Managing Cat Allergies

It’s estimated that up to 1 in 5 adults worldwide suffer from allergy symptoms from their cat, and many may not realise what is causing it.

Cat allergy symptoms in humans can include watering eyes, runny nose, sneezing and asthma, and are caused by a common allergen in cat’s saliva called Fel d 1 spreads onto cats’ hair when they groom themselves and then ends up in the environment.

For pet parents who are struggling with allergy symptoms, you don’t need to give up your cat or cuddles. Here are some of the best ways to a manage these and still show your much-loved feline the affection you’d like to:

Modify your Cat’s Diet

A world-first new scientific breakthrough cat food is proven to reduce allergens caused by cats.

When cats eat Purina Pro Plan LiveClear, a key protein sourced from eggs binds to the Fel d 1 allergen and neutralises it. If the cat continues to eat LiveClear daily, the diet is shown to significantly reduce the allergens in cat hair and dander so that pet parents can cuddle their cat without having to worry about the severity of their allergic responses.

LiveClear is the first ever cat food that is proven to reduce such allergens in cats, with improvement in allergy symptoms starting to show in as little as the third week of feeding LiveClear to your cat daily.

Shop the LiveClear range here

 

Over the counter treatments

There are a number of products you can purchase from your local chemist to help combat allergy symptoms once you’re experiencing them. Ask your pharmacist what the most appropriate treatment is for you, which may include:

  • Anti-histamine tablets
  • Nasal decongestant sprays
  • Eye drops

 

Allergy Injections

For those who experience severe and constant allergy symptoms, allergy injections, also known as allergen immunotherapy or desensitisation, may provide longer-term relief. This consists of a series of treatments that aim to support people who prefer not to take medication frequently. Each injection contains small amounts of the allergen so that your body builds up immunity to it over time. If you think you have severe symptoms, discuss your medical history and options with your GP.

 

Air Filters

 Consider purchasing a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which are very effective at protecting pet parents from allergens in the home. Air is forced through a special filter that traps cat hair and dander to reduce airborne allergens.

 

Hygiene strategies

  • Reduce the time your cat spends in the bedroom so that you won’t be exposed to the allergens of a night time
  • Wash your hands after touching your cat
  • Wash cushion and furniture covers frequently in hot water
  • Regularly vacuum to pick up excess hair. Try to get a vacuum with a HEPA filter to aid in reducing allergies.