Q. How can I get rid of a cat allergy?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
There is no single "cure" for cat allergies, but there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your symptoms and minimize the bothersome symptoms that come with being allergic to cats. While these strategies will not make the allergy go away completely, they can give you some relief and help make life with cats more bearable.
The first step in managing your cat allergies is identifying what causes them. An allergist may be able to do testing to determine if it’s an allergy or intolerance that’s causing your symptoms. Cat allergies are often caused by proteins found in dander (dead skin cells), urine, and saliva produced by cats. However, other irritants like dust mites, pollen, mold spores and even certain cleaning products can also cause reactions. To keep your reactions under control avoid having carpets or cloth-covered furniture where dander accumulates; opt instead for hard floors like linoleum or tile because they trap fewer allergens. Additionally try using air purifiers around the house which filter out particles suspended in the air (like pet dander) as well as those stuck on surfaces such as couches or bedding—containing HEPA filters are best for this purpose because they have been proven effective at trapping 99 percent of microscopic particles down to 0.3 microns such as cat dander!
It's also important to limit contact with a cat's fur directly so while playing/hugging should still be allowed try not letting them on furniture/bedding and opt instead for wearing protective clothing like long sleeves shirts/pants when interacting with them so preventing direct contact between their fur & yours – even better: purchase lint rollers specifically designed rid clothes off allergen containing fur! Furthermore regularly bathing & grooming cats can help reduce overall levels of airborne allergen leading less chance of an allergic reaction for someone sensitive due their immune system overreacting certain proteins present within those molecules – ideally this should done weekly using hypoallergenic shampoo specially developed people prone allergies who own pets!
Last but not least there plenty different medications available nowadays treat specific types hypersensitivity from antihistamines decongestants which decrease inflammation constricting blood vessels relieve congestion due pollen inhalation helping alleviate typical seasonal allergy sufferers hay fever sufferers alike!. These courses often time need prescribed physician efficacy varies depending severity type reaction experienced – please consult before taking any potentially powerful drugs though!.