Pets are wonderful friends for humans. But unfortunately, many people have allergies to pets, especially cats and dogs. Millions of Americans have pet allergies. And some people often have worse symptoms than others. If you have a pet (such as cat or dog) and are allergic to pets, then you probably know how uncomfortable it can be. Using medicines like antihistamines can help for a while. But it is not a permanent solution.
So, if you are looking for a long-term and permanent fix for your pet allergies, or specifically cat allergies, then you can consider cat allergy shots. Using these shots target the allergy itself, not just the symptoms. And this can give a long lasting relief. Everybody is different and same method doesn’t work for all. But for some people, cat allergy shots can help you to keep your lovely pet, especially cat.
Understanding Cat Allergies
Before discussing more about cat allergy shots, let us first help you understand the basics of cat allergies and how they work. We will try to keep it as simple as possible and free of complicated scientific explanations. Actually, a cat allergy happens when your immune system reacts to something from a cat.
Most of the people think cat allergies come from the fur. But it is not true. Cat allergies usually come from dander. Dander is the tiny pieces of dead skin that cats shed. The cat dander can float in the air and stick to surfaces, and it can cause problems even after the cat is gone.
In addition to fur or dander, some people are also allergic to cat saliva. Just like dander, dried saliva can stick to things like carpets, furniture, and even your clothes, and it can get into the air. Some people are also allergic to cat fur, but it is not very common. Most of the people are allergic to dander or saliva. Dander is actually the more common cause of cat allergy.
Your body reacts when you come into contact with these allergens. It makes special proteins called antibodies to fight the allergens. And these antibodies tell your body to release chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
As a reaction, you might get stuffy or runny nose, and itchy throat, or sore eyes. Even in some serious cases, you could get hives, have trouble breathing, or even experience a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Exact reaction of your body depends on your body and how strong your allergy is.
What Are Cat Allergy Shots?
Cat allergy shots are actually a type of treatment called allergy immunotherapy. Cat allergy shots helps your body get used to a specific allergen from cats. But allergy shots can also help with other allergies, like bee stings or dog dander.
Using allergy shots work by “training” your body to react less to the allergen. The shot is typically given with a needle. It has a small amount of the allergen. This amount gets bigger over time (which means your body is exposed to the allergen more often).
Cat allergy shots helps your immune system learn to tolerate the allergen better. So, as you keep getting the shots, your allergy symptoms may get milder. After that it will be much easier for you to spend time with your cat without feeling too uncomfortable.
Are Cat Allergy Drops the Same as Cat Allergy Shots?
No, they are different. Cat allergy shots and drops are two different ways to treat allergies. They are given differently, but work almost similarly. The cat allergy shots are called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), and they are given with a needle under the skin. On the other hand, cat allergy drops are placed under the tongue using tablets or liquid drops. And this method is called sublingual immunotherapy.
Do Cat Allergy Shots Actually Work?
Yes, getting cat allergy shots will help you with your cat allergy. Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) can really help your body get used to cat allergens, although it seems hard to believe. You might not have heard of AIT before, but it’s been around for over a hundred years. Researchers have studied it a lot and found that it works well.
For example, some studies looked at allergy shots and found that they can help your body become less sensitive to allergens even after treatment ends. Other studies showed that both allergy drops and allergy shots are effective for treating allergic rhinitis. Both allergy drops and allergy shots can help your body change in a way that makes it less allergic to specific things.
These are just a few examples of many studies out there. You can find helpful information online, if you want to know more. You can also find helpful information about this in books which you can get from your local library or bookstore.
Will Cat Allergy Shots Help You Keep Your Furry Friend?
Yes, cat allergy shots can really help to reduce your allergy symptoms. But they are not a quick fix. If you are very allergic to cat and if you already have one, the shots will not work overnight. They take time and regular treatments to see results.
If you are ready to stick with the treatment, the shots might help you to keep your cat. Actually, it all depends on how serious your allergy is, and how well your body responds to the shots. It is a better decision to talk to your doctor before starting any allergy treatment. They can help you to find the best option for your needs and also your budget.
Hope this guide has helped you. Good luck and may God bless you!
