How to Manage Pet Allergies as the Seasons Change

For Those Of Us who Suffer From Pet Allergies, There’s Hope

As the seasons change, and the warm weather approaches, your pets will shed until the cows come home. Pet dander will litter your home and clothes, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through pet allergies. Just look at these quick tips to help survive allergy season.

You Shall Not Pass!

For starters, make your bedroom a pet-free zone. Keep dander away from where you get your beauty rest!

Buy a HEPA Filter

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filters possess fine sieves and catch small allergens, removing unwanted particles and allergens from the air.

Break out the Vacuum and Duster

Allergens build up quick, especially in the spring/summer months. Vacuuming frequently, dusting tables, shelves and doorways is a surefire way to reduce your suffering.

Over-The-Counter

If you’re finding that, despite your best efforts, nothing seems to be working, perhaps medication or an allergy shot is the best bet. Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines, relieve mild allergy symptoms: nasal congestion and itchy eyes. Of course, always consult your primary care physician before considering over-the-counter medications.

Vaccinate Me, Doc

Allergy shots, or allergy vaccines, will help your body develop protective antibodies so you won’t have an allergic reaction when exposed to allergens. The only issue? There’s a good deal of time needed before you see dramatic results. It can take upwards of 5 years’ worth of injections before you’re completely allergy-free.

Cats Being Cats

Domesticated or Wild, Cats Have A Lot in Common

Have you ever looked at your fuzzy lil’ kitten and thought “if she was slightly larger, I bet she’d be Queen of the Jungle?” You have!? Well, so have I. Let’s be friends.

But first, lets find out how domesticated and wild cats are similar.

10. Purring

Lions and Tigers won’t cuddle up and purr like Miss Purrfect, you’re adorable Maine Coon with a penchant for climbing the Christmas tree, but a puma would. That’s right, Puma’s are known for more than just their speed.

9. Scent Marking

When your cat rubs up against you and wiggles his or her tail, they aren’t always looking for attention. It’s a sign of scent marking. You may pay the rent, but it’s Mittens’, the 10-year-old Siamese, territory now.

8. Sharpening Their Claws

It’s just another instance of marking their territory. While the large cats of the wilderness aren’t directly responsible for your need to replace yet another recliner, know they’ve influenced it a bit.

7. Go To Bed, Miss Purrfect

Wild cats like to hunt at night – it gives them an advantage. Domesticated cats? They like to run in circles upstairs and keep you awake.

6.  Hunting

Domesticated cats bring you tiny bird. Jaguars, on the other hand, well, don’t ever stray from a guided safari tour.

5. Number of Toes

All cats, domesticated and wild, have four toes on their hind feet and five toes on their front feet.

4. Put Your Claws Away

Cheetah’s are the only type of cat that doesn’t have retractable claws.

3. Meats, Meats, Meats

All cats are carnivores. So while you’re cutting meat out of your diet, don’t do the same for loveable Miss Purrfect.

2. Chromosomes

Within the cell of each cat, sans the Geoffreys Cat and the Ocelot, there are 38 chromosomes.

1.Speed Demon

Miss Purfect has a majestic stride as she chases after an unsuspecting spider, and her speed and agility are influenced by her elders of the wild.