Reducing Allergens

• Cat allergies are not triggered by cat fur, but by substances in cat dander (dead skin flakes), saliva and urine. Even if the cat is removed, allergens can remain in a house and cause allergic reactions for six months or more.
  
  Sadly, the best solution for people with cat allergies and allergy asthma is getting rid of their cat. If your allergies are not too severe, however, you can manage your symptoms by reducing your exposure to cat allergens in your house. Let your cat outside, and bathe it once or twice a week to limit the allergens it spreads inside the house. Make bedrooms off-limits to cats. Pull up your carpet, if possible; if not, vacuum carpets at least once a week and shampoo them frequently. Use a HEPA air filter to remove airborne cat allergens. If your home has central air or heating, don't place the cat's litter box near a vent; this can spread cat allergens through your entire home, even to rooms where the cat is not allowed.
  
  If you don't have a cat, you can reduce your exposure to cat allergens by limiting your time spent in houses where cats live and not hugging or petting cats (or washing your hands well after you do). The type of clothes you wear also can affect what allergens you pick up---and how much you inadvertently bring back to your house. Wool attracts cat dander, while clean T-shirts are the best option to minimize your exposure.
  
  

Medication

• Allergic reactions and asthma attacks cannot be avoided entirely because you might be accidentally exposed to cat allergens on someone's clothes or in someone's home, even if they don't own a cat. Medication can help you manage and treat your cat allergy and allergic asthma symptoms.
  
  Antihistamines block the production of histamines, chemicals which your body releases in response to an allergen. Taking antihistamines regularly can help prevent cat-allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes and trouble breathing. Corticosteroid nasal spray and decongestants can help reduce inflammation in the nose, helping you breathe more freely.
  
  Asthma symptoms may be managed with long-term medication such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Fast-acting inhalers such as Albuterol should be taken when symptoms occur to quickly reduce inflammation in the airways.
  
  Allergy shots can help desensitize your immune system through long-term exposure to small amounts of cat allergens, eventually minimizing or eliminating your allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor about your cat allergy and allergy asthma symptoms to figure out what medications might be right for you.