Cat Allergy, Can I Still Own a Cat? Heres How to Overcome Cat Allergies!
Cat Allergy, Can I Still Own a Cat? Here's How to Overcome Cat Allergies!
Have you given up your dream of owning a cat because of allergies? Have you witnessed heartbreaking stories of cats being abandoned due to allergies? Don't worry, you're not alone! Cat allergies don't mean you're destined to live without a feline companion, nor does it mean you have to abandon your beloved cat.
Deciphering the Truth About Cat Allergies
Many people mistakenly believe that cat allergies are caused by cat hair, but that's not the case. Cats trigger allergies because their salivary and sebaceous glands secrete two specific proteins: Fel d 1 (primarily secreted by the sebaceous glands) and Fel d 4 (primarily secreted by saliva). Of these, Fel d 1 is more likely to cause allergic reactions in humans, with 96% of cat allergy sufferers allergic to it.
When people with cat allergies come into contact with Fel d 1, the "TLR4" receptor, responsible for recognizing pathogens in the body, reacts. This receptor acts like a "signaler" for various immune cells, and when activated, triggers inflammatory and other immune responses to fight against bacteria and viruses.
Allergic reactions are caused by an overreaction of the immune system. Since cats love to lick and groom themselves, and they often patrol the entire house, Fel d 1 protein can be found on cat hair, in wardrobes, under beds, in toilets, and even on walls. When people with cat allergies enter a room, they can experience allergic reactions immediately or within minutes or even hours, including red and itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, coughing, shortness of breath, even asthma, hives, and skin redness.
Factors Influencing the Production of Cat Allergens
Not all cats produce the same amount of Fel d 1, with significant differences ranging from tens of times. Even the same cat may produce varying amounts of allergens at different times. This means you might have a severe allergic reaction to one cat but not experience the same level of reaction to another cat.
The factors that influence the production of cat allergens include:
Sex: Male cats tend to produce more allergen secretions than female cats.
Neutering: Unneutered male cats often produce more allergen secretions than neutered male cats.
Coat color: Darker cats (like black cats) tend to produce more allergen secretions than lighter cats.
Age: Kittens produce less allergen secretions than adult cats.
New Technologies for Overcoming Cat Allergies
In recent years, there have been advances in treatments for cat allergies, offering hope for cat lovers:
HypoCat Vaccine: A Swiss research institution, HypoCat, has developed a vaccine that can be injected into cats to stimulate their immune system to eliminate Fel d 1 protein. Clinical trials have shown that this vaccine can significantly reduce the amount of Fel d 1 protein secreted by cats and decrease allergic reactions in people with cat allergies. The vaccine is currently undergoing registration research and discussion, with plans to launch it in the US and European markets.
Polyclonal Antibodies: Studies have shown that polyclonal antibodies (anti-Feld 1 polyclonal egg IgY antibodies) can block the binding of specific IgE to Fel d 1 allergens. In-vivo tests have confirmed that feeding cats food containing these polyclonal antibodies for 2-3 weeks significantly reduces the concentration of Fel d 1 in cat saliva, fur, and dander.
Living with Cats While Having Allergies
Having allergies doesn't mean you can't own a cat. For cat enthusiasts, even with allergies, there are ways to find harmony with your feline companion.
Desensitization: For a significant portion of people with cat allergies, the condition is temporary and can be desensitized. Frequent exposure to cats can lead to the development of antibodies, and once these antibodies are formed, the allergy may subside.
Environmental Control:
Regular Cleaning: 坚持每天打扫卫生，尽量把掉落的猫毛都清理掉，还需要拖地擦桌子等，尽可能将附着在环境中的过敏原蛋白质清除掉。
Frequent Handwashing: 尽量避免“病从口入”。
Frequent Clothes Changes: Clothes are prone to collecting cat hair, which can carry allergens.
Establish a Cat-Free Zone: 例如设置门障，不允许猫咪进入卧室，或者专门留一个房间供猫生活。
Use Air Purifiers: Choose air purifiers that can filter allergens.
Consult a Doctor: Keep common allergy medications on hand, consider allergen immunotherapy (gradually increasing the dose of exposure to allergens to help people build tolerance to cat allergens), and follow dietary recommendations, all under the guidance of your doctor.
Keep the Air Ventilated: Avoid using materials that easily trap dust and debris in interior decoration and furniture, especially carpets.
Cat Care:
Cleanse Your Cat: 例如勤帮猫咪擦拭身体、洗澡等手段尽量减少猫咪身上的过敏原。
Shave Your Cat: While the allergen itself isn't cat hair, cat hair is where it adheres most due to the cat's licking habits. Although shaving can be detrimental to your cat's welfare, it's a better alternative than abandonment.
Choose the Right Cat Breed: If you're getting a male cat, be sure to neuter it. If you haven't adopted a cat yet, consider getting a short-haired or hairless, light-colored female kitten.
Recommended Low-Allergen Cat Breeds
Here are some cat breeds that are known to have fewer allergens:
Balinese
Javanese
Devon Rex or Cornish Rex
Sphynx
Oriental Shorthair
Siberian
Important Note: Even these low-allergen cat breeds aren't entirely allergen-free. The best way to determine if you're allergic to a cat is to spend time with it and see if you have a reaction.
Conclusion
Cat allergies don't mean you can't own a cat, and they certainly don't mean you have to abandon your beloved feline companion. With scientific approaches and persistent effort, we can find the best way to live harmoniously with our cats. Remember, cats are our most loyal friends, and they deserve our care and dedication to create a happy life together.
Have you given up your dream of owning a cat because of allergies? Have you witnessed heartbreaking stories of cats being abandoned due to allergies? Don't worry, you're not alone! Cat allergies don't mean you're destined to live without a feline companion, nor does it mean you have to abandon your beloved cat.
Deciphering the Truth About Cat Allergies
Many people mistakenly believe that cat allergies are caused by cat hair, but that's not the case. Cats trigger allergies because their salivary and sebaceous glands secrete two specific proteins: Fel d 1 (primarily secreted by the sebaceous glands) and Fel d 4 (primarily secreted by saliva). Of these, Fel d 1 is more likely to cause allergic reactions in humans, with 96% of cat allergy sufferers allergic to it.
When people with cat allergies come into contact with Fel d 1, the "TLR4" receptor, responsible for recognizing pathogens in the body, reacts. This receptor acts like a "signaler" for various immune cells, and when activated, triggers inflammatory and other immune responses to fight against bacteria and viruses.
Allergic reactions are caused by an overreaction of the immune system. Since cats love to lick and groom themselves, and they often patrol the entire house, Fel d 1 protein can be found on cat hair, in wardrobes, under beds, in toilets, and even on walls. When people with cat allergies enter a room, they can experience allergic reactions immediately or within minutes or even hours, including red and itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, coughing, shortness of breath, even asthma, hives, and skin redness.
Factors Influencing the Production of Cat Allergens
Not all cats produce the same amount of Fel d 1, with significant differences ranging from tens of times. Even the same cat may produce varying amounts of allergens at different times. This means you might have a severe allergic reaction to one cat but not experience the same level of reaction to another cat.
The factors that influence the production of cat allergens include:
Sex: Male cats tend to produce more allergen secretions than female cats.
Neutering: Unneutered male cats often produce more allergen secretions than neutered male cats.
Coat color: Darker cats (like black cats) tend to produce more allergen secretions than lighter cats.
Age: Kittens produce less allergen secretions than adult cats.
New Technologies for Overcoming Cat Allergies
In recent years, there have been advances in treatments for cat allergies, offering hope for cat lovers:
HypoCat Vaccine: A Swiss research institution, HypoCat, has developed a vaccine that can be injected into cats to stimulate their immune system to eliminate Fel d 1 protein. Clinical trials have shown that this vaccine can significantly reduce the amount of Fel d 1 protein secreted by cats and decrease allergic reactions in people with cat allergies. The vaccine is currently undergoing registration research and discussion, with plans to launch it in the US and European markets.
Polyclonal Antibodies: Studies have shown that polyclonal antibodies (anti-Feld 1 polyclonal egg IgY antibodies) can block the binding of specific IgE to Fel d 1 allergens. In-vivo tests have confirmed that feeding cats food containing these polyclonal antibodies for 2-3 weeks significantly reduces the concentration of Fel d 1 in cat saliva, fur, and dander.
Living with Cats While Having Allergies
Having allergies doesn't mean you can't own a cat. For cat enthusiasts, even with allergies, there are ways to find harmony with your feline companion.
Desensitization: For a significant portion of people with cat allergies, the condition is temporary and can be desensitized. Frequent exposure to cats can lead to the development of antibodies, and once these antibodies are formed, the allergy may subside.
Environmental Control:
Regular Cleaning: 坚持每天打扫卫生，尽量把掉落的猫毛都清理掉，还需要拖地擦桌子等，尽可能将附着在环境中的过敏原蛋白质清除掉。
Frequent Handwashing: 尽量避免“病从口入”。
Frequent Clothes Changes: Clothes are prone to collecting cat hair, which can carry allergens.
Establish a Cat-Free Zone: 例如设置门障，不允许猫咪进入卧室，或者专门留一个房间供猫生活。
Use Air Purifiers: Choose air purifiers that can filter allergens.
Consult a Doctor: Keep common allergy medications on hand, consider allergen immunotherapy (gradually increasing the dose of exposure to allergens to help people build tolerance to cat allergens), and follow dietary recommendations, all under the guidance of your doctor.
Keep the Air Ventilated: Avoid using materials that easily trap dust and debris in interior decoration and furniture, especially carpets.
Cat Care:
Cleanse Your Cat: 例如勤帮猫咪擦拭身体、洗澡等手段尽量减少猫咪身上的过敏原。
Shave Your Cat: While the allergen itself isn't cat hair, cat hair is where it adheres most due to the cat's licking habits. Although shaving can be detrimental to your cat's welfare, it's a better alternative than abandonment.
Choose the Right Cat Breed: If you're getting a male cat, be sure to neuter it. If you haven't adopted a cat yet, consider getting a short-haired or hairless, light-colored female kitten.
Recommended Low-Allergen Cat Breeds
Here are some cat breeds that are known to have fewer allergens:
Balinese
Javanese
Devon Rex or Cornish Rex
Sphynx
Oriental Shorthair
Siberian
Important Note: Even these low-allergen cat breeds aren't entirely allergen-free. The best way to determine if you're allergic to a cat is to spend time with it and see if you have a reaction.
Conclusion
Cat allergies don't mean you can't own a cat, and they certainly don't mean you have to abandon your beloved feline companion. With scientific approaches and persistent effort, we can find the best way to live harmoniously with our cats. Remember, cats are our most loyal friends, and they deserve our care and dedication to create a happy life together.
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