Top 5 Tips about getting a cat if you are allergic
As a cat lover and a person with two cats, I can say for sure that they are the best company ever and my life would not be nearly as cheerful as without them. But what happens if you are allergic to them?
There are several causes for allergies related to cats. The two most common causes involve the dander shed by pets when they shed their fur and a glycoprotein known as Fel D1, which is transmitted by their saliva into their fur, as they groom themselves.
How To Get A Cat If You are allergic
Having any kind of allergy can be frustrating, but imagine being allergic to something that lives in your house! Fortunately for cat lovers, being allergic to felines doesn’t mean that you can never have one. If you are patient and willing to overcome difficulties there are ways to live with a cat and avoid sneezing, sniffling, or rubbing your eyes all the time.
Visit a doctor.
The type of allergy can vary from person to person, making it really hard to manage sometimes, while other times you have to do minimal things to make things work. Before you consider taking a cat you should better see a professional, make some tests and pinpoint exactly what causes your allergy. This will help you to figure out what kind of cat to get. Your doctor could also suggest medication suitable for your allergy.
Wisely choose the cat breed.
Some cats are worse for allergies than others. If you are getting a new cat, look for a breed that is hypoallergenic. Once you have visited the doctor and have defined the allergy you have then you can decide about the breed. Cat allergies are caused by a reaction to a protein found on a cat’s skin, fur, or saliva, so you’ll want to find a cat that doesn’t shed as much or that doesn’t have any hair. there are certain breeds that will be better for you. This includes Balinese, Javanese, Devon Rex Bengals, and Russian Blue cats.
Keep your house clean.
To eliminate allergic reactions, you have to keep your house allergen-free. Consider wiping and vacuuming allergens and dust at least twice a week. Also avoid using carpets as they collect more dust and hair and wash your bedding and other linens, especially if your cat comes in contact with them. Additionally, you can use an air purifier to mitigate allergens floating around the air.
Keep your cat clean.
Bathing your cat on a weekly basis can greatly reduce the level of allergy-causing dander. While more cats don’t enjoy the water, they can get used to being bathed. It’s really important to use products labeled for them, especially if you own a kitten. Your veterinarian could help you choose a shampoo suitable for your cat breed.
Keep a room cat free.
Although you live with a cat you don’t want your face covered in fur. Create an area in your home that is “allergy free”, preferably a bedroom or other room where cats are expressly forbidden and denied access.
Having a cat while you suffer from allergies is not the easiest experience but it is achievable. Contact your doctor, be patient, follow the instructions and your dream can come true. Feel free to share your stories and experiences in the comments below and let us know how you managed to live with a cat, despite your allergies…
Photo: Yuliya Kota
