Overcoming Cat Allergies: Natural Remedies

There is nothing more heartbreaking than to discover you are allergic to your favorite pet cat. I know because it happened to me many years ago. I fought it bravely, walking around in an anti-histamine induced stupor, constantly blowing my nose on tissues torn from a roll of toilet paper cleverly attached to my belt. Had I known what I know today about natural cat allergy remedies and hypoallergenic cat breeds. things might have been different, but at least now I can share these tips with those of you longing for a kitty companion without the allergic consequences.

Many people think that cat allergies are caused by cat hair, but it is just not so. Cat allergies are caused by cat "dander", a glycoprotein also known as Fel D1, found primarily in the cat's sebaceous glands under the skin, in their saliva and to a lesser extent, in their urine. Although invisible to the human eye, tiny particles of cat skin harboring the dander floats into the air and makes its way onto just about everything in the house. When a cat grooms himself by licking his fur, the cat transfers more dander to his coat, so when we pet our cat or pick him up, we get another dose of Fel D1.

All cat's have dander, even the hairless variety but some cats have more than others. Mature, unaltered male cats harbor the most dander, followed by unaltered female cats.

A hypoallergenic cat is more compatible with allergic persons than other breeds. Some breeds of cats do produce fewer allergens which makes them easier to tolerate if you are allergic. Still, everyone reacts differently so it's hard to say one particular breed will eliminate your suffering entirely.

In a 1999 test on Fel D1 in various cat breeds, the Siberian and Abyssinian cat had considerably less Fel D1 than the standard house cat and the females showed lower Fel D1 readings than the males. If you are considering buying a Siberian Cat, some breeders will actually send you a sample of cat hair so you can test your resistance.

Other popular cats that people claim are hypoallergenic are the Rex breeds which include the hairless Sphinx cat. These cats are only suitable for indoor living in moisture free, warm environment. They like to hang around warm kitchens, radiators and heat vents as well as active computers. Rex cats also demand a lot of attention and have been known to be somewhat destructive if left alone for several hours.

Homeopathic Treatment: The most common homeopathic treatment for cat allergies includes allium cepa, euphrasia, natrum muriaticum and nux vomica. I personally use Natura Bio Allergy Relief and find it very effective. You can purchase it from my Amazon link on this page.

Herbs: Some herbs have proven to be effective for treating cat allergies and they boost the immune system as well. Herbs include Borage, Elder and Ginseng. Traditional Chinese herbs such as GanCao, KuShen and LingZhi are also proving to be effective. Any good Chinese medical practitioner can dispense these herbs.

^{Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine are conducting studies with Chinese herbs that are highly encouraging. Patients who took a three-herb blend called ASHMI saw a significant drop in IgE levels — as much as 95 percent in some cases. Those who tried a nine-herb blend dubbed FAHF-2 experienced a significant drop in interleukin-5 levels.}

^{_{Source: http://www.mssm.edu/research/labs/center-for-chinese-herbal-therapy/clinical-trials}}

Air Filters: Use air filters to clear the air in the rooms where your cats roam. Although they are costly, Hepa filters work best.

Cleanliness: Bathe your cat regularly. Cat's are not particularly fond of water, but if you begin bathing your cat when he is still a kitten, the ritual will be a lot less stressful for both you and your cat. Try singing to your cat or speaking sweetly to him while bathing. Soothing music helps too! If your cat resists, try a dry cat shampoo, featured here. ☝

Abstinence: Although it's tough, you should try not to pet your cat. If you do, remember not to touch your eyes or eat any finger food! Wash your hands immediately. Off Limit Areas: Keep the bedroom and clothes closet off limits to Kitty. You'll get a better night's sleep and your clothes will stay free of dander.

Hair Remover: If your cat brushes against your legs (hard to stop that one), keep a travel lint remover handy and brush off any transferred cat hair as soon as possible.

You can spray a 3 percent solution of tannic acid on carpets, upholstery and bedding every 2 months. This natural substance kills many allergens and is non toxic to both you and the cat. Don't spray the cat!

Wash clothing and bedding in a tannic acid detergent.

Train Your Cat: Create a cat friendly outdoor play area and follow my tips to to keep your cat close to home. If you choose to own a Rex cat, make sure she goes out when the weather is warm and dry. Consider buying her a nice warm sweater with sleeves.

If you have tried all of the above natural remedies for overcoming your cat allergy without success, take heart. Several pharmaceutical companies are working jointly on a medication that actually treats the cause of your allergic reaction rather than the symptoms.

I don't often recommend pharmaceutical products mainly because they do cause side effects and because unlike natural medications they treat symptoms rather than the cause; however, this product looks promising.

The new drug, is called "Anti-IgE" and it may prove to be more effective than traditional allergy shots and medications.

That's good news for allergy sufferers who do not like taking corticosteroids (the traditionally prescribed medication) because of the potentially harmful side effects.

Anti-IgE is administered in one or two injections each month. It works by blocking the antibody that causes your body to release histamines. We start sneezing, develop watery eyes and symptoms of asthma when histamines are released into our bloodstream.

Anti-IgE makers Genentech, Inc., Novartis Pharma AG and Tanox, Inc. will soon file for approval by the Food and Drug Administration, so look out for it.

In the meantime, follow the above recommendations and don't let your allergies get in the way of the pleasures of cat ownership.

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