Recommendations for allergy to cats?

[Lobsterquadrille2]

She's very long haired and nearly 14 (had her since she was a kitten). The last few times that DD has been home on university holidays, she has sneezed almost constantly. It's as if the immunity she'd built up from living with Dcat has lowered from being away for long periods.

She'll be back in a few weeks and I'd really like to find something that will make it a bit easier.

There is not the slightest possibility of rehoming our cat, just to make that clear. I already keep her out of bedrooms, vacuum daily etc.

Has your DD tried taking an anti-histamine?

Cat allergens are strongest in their saliva and skin flakes rather than their hair, so regular hand washing and avoiding anything your cat regularly rubs herself on will help.

@ScreamingValenta , thank you for replying. Yes, we've tried various antihistamines but she tends only to remember to take them after she's been affected ....

I didn't know that about saliva; she's a very "licky" cat. Definitely worth knowing.

This was exactly my experience when I went to university - no problems living at home with the cat, went away to a cat-free environment, came back and it was like having a permanent cold.

I now have two cats and antihistamines are the only thing that work for me, sorry. I use Pirinase Nasal Spray, which you have to start taking a few days before you come into contact but completely stops me sneezing. However, different people react differently to different antihistamines so you may need to experiment. Good luck!

There is something called petal cleanse that you wipe over the cat and is supposed to help. A good grooming session outside would help. Hoover and damp dust. Clean any soft furnishings you can. Get her to wash hands after touching the cat.
I’ve developed a cat allergy. Sucks.

I am allergic to cats but for some reason caved in and got a cat for DS 7 years ago.
The cat is never allowed in bedrooms or on furniture. I wash my hands immediately if I touch him. Lots of hoovering and damp dusting (I have asthma as well).
The only thing that helps with the streaming nose is Nasonex nasal spray on prescription.
DS now at uni and I think I'll be stuck with the cat even when he graduates as he's unlikely to live anywhere he can have a cat.

Thank you all very much!! Nasal spray is definitely something I shall get for her - I'll try over the counter first. And I shall implement all other suggestions. 😀🐈

She needs to take an oral antihistamine and use a nasal spray religiously while she’s home. If she strokes cat immediately wash hands. Avoid prolonged cuddles!

Chronically allergic to cats. I don't need to touch a cat to come out in a nettle rash and for my eyes to swell up. Hug someone who has touched a cat, sit on a chair the cat is on? Rash, swollen eyes.
It's really uncomfortable. So I don't have cats.

Slightly off-topic as it won't help the OP, but apparently male cats give off stronger allergens than female cats, and neutering of both sexes reduces their allergen intensity - so a spayed girlie is the way to go if you're thinking of getting a kitty and looking to minimise reactions.

Back on topic, I take anti-histamines for hay fever and they are definitely more effective if you start taking them a couple of days before a histamine-triggering situation. @Lobsterquadrille2 it would be worth reminding your DD to start taking them a couple of days before she comes home.

Your Dcat is such a sweetie - lovely pic of her snuggled up to your laptop!

@ScreamingValenta - thank you; she is the loveliest and most affectionate girl, which makes avoiding her quite difficult. I shall buy some antihistamines at the weekend and will post them to DD nearer the time, with stern instructions.

Like @VicSynix, it's only been since DD went to university that it's been so noticeable. Hopefully with my newfound arsenal, she'll be ok over the summer. 😀

@ScreamingValenta. I’m allergic to one of my two spayed sisters.

Wolfie That must be difficult! I suppose some cats just give off more allergens than others, the same as other genetic factors may vary.

DB find giving his cat a wash massively helps, but his cat (Maine coon) loves having a bath, I wouldn't try it on my 2 - I could lose an eye!

I have the same problem with cats - fine if I live with them but allergic if I have a period of time away from them. I tried different antihistamines and found the cetirizine suited me best. My cats effected my eyes so eye drops were helpful too. My problem now is our dog. I hoped that I would have a similar reduction to the reaction to him but we have had him 5 months and I am still reacting to him!

She’s not going anywhere!

She may want to try non-drowsy antihistamines, if they're available. (I live in Canada so not sure what's available in the UK, plus not familiar with prescription regulations. Some meds that are OTC here are prescription-only there.)

Kitty is a gorgeous girl! She sound very sweet!

Thank you all. Definitely going the non drowsy antihistamine plus nasal spray route, plus the environmental suggestions. And brushing her outside prior to DD's arrival.

We both love her being so affectionate but she does like being as close as possible.