What exactly is an allergy?

　　Some people experience stomach pain after eating garlic, vomiting after drinking milk, or asthma during pollen season... When an allergy occurs, the allergen must first be identified before applying targeted treatment; do not hastily blame the cat for allergy symptoms. Please ask an allergist to take some cat dander and perform all necessary tests to confirm the real allergen.

　　Some people only show allergy symptoms in the early stages of contact with cats; in this case, frequent exposure can develop resistance.

　　Cat hair itself does not cause allergies. The reason cats trigger allergies in humans is due to a tiny protein called an allergen. It exists in the cat's sebaceous glands and is released through sebum, which adheres to dry skin as what we commonly see as dander. Allergens can also be found in the animal’s saliva and urine. When the animal licks its coat, it can spread through the air. Allergic reactions range from mild nose twitching and sneezing to life-threatening asthma and may be complicated by reactions to other environmental allergens. Some people allergic to cats can tolerate them in winter but feel very uncomfortable in spring. Many allergy sufferers have multiple allergens including dust, pesticides, pollen, cigarettes, and smoke. Such patients need to reduce allergens in the environment comprehensively, not just cat dander.

　　Eight tips to help you overcome allergies

　　Taking cat allergies as an example, the following steps can help reduce symptoms. Of course, these also apply to some cases of dog allergies. Since cat allergens are only 1/6 the size of pollen allergens and are hard to remove, your efforts may take several months to become effective.

　　1. Create an allergen-free zone in your home, such as a bedroom. Strictly prohibit cats from entering this area and use a professional air purifier that effectively removes particles here.

　　2. Keep rooms ventilated and air fresh but avoid opening all screens and doors to prevent curious cats from escaping and encountering accidents.

　　3. Prefer materials that are less permeable and avoid those that easily retain dust and debris, such as cloth curtains, bedding, and carpets. Carpets can carry a hundred times more allergens than floors. If you cannot remove carpets, clean them as frequently and thoroughly as possible.

　　4. Sofa covers, bedding, curtains, the cat’s nest, and litter box should be washed regularly by non-allergic people. Using a microfilter on your vacuum cleaner can clean allergens more effectively.

　　5. Regularly brush your cat’s coat in your enclosed garden or a safe outdoor environment to keep dander outside. Use a harness and leash for your cat and supervise closely.

　　6. Bathing your cat weekly can reduce allergens by 84%. Although sprays that reduce allergens on animal fur have been developed abroad, studies show weekly bathing is more effective. An American allergy and asthma expert believes daily use of some specialty products to wipe off saliva and dander can achieve similar effects without stressing water-fearing cats. Usually, companion animals should not be bathed more than once every 10 days. If bathing weekly, consult a veterinarian to ensure your cat’s natural skin barrier remains intact.

　　7. Immunotherapy can relieve symptoms but cannot cure. Doctors will attempt to reduce the patient’s immune sensitivity to animals through injections that stimulate antibody production to bind allergens and prevent allergic reactions. Patients usually receive weekly treatments for several weeks or months, then monthly injections.

　　8. Other desensitization treatments include steroid and antihistamine sprays, decongestants, eye drops, or pills. Asthma patients can use medications, sprays, and inhalers. Recent studies show antioxidants like vitamins C and E play an important role in easing allergies.