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More than 50% of all households in the United
States own dogs and cats. Although cats are popular pets
and well-loved animals, cat allergies are one of the most common
allergy types. Statistics in the past have shown that over
10 million people in the U.S. alone have allergic reactions to
cats, particularly to cat fur.
The biggest cause of cat allergies is dander. Dander is
basically shed skin that comes off of cats, normally in the form
of small flakes. Dander can irritate skin and get into the immune system as well.
This can result in a variety
of symptoms and produce immediate allergic reactions.
Once in the immune system dander is perceived to be a
threat. Although a cat may not be present at the time, the
excretions probably still are. Cat allergies occur
quite often because cats have allergens that are spread
throughout their blood, urine, and saliva.
Cat dander, urine, and saliva, are found throughout the home of
cat owners. Cats constantly groom themselves, getting their saliva into their fur. Cats have a
natural instinct to groom or bathe themselves, and no matter how
many baths you give them they will still groom themselves.
When someone is having an allergic reaction to cats,
he or she may wheeze, cough, sneeze, itch, have watery eyes, or
difficulty breathing. Different people react differently to cat allergens,
so only some of the symptoms might be present.
Fever and chills as an allergic reaction to
cats is very rare, although it can happen. If someone who has cat allergies comes down with fever and
chills, contact a doctor immediately.
Cat allergies are frequently treated with antihistamines and
decongestants. Those that experience asthma attacks or other
forms of allergies usually take antihistamines. Decongestants
are normally used to cure coughs and swollen
nasal passages.
Sometimes doctors will recommend allergy shots
as well. Allergy shots can help to prevent the attacks. They
can be an effective form of treatment and prevention, and they can also help decrease the risk of
other allergies affecting the individual.
If you suspect that you have cat allergies, make it a point to visit your doctor. He will be able to further
diagnose your situation, and give you the best options available
for treatment. If you do indeed suffer from cat allergies, the
best way to stop the attacks is to stay away from cats.
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