Overcoming An Allergy To Cats

Many potential cat owners avoid owning cats due to allergies. Over thirty percent of people with asthma are also allergic to cats. Allergies to cats can cause sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. People who suffer from those symptoms only and are not in danger of triggering an asthma attack can build up a tolerance to cats. Doing this could allow someone with a cat allergy to own a cat.

People who suspect that they have cat allergies should consider getting an allergy test from their doctors. One course of action would be to take a series of immunotherapy injections. This option should be discussed with a doctor. Another way that a physician can treat cat allergies is through medication or natural remedies.

Immunotherapy injections work by introducing gradually increasing amounts of the allergen. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, will not cure allergies. This cat allergy treatment does tend to lessen the symptoms. This same concept can be applied without the use of injections, which can be costly and time consuming. If the potential cat owner can arrange to spend time with a cat, it can help the person build up a tolerance.

On the first few times spending time with the cat, the person with a cat allergy may want to ask the cat owner to use a natural remedy for cat allergies on the cat. These natural remedies come in the form of wipes or sprays. The person with cat allergies may want to take a natural remedy for cat allergies before each visit with a cat.

The first visit with a cat should only last about ten minutes. This time should be gradually increased for subsequent visits. If the person continues to be able to tolerate the cat, they can attempt to visit other friends or relatives with cats.

If things are going well with spending extended periods of time with cats, the individual may want to consider what cat breed would be best. Some cat breeds are rumored to be easier to own for people with allergies. A veterinarian may have suggestions. Some cat breeds are hairless or almost hairless. These may be easier for someone with allergies.