How to Build an Immunity to Cat Allergies in 6 Steps

Do you love cats but can’t be around them without experiencing uncomfortable symptoms? These can include sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. If so, you’re likely suffering from cat allergies. But don’t worry; it’s sometimes possible to develop immunity to cat allergies!

While there is no guaranteed cure for cat allergies, several effective strategies can be used. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most promising methods. These methods will help you build immunity to cat allergies. We’ll also discuss how you can take steps to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What Causes Cat Allergies?

Cat allergies are caused by the body’s immune system overreacting to certain proteins found in a cat’s urine, dander (dead skin cells), and saliva. When a person with cat allergies comes into contact with these proteins, known as allergens, their immune system sees them as harmful and releases antibodies to fight them off. This immune response triggers the release of chemicals like histamine, which can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. 

The intensity of cat allergy symptoms can differ from one individual to another. In addition, they can range from minor to severe. Certain individuals may encounter symptoms only when they are near cats. Contrarily, others may experience symptoms even when they are not in the same room as a cat.

Cat allergies can develop at any age. They can even affect people who have had cats as pets for years without any issues.

Common Symptoms Of A Cat Allergy

Here are some of the most common symptoms of a cat allergy:

1. Sneezing: Sneezing is a common symptom of cat allergies and can be triggered by exposure to cat dander or saliva.
2. Runny or stuffy nose: Cat allergies can cause the nasal passages to inflame, leading to a runny or stuffy nose.
3. Itchy or watery eyes: Exposure to cat allergens can cause the eyes to become itchy and watery, which can be especially bothersome for people who wear contact lenses.
4. Skin rash or hives: In some cases, cat allergies can cause a skin rash or hives to develop, particularly if the person comes into direct contact with cat saliva or dander.
5. Coughing or wheezing: Cat allergies can also cause coughing or wheezing, particularly in people with asthma.
6. Facial pain or pressure: In some cases, exposure to cat allergens can cause facial pain or pressure, particularly around the sinuses.

In some cases, people may experience only mild symptoms; in others, the symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with daily life. If you suspect that you have a cat allergy, it’s important to see an allergist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Can You Build Up an Immunity to Cat Allergies?

Building up an immunity to cat allergies is not a straightforward process, as it varies depending on the individual’s immune system and the severity of their allergy. While some people may be able to build immunity, others may not. If a person experiences severe allergic reactions around cats, it’s unlikely that increased exposure to cats will lead to immunity.

Although some children may outgrow their cat allergies, many continue to experience symptoms. However, symptoms may become less severe in adulthood. You’ll likely have to manage symptoms for life if you have a cat allergy. Nonetheless, there are measures you can try to build immunity to cat allergies.

How to Build an Immunity to Cat Allergies: Step-by-Step

Building up an immunity to cat allergies involves gradually exposing yourself to cat allergens to help your body become more tolerant over time. Here are the steps to follow:

Step One: Determine the Severity of Your Allergy

Before starting the process of building up an immunity to cat allergies, it’s important to know the severity of your allergy. Allergies can range from mild to severe, and it’s essential to understand where you fall on the spectrum. You can do this by seeing an allergist and getting a skin test or blood test to determine the severity of your allergy.

Step Two: Create a Controlled Environment

Creating a controlled environment is the second step in building immunity to cat allergies. This involves setting up a room that is designated as a cat-free zone. The room should be equipped with a HEPA air purifier to filter out allergens and should be kept free of any cat-related items, such as toys or bedding. This room will be your safe space to retreat to if you experience any symptoms.

Step Three: Introduce a Low-Allergen Cat 

Once you’ve established a controlled environment, it’s time to introduce a low-allergen cat to the space. This can be done by fostering a cat or borrowing a friend’s cat for short periods of time. It’s essential to choose a low-allergen cat breed, such as a Siberian or Balinese, to minimize the number of allergens in the environment.

Step Four: Gradually Increase Exposure

Start by spending short periods of time with the cat in a controlled environment, gradually increasing the time you spend with the cat over several weeks or months. It’s important to pay attention to any symptoms you experience during this process, such as sneezing, itching, or wheezing. If you experience symptoms, reduce the amount of time you spend with the cat until your body adjusts.

Step Five: Monitor Your Symptoms

Throughout the process of building up an immunity to cat allergies, it’s critical to monitor your symptoms closely. Keep track of any symptoms you experience, including how severe they are and how long they last. This information will help determine if the process works for you and if you need to adjust your exposure.

Step Six: Continue Exposure Over Time

Building up an immunity to cat allergies is a gradual process that takes time and patience. It’s important to continue exposure to the cat over a period of several months or even years to help your body build up a tolerance to the allergens. Over time, you should notice a reduction in symptoms and an increased ability to tolerate the cat.

It’s important to note that building up an immunity to cat allergies is not a guaranteed solution for everyone. Furthermore, it’s vital to consult with an allergist before attempting this process to determine if it’s safe and appropriate for your particular situation.

How to Treat Cat Allergies

While building immunity to cat allergens can help some people, it doesn’t work for everyone. In such cases, there are different ways to treat cat allergies, including the following:

Avoid Exposure to Cats

Avoiding cat exposure is the simplest and most effective way to treat cat allergies. This can be done by not owning a cat, staying away from homes with cats, and avoiding cat hair or dander in public spaces.

Medication

Various non-prescription and prescription medicines are available for treating cat allergies. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Nasal corticosteroids can decrease inflammation in the nose and enhance breathing. And decongestants can relieve nasal congestion. If symptoms are severe, an allergist may recommend allergy shots or immunotherapy.

Allergen Immunotherapy 

Also known as allergy shots, this treatment involves regular injections of a small number of cat allergens over a period of time. Gradually, this can help to reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.

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To combat cat allergies, air purifiers can prove to be an effective solution. They help to eliminate cat dander and hair from the air inside your house. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is an ideal choice as it can trap particles of cat allergens and other airborne pollutants.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning can help reduce the amount of cat dander and hair in your home. Vacuuming carpets and furniture, washing bedding, and dusting surfaces can all help remove allergens.

Allergen-Reducing Products

Several products on the market claim to reduce cat allergens. These include sprays, shampoos, and wipes that can be used on cats to reduce dander and saliva. However, the effectiveness of these products is not well-established.

Dietary Changes

Some people have reported reduced allergy symptoms after switching to a diet low in histamines. Histamines are chemicals that can trigger allergy symptoms. Foods high in histamines include fermented foods, alcohol, cured meats, and aged cheeses.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies can also alleviate allergy symptoms. These include saline nasal sprays, neti pots, and steam inhalation. However, the effectiveness of these remedies is not proven, and they should be used with caution.

While these treatments can help alleviate symptoms, they do not cure cat allergies. If you are considering adopting a cat but have allergies, it is important to talk to an allergist and consider your options carefully.

Can You Live With a Cat if You Are Allergic?

Yes, it is possible to live with a cat if you are allergic. However, managing your allergy symptoms may require effort and planning. 

One approach is to use allergen-blocking measures such as allergen-blocking bedding, regularly vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce the number of cat allergens in your living space. 

Another strategy is to minimize contact with cat allergens by keeping your cat out of certain rooms or areas of the home and limiting your direct contact with the cat, such as not allowing them in your bedroom or on furniture where you sit.

Additionally, it is important to clean regularly and thoroughly to reduce the amount of cat allergens in your home. While living with a cat, if you are allergic, may require some extra effort, it is possible to enjoy the companionship of a feline friend while managing your allergy symptoms.

How to Reduce Allergens if You Already Have a Cat

Caring for your cat can help reduce allergens and lessen the effects of cat allergies. Regular grooming, such as daily brushing, can help reduce shedding and dander while spreading natural oils that keep the fur healthy.

Regular brushing of your cat can reduce allergic reactions by lessening shedding. This is especially effective when cats tend to shed their winter coats in spring. It is best to have someone who is not allergic to cats take on the responsibility of brushing the cat and do so near a window or outside on a leash, if possible, to further reduce exposure to allergens inside the home.

Regularly cleaning the litter box is essential in reducing allergies since the same proteins found in cat hair, dander, and saliva, can also be found in their urine.

Bathing your cat with pet-safe soap and warm water can effectively reduce dander, though some cats may resist this process. While giving your cat baths may help reduce the amount of dander, brushing your cat more often is generally recommended as it is more effective in reducing shedding and hairballs.

Overall, taking these steps to care for your cat can help reduce allergens in your home and make living with a cat allergy easier.

Are There Hypoallergenic Cats?

Although no cat is entirely hypoallergenic, some cats produce fewer allergens than others.

Some cats are known to produce fewer allergens than others because they have a different type of protein, produce less of it, or shed less fur and dander. These cats are often referred to as low-allergen or hypoallergenic cats. While they are not completely allergy-free, they may be a better option for people with allergies who still want to have a cat as a pet.

Not all people with cat allergies will react the same way to the same cat. The level of allergens a cat produces can vary greatly, even within the same breed. So, if you have allergies and are considering getting a cat, it’s a good idea to spend time with the specific cat you are interested in and see how your body reacts before deciding.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock.com

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