Thursday, May 23, 2013

Cat Care - Allergies to Cats


One of the worlds most popular pets are cats. And over fifty percent of households in America own either a cat or dog. Cats are one of the most popular animals,and part of caring for a cat includes possibly being allergic. Cat allergies are one of the most common types of allergies. Studies Show that over ten million people in America have allergies to cats.

Dander is the biggest cause of cat allergies. The danger is the dander produced by the cat. Dander is basically just dry skin that comes off the cats. Usually in flakes. Not only can dander affect your skin, but can also get in your immune system and cause an allergic reaction.

Once the dander is in the immune system it is considered a danger. Its not considered a disease, but a reflex by your body and immune system. Sometimes cat allergies happen because cats have allergens spread through their urine, blood, and saliva. Even though the cat might not be there may still be excretions there.

Cat saliva, urine, and dander, are all allergy causing things in the house if a cat owner. Cats are constantly grooming themselves, which involves getting saliva in their fur. When doing this, they are spreading around their dander and allergens. No matter how hard you try there is no way of avoiding it. Its a cats natural instinct constantly groom themselves, you can give them as many baths as you want but that will not stop them from grooming.

Usually when some one is allergic to cats they experience symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, itching, red and watery eyes, and sometimes even trouble breathing. It's different with everyone. Some may have many of the symptoms and someone else may have none. Although some people may even have the chills and a fever. You should contact a doctor if this happens. Most likely it may not even be cat allergies but a disease that must be identified by a doctor.

Decongestants and antihistamines are usually used to treat cat allergies. Antihistamines are usually used in people who have asthma caused by cat allergies. And Decongestants are usually used to cure swollen nasal passages and coughs. Sometimes, doctors will even recommend allergy shots. Allergy shots can be used to help prevent the asthma attack, especially if someone is extremely allergic to cats. They are good for treatment and prevention, and can also help decrease the risk of allergies affecting the person.

If you think you may have allergies to cats, you should make it a point to see your doctor. He will be able to diagnose your situation and identify if it is cat allergies, and give you options for treatment. If you do have cat allergies, the best way to stop them is to get rid or your cat.

But getting rid of your cat can be a hard thing to do. If you've become allergic to the cat's fur, there might not be any other way to prevent the allergies than to give your cat up. Even though doctors can give you shots and medicine, it can only do so much. Cat allergens aren't fun, especially if you get them after owning and carinf for your cat for years. Cats are awesome animals to have - but cat allergies are something we could live without.

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