So do grass pollen, mold, and dead dust mites.
And apparently, according to the allergist, so does this:
No, seriously. I tested positive for this, too:
I just laughed at the allergist. I have never in my life entered a house with cats and sneezed or teared up or shown any other allergic reaction. In fact, I have never had any major reactions until I moved to Virginia, where I am apparently allergic to cedar tree pollen, ragweed, and one other pollen that I forgot.
My two little allergens are both inside at the moment. Gracie is playing on the sofa in her nest, yowling for me to come wave the ribbon toy at her. We’ve just started playing a new game that she and I both thoroughly enjoy. She plays and looks goofy, I wave the ribbon toy and laugh and try to take pictures.
I told the allergist there was no way I would ever be without cats. I’ve had cats most of my life, and I intend to have cats as close as possible to the day I die. (I figure if I’m in my nineties and my then-cat dies, I may not replace him/her, so as not to have to worry about who’d take care of my cat.)
Besides, I’m pretty sure that if I took away all the other allergens, I’d have few or no symptoms of my cat allergy. I get cat hair in my eyes on a regular basis. Tig sleeps next to me more often than not, and sleeps in my lap as often as he likes. Gracie has had a dander problem her entire life, which I notice especially when I brush her. I can spend half an hour brushing Tig with zero allergic symptoms during or after. I sneeze when I dust the furniture, however.
I had my cats for eight years before Virginia’s excessive pollen and mold made my latent allergies symptomatic. I’m thinking my cat allergies are the least of my problems.
But now I have a new nickname for my cats. They’re my little allergens. Or my big allergen, in Tig’s case.
My cats used to make me sneeze but then I got used to them. Maybe I am technically still “allergic” to them, but have just built up an immunity. Maybe that’s your case also.
Meryl,
The antigen (fel AG 1 is in the saliva.If you can keep them from your bed room,that’s a big plus.Alternatively,generic “claritin”,aka claratidine is an inexpensive otc method to try. Ten mg per day is the usual starting dose.Finally,when seasonal allergens are flaring,an intra muscular shot of corticosteroids,60-80 mg should see you through the worst of the flare.
If you opt for desensitization,go for the rapid route.It saves large amounts of time and money.
Corwin
Way ahead of you, Colin. I’ve been on Zyrtec for two years. Claritin doesn’t do it for me.
My cats don’t bother me. It’s the other allergens. I’ll be getting HEPA filters and those cases for my pillow and mattress to defeat dust mite dead bits. I will not be getting rid of my cats.
Try a HEPA-rated vacuum cleaner and perhaps some HEPA-rated air filters for your AC unit this summer, not just the free-standing fan/filter units. Lastly, see what plantings are around your apartment. Perhaps something new was planted which might be making the difference.
chsw
PS: You can try leashing then vacuuming your allergens!
Meryl: You probably already know this, but just in case – Wash all of your bedding in hot water once a week. If you have bedding that can’t be washed in the washing machine, replace it with some that can. (I have a washable allergy-friendly cover for my comforter that I got when I got my box spring/mattress/pillow cases.) Oh, and if there’s any down in your bedding, eliminate that as well – foam pillows are your friends.
Allergen-fighting HVAC filters are also good. 3M makes some. Also, if you have any open bookshelves in your bedroom, move ’em elsewhere or replace ’em with bookshelves (et al) with doors. I use some CD cabinets I got from IKEA with adjustable shelves, myself. Basically, the more you can remove dust from your bedroom, the better off you’ll be.