Cat allergies are quite common but rarely very serious.
That being said, it can cause lots of discomfort, so how do you overcome your kids’ allergies when getting rid of your beloved cat is not an option?
No one wants to choose between their child and their kitty, in fact cats are amazing creatures to have around kids.
People have discovered various methods of easing the symptoms or even suppressing allergic reactions.
Before we delve into those methods, let’s find out how cat allergies work in the first place.
The first thing is to determine the allergen; which is the substance that causes the allergic reaction.
The trigger of an allergic reaction is a protein from your cat’s saliva and sebaceous glands called Fel d1.
When cats groom themselves, Fel d1 is carried onto the hairs, so they become distributors that causes allergies.
Cat hairs break loose often and fly around; becoming airborne allergens.
The highest concentration of allergens is found on the face and neck due to the high amount of oil glands in that area as well as constant grooming.
Now that you know what is causing your kids allergies, it’s time to find out how to overcome them.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is when you give repeated and gradually increasing doses of the allergen to the patient to build immunity towards it.
It may not be able to completely relieve the symptoms but it can greatly reduce them.
The therapy is usually in the form of allergy shots over a period of three to five years.
It works by forcing the immune system to adapt and become used to the allergen.
The immune cells will no longer recognise the allergen as a harmful substance, or they will not work as strongly against it.
This reduces the severity of the allergic reaction.
Medication
The most common over-the-counter medication for allergies is antihistamines. You may recognise some name brands like Zyrtec and Piriton that work for most mild allergies.
Most of these medications are suitable for children’s consumption, as long as it is in moderation. If you are not sure, ask the pharmacist or your doctor.
These medications treat the symptoms once the reaction has begun, so they do not truly prevent allergies. Nevertheless, they come in handy.
Food and Egg Powder
Cat food producers have begun to experiment with food that can reduce or neutralise the Fel d1 protein.
There are already quite a few options available. The food is produced by adding powdered egg.
It is not just any type of egg; it must come from chickens that have been exposed to cats.
When the chickens live around cats, they begin to produce an antibody against the Fel d1 protein.
The eggs they lay contain the same antibody and are in turn made into part of the cat food.
When cats eat the food, the antibodies neutralise the protein in their saliva and greatly reduce the effects of the allergen.
The reason we do not give cats the raw eggs is that it may be harmful to them, so they are powdered.
It is possible to recreate this powder at home to sprinkle on your cat’s food, but it is quite difficult.
Selecting Breeds
If you are looking to get a new cat, here are certain breeds of cats that do not do not produce as much Fel d1 protein or shed much less.
These cats are called hypoallergenic breeds.
A few examples of these cats are the Devon Rex, Javanese and Russian Blue.
Although they are less likely to trigger allergies, they could still have an effect for those who are very sensitive.
Your children will be able to cuddle with kitty and bond.
It is very beneficial for children to be exposed to pets, so finding one that is perfect for them is a great idea.
Hygiene
Maintaining hygiene can work wonders for controlling cat allergies. The whole family (including kitty) will have to take measures to do so.
The most effective hygiene practice is to brush your cat daily.
The more often you brush your cat, they will shed less fur around the house as well as onto your clothes.
The less cat fur there is floating around, the less likely it is to trigger the allergic reaction.
Keeping your house clean by vacuuming from time to time also helps.
Giving your cat baths can reduce the amount of saliva in their fur, but don’t do this too much.
Check with your vet about how often you can bath them and what pet shampoo to use.
Vaccine
In the past few years, researchers have been putting their efforts into a vaccine for cat allergies.
The interesting thing about it is, your cat may have to take it instead of you.
The vaccine that has been given the nickname HypoCat works by lowering the production of Fel d1.
The vaccine is still in the works but has proven to be effective in trials.
This is an incredible breakthrough in overcoming pet allergies, so keep an eye out for updates on when it could be available in Malaysia.
What Comes Next
Cats are like family, and you could not even think of giving them away. Unfortunately, sometimes allergies force us to part with our feline friends.
With these advancements in medication hopefully one day cat allergies will no longer plague those who love cats.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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