Up to 20% of people globally are allergic to cats. In fact, cat allergy is second only to dust mite allergies. Unfortunately, you can’t fully get rid of an allergy. But you can ease the symptoms.
If you’re planning on keeping the kitty, then you would have to make a few changes to your everyday routine:
- Always keep the house clean
- Use an air purifier
- Bathe the cat every week
- Neuter the kitty
- Change the litter box every other day
- Add natural antihistamines to your diet
- Change the cat’s diet
Below you will find out if it’s possible to build immunity to cat allergies and what foods can help reduce pet dander.
How to Get Rid of Cat Allergies Naturally?
The Fel d 1 protein is the thing that causes cat allergies. Unless you’re planning on giving your cat away to another loving family, you might not be able to get fully rid of such an allergy.
The good news is that there are ways to naturally relieve allergy symptoms. Some of the most common methods include:
- The usage of indoor allergen neutralizers
- Frequently cleaning the house (changing the litter box often, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, etc.)
- Taking care of the cat (establishing regular grooming habits, changing the diet, neutering the cat, and so on)
- Setting boundaries for the kitty (not allowing the cat to sleep in the bed, for example)
Read: How to Give Up a Cat for Adoption? Step by Step
What Is the Best Natural Treatment for Allergies?
There are allergy-relief sprays available on the market today. They usually contain deionized water, hypoallergenic vegetable and fruit extracts, and other botanical ingredients that can stop allergy symptoms.
All you would have to do is spray the mist around the house or use it as a laundry rinse. Such natural treatments are non-toxic and safe for both humans and pets.
You can also make your own allergen reducer spray by mixing tea tree oil with water.
By the way, there are natural nasal sprays that can bring you fast relief, but it is always better to consult your doctor first before trying out any type of remedy (even if it’s 100% natural).
Natural Antihistamine for Cat Allergy
There are certain foods and plant extracts that can act like natural antihistamines.
- Vitamin C not only boosts the immune system but also relieves some allergy symptoms. You can take vitamin C supplements or opt for foods that contain this element (bell peppers, citruses, strawberries, etc.)
- Bromelain is available as a supplement, but you can receive it naturally if you’re a pineapple lover. Do bear in mind, however, that even though this enzyme has anti-inflammatory properties, it can cause various side effects in some people.
- Butterbur is a plant extract that may be able to relieve allergy symptoms. If you do decide to give this substance a try, make sure to choose an extract that does not contain alkaloids.
Read: Is Cat Sitting An Easy Job?
Can Sugar Help Allergies?
It’s quite the opposite. Sugar can make your allergy even worse.
Only reducing your refined sugar intake can help reduce allergies.
What Vitamins Help with Allergies?
Vitamin C helps your body fight infections and can reduce the severity of an allergic reaction. But don’t forget to make sure that you’re not allergic to this vitamin before taking it.
It has also been proven that people with vitamin D deficiency are more prone to the development of various allergies.
Read: Why Your Bengal Cat Is Crying?
Can Honey Cure Allergies?
It hasn’t been scientifically proven that raw honey can reduce allergy symptoms. In theory, this product might help with seasonal allergies, but people who are suffering from pet allergies will not see any difference.
How Can I Reduce Cat Allergies at Home?
There are a few things that you can do around the house that will help you reduce the cat allergy:
- Wash your clothes and linens regularly
- Clean the whole house more often
- Use a HEPA air purifier daily
- Vacuum the house with a high-quality vacuum cleaner (you can use a HEPA vacuum weekly)
- Always wash your hands after petting the kitty
When it comes to your precious pet, there are also a few cat-related things that you can take into consideration, in order to relieve the allergy symptoms:
- Neuter the cat (non-neutered males have the highest level of the Fel d 1 protein)
- Bathe the cat on a weekly basis – this can help reduce the concentration of the allergen by up to 84% (make sure, however, that the kitty doesn’t get too stressed about bath time)
- Change the litter box as often as you can (the allergens also come from the solid waste and your cat’s urine)
- Ideally, you would want to wear a mask when grooming your cat (this should be done on a daily basis)
- Moisten the fur before the grooming sessions
- Don’t allow the cat to get into your bedroom
- Change the kitty’s diet (foods that are rich in fish oil, for example, might make the cat shed less)
Read: Do Cats Really Use Cat Wheels?
What Foods Reduce Cat Dander?
The allergens get released into the environment when the cat sheds dander. The good news is that there are a few foods that you can give your kitty that will help reduce the amount of dander.
- High-quality food made with whole, natural ingredients
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Fish oil supplements
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Pet Dander
- Use a soft cloth and natural cleaning products to clean all the surfaces regularly
- Bathe the kitty once a week
- Use an air purifier
- Book a professional duct cleaning
- Don’t allow your cat to enter your bedroom
How Can I Stop Being Allergic to Cats?
Unfortunately, you cannot stop being allergic to cats. There are quite a few ways to help keep the symptoms at bay, but if you are allergic to pets, you can’t really change that.
How to Build Immunity to Cat Allergies?
Even though there is no cure for cat allergies, there are a few things that you can do to increase your tolerance to the allergen.
After consulting with your doctor, you can opt for immunotherapy. It involves getting allergy shots 1 or 2 times per week over the course of up to 6 months. Then, you would have to get monthly boosters every 3-5 years.
After such a treatment, some people might develop immunity. Others will find relief if they continue getting these shots from time to time. Unfortunately, there are also people who will see no difference at all.
Read: What Should I Do If My Cat Keeps Sneezing?
How Long Does a Cat Allergy Last?
Allergies can last until the allergen is present. If you’re not planning on giving your cat away to another family, your allergy will last until the cat stays with you.
What Happens If Cat Allergies Go Untreated?
Unfortunately, untreated allergies can get worse over time. Apart from causing discomfort, a prolonged allergic reaction can weaken your immune system.
In the worst-case scenario, untreated allergies might cause permanent damage to the lungs.
Final Thoughts
There is no cure for pet allergies. But you can naturally get rid of some of the symptoms. If you’re ready to spend extra time cleaning the house, grooming the cat, and making changes to your diet, then you will be able to live a happy and full life even with a cat allergy.
