I remember visiting a friend's place for the first time. It was fun, mind you, only in the beginning.
The friend had a cat. Like most cats, this one too would rub herself around my legs, and would
occasionally pounce on my lap from under the dining table. 5-10 mins around the cat, and I
would find myself repeatedly rubbing the tip of my nose. Re-pea-ted-ly rubbing until my nose
turned red, and it still wouldn't stop! 30 mins in, and there would be a heaviness in my chest,
and I would struggle to breathe. Despite coming home and washing my face three elaborate
times, the itch would not dissipate. After 5-6 hours everything would be back to normal.
I couldn't catch the pattern. I simply started detesting that cat (Mean, I know). I thought this
particular cat was weird. But, now you know, that's not the case. After numerous encounters
with other cats I would pet in the streets, I realized it's not the cats, but me. Oh to be a
(desperate) cat lover, but unable to stay around one for more than 10 mins, and having to
maintain a 2 feet distance even in those 10 mins, the pain!
At first, I thought I'm allergic to cat hair. Later after talking to 2 vets, and conducting practically
what can be termed as a short review of all the available literature on this subject, I was
enlightened.
From what I understand, the job of one's immune system is to protect one from dangerous
diseases by finding, and killing foreign substances. People with pet allergies- like me, and most
probably you if you are reading this- have over-sensitive immune systems that react to harmless
proteins in a pet's urine, saliva, or dander (dead skin cells) thinking these are attacking their
body. The symptoms that show up, as a result, are called allergic reactions. The substances that
cause these are called allergens. Contrary to what I thought, pet hair, in itself, is not an allergen.
It can collect allergens like dander, urine, saliva, dust, and/or pollen, and thus triggers an allergic
response. When these allergens land on the membranes that line the eyes and nose, allergic
reactions show up. It can be an inflammation of the membranes or persistent itching around the
area. If you are severely allergic to animals, you may experience breathing problems, coughing,
wheezing, and shortness of breath within 15 to 30 minutes of inhaling allergens.
The condition is easily self-diagnosable, but you can still visit a doctor to make sure there are no
other causes for the symptoms you are experiencing. Often a simple allergy testing shows if
there is an allergic sensitization to an animal.
If this is you, and you can't really stop yourself from adopting a pet or keeping the
present one, here are 8 things you can do:
1) No Pet In The Bedroom
Keeping pets away from the bedroom, and off of your bed will drastically help you reduce
contact with allergens, if not completely. Duh, at least now you won't be sleeping on tiny li'l hair.
2) Let Go of Cat Furniture & Declutter Your Home
Animal allergens stay stuck to walls, furniture, and clutter for several months. Vacuuming the
place only helps them get stirred up in the air, where they will stay suspended for months to
come. Making sure your house is as clutter-free as it can be will help you reduce contact with
allergens.
3) A Mask Comes Handy
When vacuuming the carpet, mask up. The allergens which were stuck to these surfaces will
now rise up, and get stirred in the air you are going to breathe in. One simple breath is enough
to trigger an allergic reaction.
4) Wash 'em Clothes
Changing your clothes after prolonged exposure to an animal, and preferably washing them
will help you get rid of these allergens. Imagine wearing the same clothes a few days later, and
ending up wheezing in the Starbucks for 10 mins straight. Definitely, something I wouldn't want
to happen to me.
5) Install Air Filters & Cleaners
Air cleaner combined with certified asthma & allergy-friendly filters can help you get rid of
airborne allergens. However, these won't help with allergens stuck to surfaces.
6) Wakey Wakey, It's Bath Time
Bathing your pet often and regularly might reduce allergens like dander and urine deposits.
However, putting your pet through more than usual baths only to suit you doesn't feel very
compassionate. Does it?
7) Phone a Friend
Make a monthly schedule, and have someone who isn't allergic to pets brush your pet outdoors
to dust off dander regularly.
8) Expert Advice
Consult a specialist and let them guide you in finding a way out. Immunotherapy is one option.
Although treatment can help, animal allergies are conditions that can't be permanently cured.
Nonetheless, the best treatment is to avoid contact with animals, or places where animals live,
at any cost. I know you love your pet dearly, but is this healthy for you? Give it a thought. Or
maybe we can compromise. Let's pet a stray cat but not take it home. What do you think?
Another option is to choose pets that don't have fur or feathers. Will a fish work for ya?