Approximately two percent of the United States population
is allergic to cats. One third of these ignore medical advice and
keep at least one cat in their home.
What Is A Cat Allergy
A glycoprotein, Fel d-I, secreted by
the subaceous glands, is the major cat allergen. This allergen is
found in the fur, pelt, saliva, serum, urine, mucous, salivary glands,
and hair roots of the cat. The main sources of the allergen, however,
are the skin and saliva.
Cat allergen is so small it can remain airborne for months. It is
about 10 times smaller than pollen or dust particles. According to
research, it can be found in the dust of almost one third of homes
that do not own a cat. It can be carried in on clothing or already
be present from a previous cat owner. Studies have shown that moderate
to high levels of cat allergen can even be found in schools, hospitals,
and doctor's offices.
Cat allergy can play havoc with the eyes,
nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The eyes may become red, itchy,
watery, or swollen. The nose may itch, run, sneeze, or become congested.
The ears may become plugged or itchy. The throat may have post-nasal
drip, frequent throat clearing, itching and hoarseness. The lung symptoms
may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath,
and frequent bronchitis. The skin may develop itchy rashes or hives.
Are There Any Hypoallergenic
There are no hypoallergenic cats. Male
cats produce substantially more of the Fel d-I protein than female
cats. Also neutered males produce less than non-neutered males. These
factors, however, do not guarantee a female or a neutered cat will
be safe for an allergic individual.
Two major factors that affect airborne
cat allergen in the home are the quantity of soft furnishings and
whether a cat is kept indoors or outdoors.
The "ideal" way to reduce cat
allergen in the home is to remove the cat from the home. Once the
pet is removed, then all floors should be vacuumed or mopped thoroughly,
walls wiped down with a damp cloth, and rooms aired out regularly
to reduce the level of cat allergen. A special filter should be used
on the vacuum cleaner to prevent redepositing the allergen into the
air. Remember to replace the heating/air system filters during this
process. Keep in mind it may take up to 6 months to reduce the allergen
in your home.
If removing the cat is not an option, there are ways to reduce the
allergen. First, vinyl or hardwood floors are recommended instead
of carpet. The use of soft upholstered furniture and draperies should
be minimal. Limit the cat to certain parts of the house. The bedroom
and living room should be off limits. Research shows a significant
reduction in allergen levels if a cat is washed weekly.
Treatment for Cat Allergy
As with any allergy, avoidance is the
main course of treatment. A cat allergic individual should avoid being
around cats at all times. However, since many cat allergic people
ignore the advice of their physician, there are ways to help reduce
the reactions. Over the counter medications, prescription medications,
air purification, dander wipes, and
allergy shots are all ways to treat cat allergy.
Steps Can Be Taken to Reduce Dog Allergens
Many people will ignore both chronic allergy symptoms and specific
medical advice in order to keep the family dog.
Who Is Susceptible?
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age. Most people that suffer
from dog allergies often have other mild or moderate allergies to
pollens or molds. There is a strong genetic correlation in developing
allergies, so if your parents have allergies then you are likely to
have them also.
Is Any Dog Safe?
No dog is considered non-allergenic because all dogs produce dander,
saliva, and urine which are the offending allergens. Any dog who sheds
skin, urinates, or licks has the potential to become a problem for
an allergic individual. There are dogs that
produce less dander, however. For instance, dogs that shed their skin
about every 21 days include poodles, airedales, and schnauzers.
Dog allergens can produce nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose,
sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, a scratchy sore throat,
itchy skin rashes or hives, headaches, fatigue, difficulties in breathing,
Be sure to always wash your hands after each time you touch or play
with a dog. You may even want to shower and change your clothing.
Dog allergens are small and sticky and can stay airborne for a long
time. They can adhere to walls, clothing, carpet, furniture, and heating
and cooling ducts. For this reason, it is best to keep dogs away from
the bedroom or any other rooms you spend a lot of time.
Avoid using heavy carpets, large draperies,
and upholstered pieces that become collecting grounds for pet allergen.
If you have carpet, steam clean it several times a year. Wash walls
and baseboards also.
The use of HEPA room air cleaners and replacing central heating/cooling
system air filters frequently can help reduce the allergen in the
air. Dr. Adelglass recommends placing a screen made of cheesecloth
or other thin material over bedroom vents to keep dander from circulating
into the bedroom from the central heating/cooling system.
Research has shown that if a dog is washed and brushed frequently
(not more than twice weekly), the airborne allergens are cut drastically.
This task should be done outside of the home. Be sure the shampoo
you use does not dry out the dog's skin which may worsen the problem.
Remember to also wash the dog's bedding and toys. Feed
your dog a well-balanced diet which includes some natural fat that
helps reduce skin dryness and flaking.