Cat allergies are common. They come around as the reaction to the cat allergen that is known as Fel d 1. It is normally found in the cat’s saliva, the fur, dander from the sebaceous glands in the skin, as well as in the anal sebaceous glands. The other allergens along with the cat’s albumin can also be found in the blood and urine.
The allergy to cats is definitely common. At least 25% of the population is suffering from this kind of allergy. In fact, this type is more common than the dog allergy. It is obvious that cats can’t be generally bathed so this likely heightens the potential of the risks.
The Problem behind the Allergy to Cats
The cat allergen is largely produced because of the usually non-neutered male cats. The allergens are basically controlled by their hormones. The dander is by and large airborne, commonly found in public areas, and is sticky. They can be present in these areas even in the absence of the cats.
The reason behind is that these allergens obviously stick to the clothes of those cat pet owners and then they get shed in the public facilities and places.
The cat dander particles are relatively too small in size. When it is present, the person gets to inhale it into the deepest parts of the lungs so that provokes the allergic reaction. Allergic asthma is commonly triggered by the cat dander. Thus, those who have cats at home but are allergic to them have higher risks of developing the asthma symptoms.
Controlling the Symptoms for Your Sake
The most possible therapy for those who have cat allergies is that of avoiding any contact with cats. There are several allergy medications which you may take provided that they have been prescribed by your doctor but then again it will help if you adhere to some other precautionary measures.
Below are other tips on how you can control the symptoms and reduce the chances of getting exposed to the cat allergens.
Be sure to have the cat neutered.
If possible, bathe your cat once or twice within the week. It will also help control the symptoms if you wipe the cat with a wet cloth everyday.
Take away the cat from the bedroom. Keep the bedroom doors and the air vents closed at all times.
Station the cat in the garage or in any other part which doesn’t have carpets on the floor.
Buy a HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner and frequently vacuum the sofas, doorstep rags, and carpets.
If your budget allows it, better buy the HEPA room air cleaner.
Research about the dust mite avoidance tips and follow them.
Vacuum the hard floors, clean all curtains and bedding, and steam clean the carpets and other upholstered furniture sets.
Change the heater vent and air conditioner filters from time to time.
For desperate measures, get rid of your pet cats especially when the allergic reactions persist and turn uncontrollable.
Take note that the cat dander normally persists in a range of months up to years. Even when the cat has long been gone, the effect remains unchanged. Thus, it will be wise to keep up with these precautionary measures to protect your health as well as your family’s. So, say no to cat allergies!