Help Living With A Cat And A Cat Allergy

Has your doctor diagnosed you with an allergy tofloors. These changes mean you can clean your
cats? Do you own cats? Do you consider them yourhome better and get rid of more cat dander. While
babies? Can you not live without them? Just becausethese actions may be costly, they are worth the
you have an allergy to cats, it doesn't mean youeffort for those who really love their cats.
necessarily have to give them away. There are someIf you can't replace your carpets because you rent
things you can do to help you and your belovedyour home or apartment, there are still several ways
feline live together despite your cat allergy.to clean more cat dander out of the existing carpet.
First, most people who say they are allergic to catsFirst, there are new vacuums with extra powerful
are really not allergic to cats at all but instead to theirsuction made specifically for removing pet hair from
saliva. Because cats groom themselves regularly, theircarpet, rugs and upholstery. Certain air filters and air
fur is covered with this dried saliva, or dander as it iscleaners can also help to cut down on the amount of
called.dander floating in your air.
Since cats also shed regularly, their fur, which isAnother suggestion is to try is bathing your cat, or
coated in dander, is left where ever they may go inhaving him bathed, on a weekly basis. Although your
your home. It may settle in the carpet, on couchescat won't like this idea that much, the weekly bath
and drapes. Every time you clean this fur and dandermay help to cut down on some of the dander on the
is stirred up in the air, making your allergy symptomsfur. Another option is to have your cat shaved.
worse.While this may sound strange, many veterinarians'
If you find discover you have a cat allergy, the bestoffices offer this service for less than $50. Cats with
idea is to keep your cat outside. If this is not possibleless hair will understandably have less dander. An
because the animal is declawed, there are a fewadded bonus is that they will also shed less and have
things you can do to make your life less miserablefewer hairballs.
because of allergies.Finally, you might consult with your doctor to see if
First, you might want to limit your cat's roaming tohe can suggest an allergy medication that might with
only one or two rooms of your house. After pettingyour cat allergy. He may suggest allergy shots, a
or playing with your feline, wash your handsprescription strength allergy medication or even an
thoroughly, especially before touching your face orover-the-counter allergy treatment. You and your
nose. Also, never allow the cats to sleep in your beddoctor can work together to find the best solution
with you.for your particular cat allergy.
Next, there are several ways you can help reduceFor those who love cats, finding out that they have
the amount of cat dander that stays in your home.a cat allergy may be the worst news they can
You might think about replacing cloth curtains orreceive. While it may seem the only option is to give
drapes with plastic or wooden blinds.away their beloved pet, there are some things they
It will also help if you remove the carpet from yourcan try in order to get allergy relief, but still keep
house and replace it with linoleum, hardwood or tiletheir cat.