Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
Cat Allergies and OTC Medications
It is not uncommon to hear that the Bengal is hypoallergenic, suggesting people with cat allergies don't react to Bengal cats. It should not be assumed any Bengal cat is completely hypoallergenic. Bengals have remarkable fur, or "pelts" that can be more like the fur of a mink rather than a cat. Even so, most cat allergies are not caused by fur, but rather by histamine, an amine released by immune cells in the sebaceous glands of the skin, saliva, and urine.
Cats are clean animals and regularly groom themselves with their tongues. The saliva mixes with the dander in the fur which transforms into a dust that cause reactions in people who are allergic. Bengal cats groom themselves as frequently as other breeds, but because of their fine, light pelts and shedding, people with minor cat allergies may experience fewer or no symptions.
Some OTC medicines for allergy relief
For severe allergy symptoms your doctor can prescribe excellent medicines.
For mild or occasional symptoms, over the counter (non-prescription or "OTC") medications are available for generally healthy people. Read instructions
carefully, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are using the right thing for your symptoms or to ensure there are no
interactions with any other medication you are taking.
Click products for more information or to buy - Free shipping for orders over $25 at drugstore.com:
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Claritin
Generic: Loratidine or pseudoephedrine
Antihistamines work to neutralize the histamines that cause allergic reaction. The newest antihistamines produce less or no drowsiness and can last up 24 hours. -
Zyrtec
Generic: cetirizine
An antihistamine like loratidine, the manufacturers claim is that it may work faster than Claritin. About 10% of people experience a little drowsiness with cetirizine. Your doctor may prescribe cetirizine if you have hives. -
Benadryl
Generic: diphenhydramine
The long-time most well-known antihistamine. Very effective but also known to work fast but cause sleepiness and you should not drive or operate machinery. It is excellent for a sudden allery attack, but only lasts 4 to 6 hours. -
Chlor-Trimeton
Generic: chlorpheneramine
Similar to Benadryl/diphenhydramine, this medicine may work better for some. Comes in many combinations: with a decongestant, pain reliever, longer lasting capsules, etc. -
Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride
In some states you must request this medication from the pharmacist (and show identification). It is sold in limited quantities to prevent it being used to make illegal drugs. Pseudoephedrine is an effective decongestant when antihistamines aren't enough to relieve congestive symptoms. -
Ocean Sinus Irrigation
This is a modified salt water solution that comes in a simple spray bottle (Ocean Nasal Spray) or a large canister spray to clean out the nose and sinuses. This is great if you have to clear your throat frequently, or if you also have a sinus infection. Irrigation helps in cities and areas where there is a lot of pollutants in the air.
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Visine-A
Eye Drops The ingredient naphazoline constricts the blood vessels on the surface of the eye easing redness. The ingredient pheniramine maleate is an antihistamine which stops the histamine from causing allergic symptoms. Other brands with the ingredients Naphcon-A and Opcon-A can also be effective.
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Cortaid
Active Ingredient for itchy skin: 1% hydrocortisone, also available in other anti-itch creams.
Also available in prescription strengths. Avoid skin creams with diphenyhydramine in them as they can produce an allergic reactions as well. NasalCrom
Generic: cromolyn sodium nasal spray
Formerly a prescription nose spray, most effective sprayed into the nose before the symptoms start.
Always check OTC medications for other ingredients such as acetaminophen (generic for Tylenol) for example. If a medication contains acetaminophen, and you combine it with Tylenol, you can essentially overdose. Serious or prolonged overdoses can cause liver failure. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or any side-effects from OTC medicines.