Pets have been an important part of the family for
many households in the world. They become sources of entertainment and
happiness. However, there are also disadvantages that they can bring. The most
common allergy caused by pets is cat allergy. It has affected millions of
people all over the world. Exposure to their saliva and dander can trigger
allergic reactions and asthma attacks which can worsen if not attended to
immediately.
The initial reaction of the body to an invading
antigen, or in this case allergen, is the release of antibodies which cause the
inflammation and other symptoms. The allergen in this case is the saliva and
the dander, which is the skin that has shed already. This can spread to objects
in your house that has come in contact with your cat and it is airborne as well
which means that there is a possibility that you can inhale these allergens.
Like most allergies, a person who is allergic to cats
will manifest signs and symptoms such as red, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing,
nasal congestion, difficulty of breathing, coughing, wheezing and the
appearance of rashes on areas that have come in contact with their saliva and
dander. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the body's
reaction to the allergens.
Upon the first appearance of symptoms, consult your
doctor immediately. Your doctor will then do a series of tests, especially skin
tests to confirm your allergic reaction to cats. The treatment usually consists
of medications to relieve the symptoms such as anti-histamines and steroids to
reduce the inflammation. It is also important that you avoid exposure to cats
and stay away from objects which have come in contact with them.
The most effective prevention is staying away from
cats. However, if you want to be able to get near your cat, you must take these
following considerations. Groom your cat regularly so that the dander does not
stick on its fur and spread around the house. It is a common misconception that
dander and fur are the same. Dander is actually the skin that has shed already
and has stuck on the fur of the cat. Sweeping the floor can only spread the
dander more. You can vacuum instead so that it does not go around the air in
your house. You can also use vacuum on your couch and bed, especially if your
cat has the habit of staying there. Sleeping with your cat might have been a
common practice, but now that you have been diagnosed with an allergy, avoid
doing this. Sleeping with your cat will only worsen the symptoms, especially if
you are at the peak of your allergic reaction. Wash your bed sheets, pillow
cases and blankets regularly to remove dander that has stuck with the fibers of
the cloth.
If you have cat allergy,
there is also a possibility that you are allergic to other environmental
factors such as pollens and dusts. To ensure a reduction in the appearance of
symptoms, make sure that you clean your house regularly so that allergens do
not accumulate over time.

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