Unfortunately, allergies and pets go hand-in-hand for many people. Millions of Americans have pet allergies, some with symptoms more severe than others. If you have a cat and a cat allergy, you’re probably all too familiar with the uncomfortable and irritating symptoms. And, while you might’ve tried treatments like antihistamines or decongestants, those only remedy the problem temporarily.
So, you might find yourself searching for a long-term solution to cat allergies. The answer? It might be cat allergy shots. This treatment focuses on the allergy itself, not the symptoms, so it can provide lasting relief from annoying allergies. Everybody is different, but for some, cat allergy shots might be the solution that helps you keep your furry friend.
Understanding Cat Allergies
Before we dive into the specifics of cat allergy shots, we need to understand the basics of cat allergies and how they work. We’ll keep it simple and free of complicated scientific explanations. Simply put, a cat allergy is the immune system’s reaction to a foreign substance, which, in this case, is a cat.
Most people believe that cat allergies are caused by the animal’s fur, but in reality, they’re generally the result of cat dander. Dander is the dead skin that the animal sloughs off naturally. It can easily become airborne and cling to various surfaces, causing flare-ups long after the feline has left the space.
The same can be true of cat saliva. Some folks are allergic to the animal’s saliva instead of the fur or dander. Like dander, dried cat saliva can cling to various surfaces, like carpeting, furniture, and clothing, and can even become airborne.
Now, it’s possible to be allergic to the cat’s fur, but it’s less common. Most people are allergic to dander or saliva, although the former is more common.
So, back to the allergy. When you’re exposed to the cat allergen, whether it’s dander, saliva, or fur, your body jumps into action. Your body produces antibodies, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen. These antibodies communicate with other cells in the body, triggering the release of specific chemicals that cause the symptoms you recognize as an allergic reaction.
You might get stuffy, experiencing a plugged or runny nose. Or, you might get an itchy throat or irritated eyes. You could even experience more serious symptoms, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. It all depends on your body and the severity of the allergy.
What Are Cat Allergy Shots?
Cat allergy shots are a type of allergy immunotherapy (AIT), a treatment designed to desensitize the body to a particular allergen. In this case, that allergen is cat-related, but it doesn’t always have to be. Allergy shots can treat a wide variety of allergies, from sensitivities to bee venom to those to dog dander.
Allergy shots, including cat allergy shots, work by “training” the body to become less reactive to a particular allergen. The allergy shot, delivered under the skin via a needle, contains a small dose of the allergen. This dose slowly increases over time, repeatedly exposing your body to whatever you’re allergic to.
This repeated exposure gives your immune system the opportunity to slowly build an allergen-specific tolerance. So, as your treatment continues, you may find that your symptoms are nowhere near as severe as they once were. You might even be able to hang out with your feline friends with minimal discomfort!
Are Cat Allergy Drops the Same as Cat Allergy Shots?
Cat allergy shots and drops are different types of allergy immunotherapy. The general function and goal is the same, but the delivery method differs. Cat allergy shots, which fall under the category of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are delivered under the skin via a needle.
Cat allergy drops, on the other hand, are delivered under the tongue via tablets or drops. This type of immunotherapy is called sublingual immunotherapy.
Do Cat Allergy Shots Actually Work?
It might seem a bit far fetched: periodic injections to alleviate your cat allergy. However, while it might seem too good to be true, AIT can be incredibly effective in helping desensitize your body to cat allergens.
This might be the first time you’ve heard of it, but AIT, including allergy shots, is nothing new. The treatment has been around for well over a century, and in that time, researchers have explored its nuances. They’ve proven its efficacy time and time again across multiple studies and trials.
For example, a handful of research and clinical trials took a closer look at subcutaneous injections (allergy shots). They found that these injections can help achieve an allergen-specific tolerance that persists even beyond treatment!
Or, consider the study that evaluated a range of evidence to determine the long-term impact of allergy immunotherapy on allergic rhinitis. It found that both sublingual (allergy drops) and subcutaneous (allergy shots) immunotherapy are effective in treating allergic rhinitis. In fact, they offer clinical benefits and immunological changes that are consistent with an allergen-specific tolerance.
These are just a couple of the many studies and trials out there. If you want to learn more, you can find plenty of resources online or published in books (some of which might be readily available online or through your local library or bookstore).
The Verdict: Will Cat Allergy Shots Help You Keep Your Furry Friend?
Cat allergy shots can greatly improve your allergy symptoms, but they’re not a quick fix. So, if you currently have a cat and are severely allergic to him or her, cat allergy shots aren’t an overnight solution. Instead, they take time and consistency to deliver results.
If you’re willing to put in the time and effort into your allergy treatment program, it’s entirely possible that the shots could help you keep your furry friend. Ultimately, it comes down to your situation, including the severity of your allergy and how your body responds to the treatment.
Remember to chat with your doctor before moving forward with an allergy immunotherapy treatment program. They can help you choose the option best suited to your budget, needs, and preferences.