What you need to know about pets and allergy control

You may know that cats can cause allergic reactions. What you may not be aware of is that dogs, rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, birds, horses, cows, chickens, ducks and geese do so too.

Animal fur doesn’t cause allergies itself, but can collect dust, pollen, mould and other allergens. The major problem with animals is their skin, which flakes off and can be allergenic. The dried saliva on cats’ fur is also a major problem.

It’s usually too traumatic – and unnecessary – to remove the pet from the household, so here are the measures you should take instead:

Cat Allergy

Cat allergy is the most common pet allergy. It affects nearly half of asthma sufferers. A protein allergen found in the cat's skin flakes and saliva is deposited on the fur when the cat licks itself. It’s then shed into the air and can be deposited on the walls and clothing in the home.
Because it’s so small it can stay airborne for months. If inhaled by the allergy sufferer, it’ll lead to an allergic reaction within minutes. The allergic reaction usually includes itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, asthma and itchy skin rashes.
Studies have shown that more than 80% of asthmatic children whose home contained a cat at birth and during the first year of life developed a cat allergy. This incidence was far lower with dogs.

What can you do?

Vacuum the carpets, floors and beds thoroughly each week. Bath your cat weekly, too. Cats bathed from an early generally don’t mind being bathed.

The cat should also be banned read more