Allergic to Cats?

Help for Allergy Victims Who Love Their Cats

Along with blazing sun and heat, Summer also brings pollens, dry grasses, and other allergens to plague us. Living with a family of cats adds a triple whammy to those of us who suffer from asthma, hayfever, or hives. Do you or family members have allergies involving cats? You may be interested to know that you don't necessarily have to give up your cats because of allergies. Thousands of victims of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies are able to cope with their allergies while living with the cats they love (including yours truly).

These articles and features can help those with allergies who are determined to keep their cats. You may never be able to eliminate your allergies entirely, but you can help minimize the symptoms. In my family, we've found that cats with thick double coats, especially the red ones like Shannon, pictured here, have given us the most allergy symptoms. However, we have been able to stay fairly symptom-free through a combination of medication, frequent brushing, and minimizing dust-collecting rugs and furniture. Our windows are covered with vertical blinds, and we put in laminate flooring in lieu of the old carpeting in our upstairs loft area.

Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy

Read these ten articles for help in controlling your cat-inspired allergies, then ask your allergist or other medical professional if any of them might be of help to you.