February 6th, 2010 → 6:25 am @ admin // 6 Comments
I just went and adopted two cats. I was tried of being by myself. And now I’m glad I got them but now my eyes are getting all itchy and my nose is runny. I’m going to keep the cats but can you think of anything that I can take for this new allergy? (by the way I don’t have health insurance).
LP609
2 years ago
You can buy generic Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetrizine) at Sam’s Club for very, very cheap. Maybe try them both first – I bet Walmart has good prices. I like Zyrtec better myself, but different people like different things. You can get about 300 pills (you take one a day) for about $15 at Sam’s. EDIT: You only take one or the other at one time – not both!
Try bathing the cats or, if that doesn’t work, wipe them down with moistened cloths. This will help remove the dander. Cats have proteins in their saliva to which we are allergic. They then lick themselves, the saliva dries, and then becomes airborne, which can irritate allergies. You can wipe the cats down often and brush them often to cut down on the dander.
You should also vacuum often and, if you’re still having problems, keep them out of your bedroom.
Cat allergies don’t mean you have to give the cats up.
mep
2 years ago
—-If they are longed hair cats, and you don’t want to give them away, make sure the place where the cat are is well ventilated, and [although this is a rather drastic one, but you can start doing this periodically if you care about the animals] make sure that couches or at least the pillows are not made of wool of fabric that will contain the animals fur, that way is easier for you to clean and dust away. coated leather works.
Allergy medicine is an option, however if you go to a doctor he/she is more likely 100% to tell you to rid of the cats.
If it comes a drastic choice to get rid of the cats, at least you can see how would it affect you to keep at least one cat, I know probably you didn’t know having two cat will cause you allergies in the first place, then again only one cat may ease your allergies. And for future reference, get a short hair cat.
Anonymous
2 years ago
off the shelf ?? – benedryl – or any antihistamine should help you get acclimated to one another. Keep in mind, since they are ‘new’, chances are they’re shedding more than usual (irritating your ‘allergy’) … this should reduce over time but in the meantime, benedryl should help you and groom them as often as you can to keep the dander to a minimum. Also, you can use a damp cloth and wipe them down, frequently … also reduces dander.
…. could just be an overload on your system !
Good luck to you all and remember ‘Tis the season’ … once it passes, you might not be as irritated
AshleyS
2 years ago
I am very allergic to my cats also. I take an over-the-counter allergy pill, and eventually, your body will get used to it, and you may become immune. It just takes a little time!!
Also getting them groomed regularly will keep the allergens down.
Hope i helped
Kitty
2 years ago
Allergy medicine should be given to you by your doctor he will decide the best brand for you although you could ask your pharmachist.
Know It All
2 years ago
My step mom takes allergy medicines and she has a lot of cats.
She was allergic at first, but now she’s perfectly fine with them.