Just because you have allergies doesn't mean you must part with your feline friend. If you're allergic to cats, chances are you're allergic to other things, too. So getting rid of your cat will solve just part of the problem. And while allergies can't be "cured," they can be managed. Here are some suggestions.

- See an allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergy problems. And make your goal clear - you intend to keep your pet. Too often, the cat is the most obvious target, and the doctor recommends removing the pet before looking for other possible irritants in the home. Insist on a thorough screening to reveal all of the allergens that bother you.

- Don't Give Up. Even if the tests show you're allergic to cats, don't be talked into giving up your cat immediately. Since allergic people are usually bothered by more than one thing, it's the total allergen level that causes problems. If you can remove the other allergens in your home, your cat may not bother you at all.

- Breath clean air. Invest in a good air purifier with a HEPA filter. The air purifier can be installed in your home heating system or can run from a standard electrical outlet. Even putting an air purifier in your bedroom and keeping the pets out will help.

- Buy bags of zeolite: Zeolite has a positive charge and a honeycomb structure, so in used in conjunction with a good HEPA air filter, it will cut down on airborne cat dander.

- Spray tannic acid: A 3 percent tannic acid solution sprayed on carpets, upholstery and bedding (NOT THE CAT) kills many allergens and is not toxic.

- Vacuum often and thoroughly. And damp wipe all counters and furniture. The more washable surfaces in your home, the better. You can also wipe down your furniture (and your cat) with baby wipes.

- Dust your drapes by running them through the dryer on the spin cycle. Do this a couple of times a year to get rid of cat dander and other allergins.

- Establish an allergy-free zone. Keep pets out of your bedroom.

- Wash your hands after handling your cat. And keep the cat away from your face.

- Groom the cat. Brushing your cat daily will reduce shedding.

- Give her a bath. Bathing cats in lukewarm tap or distilled water every few weeks reduces the production of allergy-causing protein found in cats' saliva and on their skin and coats. A "sponge bath" works, as long as the water reaches the cat's skin.

- Use Allerpet. It's available at pet supply stores, and it works! You can also find it online at www.allerpet.com.

- Feed her right. A high quality diet that includes some natural fat can prevent excessive hair loss. Adding a little fat a few times a week reduces skin dryness and flaking. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.

- Beware of litter. Unscented clay litter is least irritating. Use a brand that produces little dust. Pour litter into the pan slowly to minimize dust.

- Consider allergy shots. For many people, they work! And cat-related allergies are particularly responsive.

ALLERGY REMEDY
Linda East, DVM
Crush one 5 mg acepromazine tablet
Add 30 ml (1 ounce) of water
Store in an amber glass bottle in refrigerator
Add 6 drops of mixture to cat's food daily
Acepromazine is an animal tranquilizer, available only by prescription from a veterinarian. The amount given for allergies is such a small dosage that there are no tranquilizing effects, but a chemical change does take place in the cat's saliva (which is what many people react to). About 75 percent of those using this formula report at least some improvement, and about half say their allergies improve dramatically.
Contact your veterinarian, if you would like to try this remedy. Your cat must be a patient of a veterinarian before he or she can prescribe any medication.

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This was written with love for cats by Missy Zane of the Howard County Cat Club, and reprinted & edited with permission. This may not be duplicated with out written permission.