6 Ways to Reduce Your Allergic Reaction to Cats.

Simple steps that will help you communicate with your beloved pet and not suffer.

Itching and sneezing are not caused by cat hair, but by a protein contained in dander. It is also found in animal saliva and urine. And when cats lick themselves and go to the toilet in the apartment, this substance gets into the air, causing you to have an allergy. Here's how to alleviate its symptoms.

1. Take your medications

There are many non-drowsy allergy medications that you take once a day. Many even note that the side effects of antihistamines are weaker than the effect of communicating with a cat. However, everyone reacts differently to medications, so be sure to consult with your doctor.

Sometimes it takes several tries to find the right product. Unless, of course, your goal is to doze off all day with your pet on the couch. Then you are not afraid of drugs that cause drowsiness .

2. Keep your pet out of your bedroom.

After all, this is a place where you lie motionless for eight hours a day with your mouth slightly open. In addition, pillows and blankets easily collect dust and dander.

However, if you still want to curl up with your cat, wash the blanket at least twice a month. And not once every few years, as most people do. Change your sheets and pillowcases regularly. Store them in a place where they won't accumulate dust and dander, such as in a plastic container.

3. Keep your house clean

Vacuum every day, and ideally also use a steam cleaner. It requires no additional chemicals and is particularly suitable for carpets and upholstered furniture. After all, it is in them that dust mites, bacteria and everything else that makes you sneeze accumulate.

Don’t forget to also clean the cat’s litter box as often as possible, because the allergen protein is also found in urine.

4. Install an air filter

Most often it is recommended to use HEPA filters with highly effective particle retention. If you already have an air purifier, look for a filter that matches it. They are also made for vacuum cleaners.

Do not buy air purification systems with chemicals. Including deionizers, which are promoted by advertising. They will only worsen  the allergy .

5. Groom your cat

Experts do not agree on whether washing is of any use. “It used to be thought that it would help, but to have the desired effect you would have to bathe your pet almost every day,” says asthma specialist Robert Zuckerman. However, few cats will tolerate this patiently.

Therefore, you can simply wipe your pet with a damp microfiber cloth. Although the fabric may also cause irritation at first, it will still not be as unpleasant for the animal as washing in the bathtub. Cats are used to licking themselves, so this method can be a cleansing option that is most similar to natural. But you should gradually accustom your pet to it.

There are also special liquid products that moisturize the cat's skin and, accordingly, reduce the amount of dandruff. In addition, with their help you will remove some of it from the fur when you wipe the animal with a rag.

6. Take care of your own hygiene

Always wash your hands after petting your cat to avoid accidentally getting dander into your eyes. Unless, of course, you can now release your pet from your arms.