How Do You Get Rid Of Cat Allergies?

You can get rid of cat allergies if you have mild to moderate symptoms by reducing allergens in your home, reducing allergens on your pet, and, if necessary, taking over-the-counter or prescription medication.

Living With Cat Allergies

First, make an appointment with an allergist to make sure you’re dealing with a cat allergy. Some blame hay fever or a reaction to mold on the cat. The only way to know for sure is to be tested by an allergist.

Once it’s confirmed, there are some steps you can take to minimize the symptoms:

• Bathe your cat once a week. If your cat is upset by bathing in water, try one of the over-the-counter cat-allergen-reducing dry shampoo products that are toweled on the cat and then brushed out.

• Vacuum daily with a HEPA vacuum cleaner.

• Install an air cleaner onto your HVAC system.

• Use HEPA filters for your HVAC system.

The goal with the above is to minimize the amount of dander you’ll come in contact with, which will help to reduce your symptoms.

Additionally, you can alleviate the symptoms, such as congestion, itchy eyes, and sneezing, with medication.

Choosing A Cat

If you don’t yet have a cat, there is another way to minimize the symptoms: get a cat that produces less dander. While no cat is 100 percent hypoallergenic, some breeds are a smart choice for people with mild to moderate allergies. These include:

• Sphynx

• Cornish Rex

• Oriental

• Devon Rex

• Russian Blue

• Siberian

• Bengal

Many people with cat allergies still share their homes with cats. As long as your symptoms aren’t severe, you can, too!