We've got the purr-fect solution to your cat allergy!

Cat allergy is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to proteins in the cat’s skin, hair, saliva and urine. Signs of allergy to cat are the same as other allergies:

If you like me, love your (daughter's) cats, you will be happy to know that cat allergy can be combatted:

• Try washing the cat, ideally one to two times per week. Be careful though because if you over wash your cat, they too can get skin dryness and flaking, which is going to increase your allergic symptoms.  If the cat has not been bathed since kitten-hood, good luck!
• Keep your cat’s allergies under control! Cats get skin conditions too and they can have environmental allergies.  Here again, when they are shedding more, there is more cat allergen and more allergies for you.
• Have your cat regularly brushed to keep up with shed hair.
• Consider getting an air purifying or modify your air conditioning units to have an air purifying unit attached.
• Change your home HVAC filters regularly.
• Vacuum and clean up the cat hair!
• Try to keep the cat off the couch or at least your “favorite chair”. Have him/her sit on a special towel or cat bed instead.
• Keep your cat out of your bed! And ideally out of the bedroom.
• Consider trying the over-the-counter allergy medication.
• Purina Pro Plan LIVECLEAR cat food was designed to reduce the major allergen in cat hair and dander.

If you would like a cat but have not gotten one yet, consider:

• Getting a hypoallergenic breed. Remember, hypoallergenic is not nonallergenic so test the breed out before you fall in love with him/her.
• Avoid breeds that are “highly allergic”.
• Avoid breeds that are high shedders.
• Avoid breeds that have a tendency for dermatitis and skin conditions. If he/she develops one, it may mean you are both miserable.

How can you be sure of your cat allergy?  Maybe it's the dog!  Your primary care doctor can order a blood test or an Allergist-Immunologist can order a skin test, not only to cat, but all the other allergies they may be bringing in.

Finally, if all this fails, consider allergen immunotherapy or allergy shots.  Allergy shots take your allergens, like cat, and exposes you little by little until you can tolerate a higher exposure.

If you would like to be tested for your allergies or believe you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and the staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help.

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, DC Ranch and Grayhawk at 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, on the corners of Deer Valley and Scottsdale Roads, and has convenient evening and early morning hours to accommodate your schedule.

Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Insurance plans accepted. Call 480-500-1902 today to schedule an appointment now and begin your allergy testing and treatment with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com and FOLLOW US on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.

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