the problematic element for those with this affliction. When a cat licks his fur in order to clean himself, then he is depositing this protein onto his fur, thereby causing the reaction in sensitive individuals.

Aren’t people allergic to cat hair?

The cat hair itself is not causing the reaction, but the protein that is present in the dander and saliva. When the allergens become airborne, then the symptoms begin.

While no cats are known to be specifically hypoallergenic, male cats cause more allergic reactions than female because of the testosterone increase in the cat’s glands, which in turn increases the protein.

The cat allergen is found mainly in homes where cats live, yet has been found in offices and other places where animals are not allowed. The protein is quite sticky and can be carried on people’s clothing and furniture. The protein particles which cause the cat allergies can remain in the air for long periods of time, and those who are sensitive are more likely to have a rapid reaction when going into a room where a cat has been or is.

Can the allergen be filtered out of the air?

Opening a window or using an exhaust fan often helps to reduce the allergens present in the air. Another option is to use pleated air filters for your heating ventilation air conditioning system (HVAC). The paper pleated filters trap more of the protein allergen and filter it out of the air. It helps, to reduce the amount of allergen protein, but does not completely eliminate it.

What are the symptoms of a cat allergy?

• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Wheezing and sneezing
• Chronic asthma
• Hives
• Atopic eczema
• A tightening in your throat – anaphylactic shock. Which is life threatening.

Once you have determined that you are allergic to cats it is best to avoid contact with them. As well as avoiding homes that have cats inside. Consult with your allergy doctor to determine what medications you can use to minimize your allergy reaction to cats. It is advised to avoid cats as much as you can in order to maintain health and not trigger a reaction.

Want more information on living with cat allergies and where to find help for allergies in children? Try visiting http://www.allergyanswersguide.com, a popular website that offers tips, advice and resources related to allergies, allergies in deodorant and mold allergies.

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By Maria Brittis

Process of elimination is the best way to solve allergies, especially if you have loving pets around.

Living with 9 cats and one dog all my family members were not prone to allergies, possible the minor itching of the eye from petting the cat, but that was solved by washing ones hands.

One evening my husband had this terrible sneezing attack and his body started to itch as well. We’ll Poor Hilda our grey tabby cat was getting the evil eye from my husband. I knew that her days were numbered on our bed. Eventually my husband sneezed himself to sleep with a little help from the over the counter allergy medicine.

The next day I started the process of elimination and checked all the cleaners to see what was in them and found a high content of perfume in the clothes detergent my husband had bought on sale. I immediately went out and bought a perfume free detergent and washed all the clothes and sheets with that. In a matter of a few days the allergies stop. Hilda was back on our bed purring away. So please check out the perfume content in all your cleaners and detergents before finding new homes for your precious pets.

Happy Cleaning

Maria Brittis is a full time mom and Fuller Brush Distributor. On her spare time she fundraises for the low cost spay and neuter assistance program in South Carolina, Visit her websites: http://www.fullerbrushhome.com and http://www.ilovepets.org Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Brittis