Allergic to your best friend?
There are an estimated 6 million Americans allergic to cats, and about one-third of them own a cat. In some cases, the symptoms can come after years of exposure to cats, or they can suddenly disappear after years of suffering from the allergy. Generally speaking, people aren't allergic to the cat itself, but its dander and/or saliva (which can aggravate the dander). This allergen is known by Allergists as Fel d 1. Here are some general tips for the most common kinds of allergies.
First, a good bath (I know, I know, you'd rather pull teeth) with a special shampoo is the best place to start. By doing so, you'll be removing most of the problem. There are some "waterless" shampoos available (http://www.virtualvet.com/cat.html) that may help without as much stress. Next, clean your house of all dust and surface areas well. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Then vacuum more.
HEPA filters are considered to be the best for picking up tiny dander. The addition of a few quality air filters will also reduce the amount of dander and other allergens to be dealt with. If the air quality is poor in your house, or especially dry, it will aggravate dander even further. Dander easily becomes airborne and can get into the smallest and most unlikely places. Your cat's diet may also be affecting their skin and coat, so be sure they have a high protein, quality diet.
Substances like "Allerpet C" can be used on cat's fur to dissolve some of the dander and protein from the saliva that people are allergic to as well. The longhaired cats have more area to deposit their saliva on and brushing helps, though it puts more dander in the air, so shorthaired cats tend to be better for people with allergies. Clean and vacuum often; groom and brush the cat (going outside if possible) often so shedding around the house is minimized; and bathe the cat regularly (as often as once a week, but once a month or less might do as well). Some people are simply allergic to new cats. This kind of allergy will tend to diminish with repeated exposure. Washing hands frequently also helps with this type of allergy.
Other people are allergic to the saliva on the cat's fur. A remedy for this is to bathe the cat around once a month. No soap is needed, merely soak
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