Do you often sneeze, cough, or suffer from itchy, swollen eyes or a runny nose around cats or dogs? Pet allergies impact as much as 20 percent of the population, and cat allergies are even more prevalent than those triggered by dogs. That’s largely due to a minuscule protein called Fel d 1, found on cat skin and in their saliva and urine, which can remain airborne and adhere to surfaces for extended periods. And because cats groom themselves so frequently (a total of hours a day, in fact), they tend to distribute more allergens than their bone-chewing counterparts.
This all used to mean that allergy sufferers just couldn’t have cats, but thankfully we’ve come a long way since those gloomy, whisker-free days. “There are a few different approaches you can take to address cat allergies,” explains David Zhang, PhD, and an expert immunologist. “You can try to get rid of the allergen, minimize its spread, or manage the symptoms.”
Whether you’re visiting family or friends who have cats, considering adopting a cat despite allergies, or sharing a space with a feline-loving roommate, effectively controlling your allergic reaction is key to staying comfortable and happy.
How to Treat, Manage, or Get Rid of Cat Allergies
1. Use a cat allergy spray like Pacagen
If you want to prevent cat allergens from triggering your immune system, there’s a revolutionary product that can provide relief from the outset. Enter Pacagen’s Cat Allergen Neutralizing Spray, designed to help you embrace the company of furry friends without irritation. Pacagen uses nanobody technology to target and neutralize Fel d 1 and reduce allergen levels by up to 98 percent in your home and environment.
How does it work?
Imagine that cat allergens are like tiny keys trying to unlock a door on your immune cells to trigger an allergic reaction. Pacagen acts like a barrier that “covers” these doors, preventing the keys (or allergens) from fitting in and triggering an unpleasant response.
So unlike traditional allergy medications that focus on symptom relief, Pacagen addresses the root cause of cat allergies. “Allergies occur when your immune system becomes overreactive to something that’s typically harmless,” explains Dr. Zhang. “The Pacagen approach is innovative because it blocks the Fel d 1 allergen from interacting with your immune system completely.”
“While there’s no cure for allergies,” he continues, “Pacagen is a game-changer because it allows people to live comfortably with cats without suffering.”
2. Keep it clean
Keeping your cat allergies in check requires making some lifestyle adjustments, and scrubbing your hands regularly is just the start. Vacuuming carpets and furniture can effectively remove those often-unseen cat allergens lingering in your home. (But be sure your vacuum is equipped with a HEPA filter, which captures tiny particles that ordinary filters might miss.)
For even cleaner air, consider investing in a high-quality air purifier that also uses a HEPA filter. This ensures you’re helping minimize the spread of airborne allergens, letting you snuggle up with your furry friend without worrying about watery eyes. Creating cat-free zones within your home (ideally the bedroom) can also help to create symptom-free sanctuaries.
However, keeping up with a strict cleaning schedule and setting up pet-free areas can be time-consuming and may not completely remove allergens. Using a cat allergy spray that directly targets allergens can be simpler and more effective, providing relief without major lifestyle changes.
3. Consider medical treatment
Of course, if your symptoms are intensely bothering you or you’re already having an allergy attack, certain medical treatments can help. Over-the-counter antihistamines are a reliable go-to that’ll help you tackle sneezes and sniffles whenever they pop up. For those looking for a more long-lasting solution, allergy shots can gradually train your immune system to better handle protein like Fel d 1, offering relief over time. (But keep in mind that there’s no harm in initially trying to reduce your symptoms without medication.)
When coping with cat allergies, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but taking proactive steps can make a world of difference.
“You have options: minimize allergens, manage symptoms, or neutralize the allergen itself with innovative solutions like Pacagen,” says Dr. Zhang. With these strategies in your toolkit, you can finally enjoy the company of your whiskered friends without a tissue in hand.
