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| Allergic to your cat? You may not have to give him up! Many people who are allergic to cats can get relief without losing the companionship of their cats, friends or family. When people are allergic to cats, they have a sensitivity to an allergen in the cat's saliva. At one time, it was thought to be the cat's hair that made some people sneeze, but today doctors agree it's the substance left on the cat's coat from his cleaning ritual. Cat dander, tiny flakes of skin that are shed from the cat, also is part of the allergic response. As a cat cleans himself, he deposits the antigen from his saliva onto his hair. When hair sheds, more of the antigen can enter the environment. A couple of options are available to ease allergic reactions. First make sure that it is the cat that is causing the allergy. Some people have found they are really allergic to the flea collar or the cat shampoo, and not the cat. If your allergist confirms you have an allergy to cats, there are several options... Treat Yourself: - Your allergist might decide to treat you with antihistamines. - Your allergist may prescribe a nasal spray, eye drops, or inhaler that contains a drug to block the allergic response. - Your allergist may prescribe allergy shots that incorporate the use of purified cat saliva extract. Treat Your Home: - If possible, remove the cat for a few weeks to thoroughly clean the environment, then re-introduce the cat. - Use a commercial-size air purifier. Room-size purifiers are not large enough to do the job. - The more washable surfaces in your home the better. Floors that can be wiped down, such as wood or linoleum, are better than carpet that collects dust. - Wash bedding often, vacuum daily, and wet dust with damp mop often. - Wear a dust and pollen mask when you clean. - Everclean, a type of sand litter, shows great promise in reducing dust. Treat Your Cat: - Groom your cat daily to control shedding. - Wipe your cat's coat with distilled water and add a coat of conditioner to prevent dryness. - Bathe your cat every two weeks to reduce the saliva and dander on the cat. - Use a solution of 5:1 water to fabric softener as a final rinse, work well into the coat and do not rinse off. * Information provided by Ailurophile Cat Clinic, Lansing, Michigan |
 PET CARE- What do you do when your pet is ill or injured - What to do if you lose your pet - Advantages of spaying or neutering - CAHS participating veterinarians - Lansing area dog obedience trainers |
| CARE FOR DOGS - House training your dog - License information - Indoor paper training - Basic veterinary care your dog needs - Introducing a new dog to your current pet |
| CARE FOR CATS - Basic veterinary care your cat needs - Introducing a new cat to your current pet - Cat scratch fever? Declawing isn't the only answer. - Keeping cats indoors: humane practice or prison sentence? - Allergic to your cat? You may not have to give him up! - Tips for solving your cat's little box blues |