I'm allergic to cats! What should I do to live with my cat?
I'm allergic to cats! What should I do to live with my cat?
I was told I'm allergic to cats... Can't I live with my cat anymore?
How can I cure my cat allergy?
"I'm allergic to cats, but I want to live with cats!" In particular, if you are allergic to cats after you start living with them, you won’t be able to let go easily, and I think it is a very serious problem.
But don't worry. Depending on the countermeasures, you may be able to still live with them even if you’ve got allergies.
What are the specific countermeasures? I will introduce them in detail.
1 in 5 people are said to be allergic to cats.
Additionally, cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, so someone in your family might be allergic to cats.
If you are allergic to them, you may find out right away when you first keep a cat, or symptoms may appear after a while, so you can't let your guard down.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to cats? What kind of treatments are there?
Cat allergies are symptoms caused by allergens (substances that cause allergies) contained in cat fur, dander, saliva, and urine.
Currently, eight types of allergens for cat allergies have been confirmed, ranging from Fel d1 to Fel d8. A typical example is Fel d1 , a type of protein that is secreted from salivary and sebaceous glands.
When these allergens are ingested, the body's immune system overreacts, resulting in various allergic symptoms.
Symptoms of cat allergies include:
It is said that the symptoms are similar to those of hay fever or a mild cold. The difference from the common cold is that there is no fever and there are eye symptoms.
Depending on the person, skin symptoms such as swelling of the face and tongue, red spots and itching may occur immediately after touching the allergen. Severe cases may include diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate. It can also be life-threatening if it causes asthma.
Some people have constant symptoms all the time, but there are others whose symptoms gradually get worse, so you can't let your guard down just because it's mild.
Cat allergy symptoms are difficult to distinguish from hay fever, so if you are concerned, we recommend that you see a doctor and take a blood test.
There is currently no cure for cat allergies. The mainstay of treatment is symptomatic treatment aimed at relieving symptoms. Consult with an internist, otolaryngologist, dermatologist, or allergist to prescribe the appropriate medication.
Antihistamines are often prescribed for sneezing and itching, and bronchodilators are often prescribed for asthma symptoms. Steroids and nasal sprays may also be prescribed.
Overseas, desensitization therapy, in which the body gradually gets used to allergens, is attracting attention. The disadvantage is that the treatment period is long, but if it goes well, there will be no need to continue taking the medicine, so I would like to expect more in the future.
In addition, research is also progressing on how to inoculate cats with a vaccine that is effective in reducing the amount of Fel d1 released.
In the near future, even people with cat allergies may be able to live with cats without worry.
It seems that there are many owners who noticed that they were allergic to cats after they started living with cats. The best way to deal with allergies is to keep allergens away, so it's best to keep cats away.
But cats are also part of the family. We can't kick it out just because we’re allergic. Therefore, many people choose to keep cats while taking measures against cat allergies.
What precautions should people with cat allergies take when living with cats?
Here are some tips on how to deal with cat allergies:
Fel d1 is secreted from salivary and sebaceous glands and scattered around. If you suppress the divergence, the allergic symptoms will also be suppressed.
Brushing 2-3 times a week is recommended. It is effective to reduce Fel d1 that is emitted just by removing the hair loss.
If you are allergic to cats, wear a mask when brushing, and then take a bath afterward (just changing your clothes can help). Also, when brushing, choose clothes that are easy to wash.
In particular, Fel d1 entangles the fibers of wool sweaters and makes it difficult to remove them, so you may experience symptoms just by wearing them. should be avoided when brushing.
It seems that many people think that shampooing a cat is effective, but in reality, it is not very effective. The amount of Fel d1 emission decreases temporarily, but it returns to the original amount in a few days.
Cats don't like getting wet, and bathing can be a big stress. Considering that the effect wears off after a few days, I don't think shampooing is a good solution.
Rather, it seems that wiping with a wet towel and reducing Fel d1 attached to the coat can be expected to be effective.
As a countermeasure against cat allergies, it is also recommended to create a room where cats cannot enter. Prepare an allergen-free area.
In addition to keeping cats out of the house, we also try not to bring in anything that the cat has touched as much as possible.
The symptoms in the eyes, nose, and throat are uncomfortable and disturb sleep, so it is especially recommended to keep them out of the bedroom.
Also, since allergens tend to stick to fabrics , there is data that just washing the curtains reduced the number of allergens in the room to one-seventh .
The following measures are also effective in reducing allergies.
In addition to this, cleaning is important for cat allergy countermeasures. Fel d1 is very small and light, and if it scatters, it will float in the air for a long time, so be careful. Wiping clean is effective because it leaks out of the exhaust port with an ordinary vacuum cleaner.
Consider installing air purifiers, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, etc. that use HEPA filters that can collect even fine particles.
A filter with poor performance may spread the Fel d1 that is inhaled, so it is safe to use an air purifier or air conditioner that uses a HEPA filter.
In addition, there is data that Sharp's plasma cluster is effective in reducing Fel d1 scattered in the air by nearly 80%.
If Fel d1 in indoor air can be reduced, cat allergy symptoms will be less likely to occur in that room.
According to overseas data, the following cat breeds are less likely to cause cat allergies:
In the photo is a Siberian cat, said to be less likely to cause allergies
Some of the most well-known cat breeds are Siberian, Balinese, and Russian Blue. There is data that these cat breeds produce a small amount of Fel d1, which is the main cause of cat allergies. In fact, many Americans keep Siberians because they are less likely to develop allergies to cats.
In addition, since Oriental Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Sphinx have less hair loss, it is thought that the amount of Fel d1 scattered is small.
However, it is said that the information around here is not properly backed up, so take it with a grain of salt. It's just that one Siberian Fel d1 production was low in one of the four we tested. It would be too inadequate to call it scientific evidence.
There’s also information that short-haired breeds are less prone to allergies than long-haired breeds, and that females produce less Fel d1 than males. However, it seems that the production can be reduced by performing castration surgery. It has also been pointed out that the production of Fel d1 may decrease with aging.
Believe the rumors and you may get hurt, so I would like to ask you to be careful for the sake of the cat.
You may be able to improve cat allergies with cat food.
The cat food Purina Proplan Live Clear released by Nestlé is attracting attention as a cat food that is effective in reducing the production of Fel d1.
When fed this food, it seems that Fel d1 attached to the coat and dandruff decreased by 47% on average within 3 weeks from the start of feeding. If the amount of allergens is reduced to nearly half, it can be expected that the symptoms will be lighter for people with cat allergies.
There is no guarantee that the symptoms will disappear because there are individual differences in how it decreases, but it may be worth a try.
You may also want to give your cat food that is allergy friendly. However, when it comes to food, I think it depends on the cat's taste and the owner's preferences, so please consider carefully.
I think it's hard to do all of these perfectly from the beginning, so let's strengthen the measures little by little. In addition, it is recommended that you take measures while consulting with your doctor, such as visiting a hospital and using medicine.
How can I cure my cat allergy?
"I'm allergic to cats, but I want to live with cats!" In particular, if you are allergic to cats after you start living with them, you won’t be able to let go easily, and I think it is a very serious problem.
But don't worry. Depending on the countermeasures, you may be able to still live with them even if you’ve got allergies.
What are the specific countermeasures? I will introduce them in detail.
(It depends on the degree of cat allergy. If you live with a cat, be sure to consult your doctor.) What Happens When You're Allergic to Cats?
1 in 5 people are said to be allergic to cats.
Additionally, cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, so someone in your family might be allergic to cats.
If you are allergic to them, you may find out right away when you first keep a cat, or symptoms may appear after a while, so you can't let your guard down.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to cats? What kind of treatments are there?
Allergens such as Fel d1 released from cats are the cause of cat allergies
Cat allergies are symptoms caused by allergens (substances that cause allergies) contained in cat fur, dander, saliva, and urine.
Currently, eight types of allergens for cat allergies have been confirmed, ranging from Fel d1 to Fel d8. A typical example is Fel d1 , a type of protein that is secreted from salivary and sebaceous glands.
When these allergens are ingested, the body's immune system overreacts, resulting in various allergic symptoms.
Symptoms similar to hay fever or cold appear in the eyes, nose, throat, etc.
Symptoms of cat allergies include:
- itchy or red eyes
- runny nose or nasal congestion cough
- sneeze
- inflammation of the throat
It is said that the symptoms are similar to those of hay fever or a mild cold. The difference from the common cold is that there is no fever and there are eye symptoms.
Depending on the person, skin symptoms such as swelling of the face and tongue, red spots and itching may occur immediately after touching the allergen. Severe cases may include diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate. It can also be life-threatening if it causes asthma.
Some people have constant symptoms all the time, but there are others whose symptoms gradually get worse, so you can't let your guard down just because it's mild.
Cat allergy symptoms are difficult to distinguish from hay fever, so if you are concerned, we recommend that you see a doctor and take a blood test.
Basically, there is no fundamental treatment, only symptomatic ones
There is currently no cure for cat allergies. The mainstay of treatment is symptomatic treatment aimed at relieving symptoms. Consult with an internist, otolaryngologist, dermatologist, or allergist to prescribe the appropriate medication.
Antihistamines are often prescribed for sneezing and itching, and bronchodilators are often prescribed for asthma symptoms. Steroids and nasal sprays may also be prescribed.
Overseas, desensitization therapy, in which the body gradually gets used to allergens, is attracting attention. The disadvantage is that the treatment period is long, but if it goes well, there will be no need to continue taking the medicine, so I would like to expect more in the future.
In addition, research is also progressing on how to inoculate cats with a vaccine that is effective in reducing the amount of Fel d1 released.
In the near future, even people with cat allergies may be able to live with cats without worry.
What can I do to keep a cat if I am allergic to cats?
It seems that there are many owners who noticed that they were allergic to cats after they started living with cats. The best way to deal with allergies is to keep allergens away, so it's best to keep cats away.
But cats are also part of the family. We can't kick it out just because we’re allergic. Therefore, many people choose to keep cats while taking measures against cat allergies.
What precautions should people with cat allergies take when living with cats?
Here are some tips on how to deal with cat allergies:
Reduce allergen shedding with cat care
Fel d1 is secreted from salivary and sebaceous glands and scattered around. If you suppress the divergence, the allergic symptoms will also be suppressed.
Careful brushing prevents allergens from scattering
Brushing 2-3 times a week is recommended. It is effective to reduce Fel d1 that is emitted just by removing the hair loss.
If you are allergic to cats, wear a mask when brushing, and then take a bath afterward (just changing your clothes can help). Also, when brushing, choose clothes that are easy to wash.
In particular, Fel d1 entangles the fibers of wool sweaters and makes it difficult to remove them, so you may experience symptoms just by wearing them. should be avoided when brushing.
Doesn’t shampooing work?
It seems that many people think that shampooing a cat is effective, but in reality, it is not very effective. The amount of Fel d1 emission decreases temporarily, but it returns to the original amount in a few days.
Cats don't like getting wet, and bathing can be a big stress. Considering that the effect wears off after a few days, I don't think shampooing is a good solution.
Rather, it seems that wiping with a wet towel and reducing Fel d1 attached to the coat can be expected to be effective.
Create an allergen-free room by devising the living environment
As a countermeasure against cat allergies, it is also recommended to create a room where cats cannot enter. Prepare an allergen-free area.
In addition to keeping cats out of the house, we also try not to bring in anything that the cat has touched as much as possible.
The symptoms in the eyes, nose, and throat are uncomfortable and disturb sleep, so it is especially recommended to keep them out of the bedroom.
Also, since allergens tend to stick to fabrics , there is data that just washing the curtains reduced the number of allergens in the room to one-seventh .
The following measures are also effective in reducing allergies.
- Replace curtains with easy-to-clean blinds
- Sofas should be made of synthetic leather instead of upholstered/li>
- Avoid tatami mats and do not lay carpets or rugs/li>
- Wash bedding frequently/li>
In addition to this, cleaning is important for cat allergy countermeasures. Fel d1 is very small and light, and if it scatters, it will float in the air for a long time, so be careful. Wiping clean is effective because it leaks out of the exhaust port with an ordinary vacuum cleaner.
Buy an air purifier or vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
Consider installing air purifiers, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, etc. that use HEPA filters that can collect even fine particles.
What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are defined by JIS standards as having a particle collection rate of 99.97% or more for particles with a particle size of 0.3 μm at a rated air flow rate, and an initial pressure loss of 245 Pa or less. Air filter with the small size Fel d1 also collects firmly.
A filter with poor performance may spread the Fel d1 that is inhaled, so it is safe to use an air purifier or air conditioner that uses a HEPA filter.
In addition, there is data that Sharp's plasma cluster is effective in reducing Fel d1 scattered in the air by nearly 80%.
If Fel d1 in indoor air can be reduced, cat allergy symptoms will be less likely to occur in that room.
Choose a cat breed that is less likely to cause cat allergies
According to overseas data, the following cat breeds are less likely to cause cat allergies:
- Siberian
- Balinese
- Russian Blue
- Oriental short hair
- Cornish rex
- Devon Rex
- Sphinx
In the photo is a Siberian cat, said to be less likely to cause allergies
Some of the most well-known cat breeds are Siberian, Balinese, and Russian Blue. There is data that these cat breeds produce a small amount of Fel d1, which is the main cause of cat allergies. In fact, many Americans keep Siberians because they are less likely to develop allergies to cats.
In addition, since Oriental Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Sphinx have less hair loss, it is thought that the amount of Fel d1 scattered is small.
However, it is said that the information around here is not properly backed up, so take it with a grain of salt. It's just that one Siberian Fel d1 production was low in one of the four we tested. It would be too inadequate to call it scientific evidence.
There’s also information that short-haired breeds are less prone to allergies than long-haired breeds, and that females produce less Fel d1 than males. However, it seems that the production can be reduced by performing castration surgery. It has also been pointed out that the production of Fel d1 may decrease with aging.
nekozuki's voice
Even in the editorial department, some people say that kitten saliva causes more allergic reactions than adult cats. There are individual differences in the amount of allergens emitted, and there are also individual differences in allergy symptoms.Believe the rumors and you may get hurt, so I would like to ask you to be careful for the sake of the cat.
Cat food may cure cat allergies
You may be able to improve cat allergies with cat food.
The cat food Purina Proplan Live Clear released by Nestlé is attracting attention as a cat food that is effective in reducing the production of Fel d1.
When fed this food, it seems that Fel d1 attached to the coat and dandruff decreased by 47% on average within 3 weeks from the start of feeding. If the amount of allergens is reduced to nearly half, it can be expected that the symptoms will be lighter for people with cat allergies.
There is no guarantee that the symptoms will disappear because there are individual differences in how it decreases, but it may be worth a try.
If you take these proper measures, you can still live with your beloved cats even if you are allergic to them.
- Brush your cat’s coat 2-3 times a week
- Wipe the cat's body with a wet towel
- Create a room where cats cannot enter (especially the bedroom)
- As much as possible, do not place cloth products that can accumulate fur
- Use an air purifier or vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- Wipe the floors thoroughly
- Choose an allergy-free cat breed
You may also want to give your cat food that is allergy friendly. However, when it comes to food, I think it depends on the cat's taste and the owner's preferences, so please consider carefully.
I think it's hard to do all of these perfectly from the beginning, so let's strengthen the measures little by little. In addition, it is recommended that you take measures while consulting with your doctor, such as visiting a hospital and using medicine.
