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Many people with allergies can and do have pets they are allergic to. Many people originally allergic to cats have, over time, become "immune" to allergic symptoms. Sometimes seasonal allergies are thought to be caused by the cat, when in fact they are environmental.
Allergy Myths
Some breeds of cats and dogs are hypoallergenic. False
There are no “hypo-allergenic” animals. All animals contain proteins in their bodies that we can be allergic to. Even the “hairless” or “non-shedding” varieties carry the dander that causes an allergic reaction. The allergen - the protein causing the reaction - is found in saliva, urine, and sebaceous glands, not in the hair itself.
Cats and dogs with long hair cause more allergies. False
The amount of allergen an animal produces has nothing to do with coat length or amount of hair shed. However, there are variations in the amount of allergens between individuals, i.e. some shorthaired cats can produce more allergens than some longhaired cats. There are no significant findings to suggest that coat length, color or texture affect the amount of allergen produced by the animal.
Having pets around my baby will cause her to develop allergies. False
Exposure to animals will not cause allergies, though, in an already allergic person, may cause a reaction. Some studies suggest that over time, some people will build up a tolerance for some allergens, which will reduce the intensity of the reaction.
People with allergies cannot have pets. False
Many people with allergies can and do have pets they are allergic to. Some have very mild allergies while others use medications to control symptoms. The type and intensity of an allergic reaction depends on the individual and their situation. If you have a pet and think you are allergic, it is a good idea to find out for sure before giving up your animal. Your family doctor or allergist can test you for common pet allergies using a simple skin test.
If I get rid of my pet, my allergies will go away. False
Giving up your pet will not get rid of your allergies instantly. Animal dander that has settled into your furniture, carpeting, and curtains will continue to circulate through the air in your house and will cause the same reaction that your pet did. Frequent cleaning and vacuuming will reduce the amount of allergens in your home. You may also think about limiting your cat to a particular part of your home instead of giving her up.
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