There’s Hope for Cat Allergy Sufferers!
When I reached my fourth year of veterinary school I had acquired some pretty severe allergies to the animals I was working with daily. While my allergies are now under control, cats remain a problem for me and to this day I do not own cats. But help is available for those who own cats and do not want to give them up due to their own sneezing and sniffling.
People are mostly allergic to cat dander and the saliva on the dander. So keeping this at bay is the key to managing your allergies. Have a non allergic family member bathe the cat in a hypoallergenic shampoo often, but be careful not to dry the cat’s skin out and thus create more dander. On a daily basis use a damp towel and wipe the cat’s fur to collect loose dander and to wash off the saliva. Keep the cat out of your face, and avoid vigorous brushing or petting of the animal.
Talk to your veterinarian about putting your cat on a dilute formulation of acetylpromazine. Studies have shown that ingestion of a very dilute concentration of acetylpromazine alters the allergic response to dander, (maybe altering the dander itself?). Give this a few weeks to take effect and realize that the pet may have to be given this solution for the rest of its life.
Studies have also shown that infants raised in a pet owning home have less allergies than infants who do not share a home with pets. So go out and get some pets—and help your son or daughter grow up allergy free (at least they will not be allergic to animals!)