| If you start to sneeze, develop teary eyes, a runny | | | | Make sure you put toys, food and water in the |
| nose and a headache every time you get near your | | | | room. A room with windows with wide panes may |
| cat you might be having an allergic reaction. Cat | | | | be a good idea so they can sit and look outside. |
| allergens from the saliva and dander have to be | | | | Have someone without allergies take your cat |
| airborne in order for you to breathe them in and then | | | | outside for a while every day. |
| have an allergic reaction. Since they are airborne, they | | | | Cats should be bathed regularly to control the |
| can circulate everywhere in your house and on you. | | | | quantity of allergens that are released. A good micro |
| Have yourself tested so you can be sure your | | | | fiber cloth will also work. You can rub down their coat |
| symptoms are coming from your cat. Allergists can | | | | to eliminate any obvious dander. There are shampoos |
| perform a scratch test on your skin that can reveal | | | | for pets that work to reduce the airborne allergens. |
| 70-80 possible allergens. Allergies to a pet can begin | | | | Always wash your hands after touching your cat. |
| at any age. Many people that have pet allergies may | | | | There are medications that can be taken such as |
| have allergies to other things like molds or pollen. | | | | antihistamines, eye drops and nasal sprays. Allergy |
| Allergies also tend to run in families. | | | | desensitization shots are another treatment option. |
| Most people do not want to give up their cat unless | | | | The shots make the person immune to the allergies. |
| they absolutely have to. If the symptoms are mild, | | | | Small amounts of allergens are injected at first and |
| you probably will be able to keep your cat. There are | | | | than slowly increased. Make an appointment with a |
| ways to decrease the unpleasant symptoms of the | | | | holistic healthcare practitioner if you want a more |
| allergy. | | | | natural way to control your symptoms. Nutritional |
| Start by not letting your cats sleep with you | | | | supplements and herbs may decrease an allergic |
| anymore. In fact, keep them out of your bedroom | | | | response. Your cat should also eat a healthy diet with |
| completely. Wash your bedclothes in a hot water | | | | omega-3 fatty acids. Cats produce less dander if |
| temperature of 140-degrees. This will eliminate any | | | | they are healthy. |
| allergens while you are trying to get your symptoms | | | | If for some reason you don't respond to any of the |
| under control. | | | | treatments then you might have to give up your pet. |
| Try to keep your cat confined to one area of the | | | | Of course, you want them to have a good home. |
| house until you have been treated and feel better. | | | | Ask family members or friends if they would take |
| This might be difficult but it may be the only solution | | | | your cat. Rescue groups are also good to call to help |
| if you have severe allergies. A room you don't use | | | | you find a place where your pet will receive excellent |
| could be a good area to keep your cat in temporarily. | | | | care. |