The 6 Best Medications For Cat Allergies
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If you have cat allergies it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on owning a cat or visiting friends with one. Cat allergies are fairly common and affect up to 25 percent of people who also have other types of allergies.
There are several known causes for allergies related to cats. The two most common causes involve the dander when fur is shed, and a glyco-protein that is secreted by the cat’s sebaceous glands, transmitted by their saliva, and transferred to the fur when grooming.
In this article we reviewed the best medications for cat allergy sufferers as well as their pros and cons.
How We Researched The 6 Best Medications For Cat Allergies?
- We spent several days researching the best medications for cat allergies
- We considered over 10 medications and fine tuned it down to the 6 reviewed in this article
- We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, watching videos and comparing the features of each medication
The Best Medications For Cat Allergies Comparison Chart
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Best Overall
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Best Homeopathic Allergy Medicine
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Best Budget Allergy Medicine
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Best 24 Hour Allergy Medicine
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Best Nasal Spray Allergy Medicine
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Best Childrens Allergy Medicine
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The 6 Best Medications For Cat Allergies Reviewed
#1 Claritin 24 Hour Non-Drowsy Allergy RediTabs
Product Info:
- Active Ingredient: Loratadine
- Dosage Type: Disintegrating tablet
- For Ages: 6 and up
- Treats: Runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose/throat
The Good
- Melt-in-your-mouth tablets, dissolve in seconds
- Provides all-day relief for over 200+ different allergens
- 24 hour, non drowsy formula
The Bad
- Price on the high side
- Washable by hand only
Claritin RediTabs provide 24-hour, non-drowsy relief for indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes and itchy throat/nose. Claritin provides relief of symptoms that can be triggered by over 200 different allergens. The tablets are easy-to-take because the orally dissolvable tablet melts in your mouth and requires no water. These are available in 12 hour and 24 hour relief.
This formula is for adults and children ages 6 and up. One tablet contains 10 mg of loratadine which is the same as the prescription strength.
#2 Boiron Rhinallergy Homeopathic Medicine for Allergy Relief
Product Info:
- Active Ingredient: Allium cepa 5C HPUS
- Dosage Type: Quick dissolve tablet
- For Ages: 2 and up
- Treats: Sneezing, itchy throat, nasal discharge, burning eyes
The Good
- Non drowsy, quick dissolve formula
- Relieves symptoms of upper respiratory allergies
- Safe for all ages 2 and up
The Bad
- Not strong enough for some
- Can cause dry mouth
RhinAllergy Tablets temporarily relieve symptoms of upper respiratory allergies such as itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy throat and nose. RhinAllergy does not cause drowsiness and has no known interactions with other medications and are quick dissolving. These tablets do not need to be taken with food and treat indoor and outdoor allergies.
The tablets are recommended for everyone age 2 and up, and are available in a box of 60 quick-dissolving tablets. Can be taken up to three times a day until symptoms are resolved.
#3 Kirkland Signature Non Drowsy Allerclear Loratadine Tablets
Product Info:
- Active Ingredient: Loratadine
- Dosage Type: Tablet
- For Ages: 6 and up
- Treats: Sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy throat/nose
The Good
- Provides 24 hour indoor and outdoor allergies relief
- Non drowsy formula
- Good value for year supply
The Bad
- May make some sleepy
- Not as strong as its competitors
AllerClear temporarily relieves symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. These tablets provide 24 hour indoor and outdoor allergy relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy throat or nose. This formula is the original prescription strength but can be bought over the counter.
Theses tablets are recommended for adults and children 6 years and over. Directions recommend not taking more than 1 tablet in a 24 hour period.
#4 Zyrtec 24 Hour Allergy Relief Tablets
Product Info:
- Active Ingredient: Cetirizine hydrochloride
- Dosage Type: Tablet
- For Ages: 6 and up
- Treats: Sneezing, itchy throat, nasal discharge, burning eyes
The Good
- 24 hour allergy relief
- As strong as prescription formula
- Works twice as hard on day 2
The Bad
- Can only take one tablet a day
- Some people complain its not strong enough
Zyrtec Allergy Tablets relieves allergy symptoms from indoor and outdoor triggers. This prescription-strength allergy relief medicine provides 24 hours of relief from common symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies, including runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. This formula specifically treats indoor allergies caused by dust, mold, and pet dander, as well as outdoor seasonal allergies from tree pollen, weeds, and grasses.
It is suitable for adults and children who are ages 6 and older. This medicine starts working at hour 1 and works twice as hard when you take it again the next day.
#5 Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
Product Info:
- Active Ingredient: Fluticasone propionate
- Dosage Type: Nasal spray
- For Ages: 4 and up
- Treats: Sneezing, itchy throat, nasal discharge, burning eyes, congestion
The Good
- Provides 24 hour relief
- Non drowsy formula
- Blocks 6 key allergic substances
The Bad
- Pump can sometimes misfire
- Leaves bad taste in mouth
- Cost more than other nasal sprays
FLONASE Allergy Relief nasal spray helps block 6 key allergic substances. This prescription strength medicine provides 24-hour relief from nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes all allergy season long. This formula is non drowsy and is put in the nose.
This can be used by adults and children age 4 and up. This formula is prescription strength and sold over the counter. Directions recommend it be used in each nostril once daily.
#6 Children’s Zyrtec 24 HR Dissolving Allergy Relief Tablets with Cetirizine
Product Info:
- Active Ingredient: Cetirizine hydrochloride
- Dosage Type: Chew-able tablet
- For Ages: 6 and up
- Treats: Runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, itchy nose/throat
The Good
- Citris flavor chewable tablet
- For indoor and outdoor allergies
- Provides 24 hour relief
The Bad
- Makes some children drowsy
- Make mouth and throat dry
- Some kids hate the taste
Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Dissolve Tablets provide your child with relief from allergy symptoms caused by hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. This prescription-strength allergy medicine for kids provides 24-hour relief of runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and itching of the nose and throat. With 10 milligrams of cetirizine hydrochloride in each tablet, this children’s allergy medicine melts in the mouth with a kid-friendly citrus flavor.
This medicine is intended for children 6 years and older. Zyrtec allergy tablets can be taken with or without water.
Additional Treatments To Consider For Cat Allergies
- Allergy shots – Cat lovers who suffer from allergies can benefit from weekly injections that increase in potency for six months, followed by 3-5 years of monthly maintenance injections. This method is very effective, but may cause skin reactions.
- Use an air purifier – In rooms you share with your cat, clean the air with an air purifier that has a HEPA-certified filter. HEPA filters reduce airborne pet allergens by forcing air through a special filter that traps pet dander, as well as pollen, dust mites, and other allergens.
- Bathe your cat – While bathing your cat in the tub sounds terrifying, wiping your furry friend down with a wet towel daily can help lower his allergens.
- Cat-free room – Chose a room, preferably your bedroom to keep your cat out of. Dust and vacuum that room thoroughly and make an effort to keep your door closed.
- Try medication – For those looking to make medicine a part of their daily routine, oral antihistamines can help keep cat allergies under control. Intranasal corticosteroid spray and antihistamine eye drops are also options that can help.
Conclusion
While some cats maybe more hypoallergenic than others, you may still have an allergic reaction. Taking steps to reduce allergens and finding the right allergy medicine will make life with your furry friend so much better.
*This article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build up an immunity to cat allergies?
Some cat owners report developing immunity or growing out of the allergy to their cat. This is possible but not always true for everyone. Some people's allergies get worse.
Can I suddenly become allergic to my cat?
Yes, allergens can come from your cat's dander, fur, saliva, and even their urine. Breathing in pet dander or coming into contact with these allergens can cause an allergic reaction and can come on at any time in your life.
Is there a vaccine for cat allergies?
A new cat allergy vaccine is being tested and it's administered to pets themselves, not people. A company called HypoPet AG recently announced in a press release that it was developing a vaccine that targets Fel d 1, a common feline allergen that affects close to 10 percent of the Western human population.
Sharon Grutsch
I'm so ready to give my 12 year old Bo kitty that vaccine. I'm taking the Kirkland cetirizine and it doesn't work anymore. I'm going to look for allergy wipes for my best buddy Bo kitty tomorrow, my nose itches so bad it hurts. I have bathed him and brushed him and changed all my bedding and I still itch. I never had a problem with animal allergies until 2020. of course. stupid 2020. Hopefully it will work well enough so I can quit scratching my poor nose all the time. And it's also too early here in Nebraska for high pollen, dust yes, we have lots of dust.
Cat Mania
Sorry to hear about your allergies! If you get the vaccine please update us on its efficacy.
Darla Reynolds
Getting allergy shots helped me so much. I was off of the chart for cat allergies.I have six cats. I am also waiting for the cat allergy vaccine to come out !! What a blessing that will be . I will be first in line. Try Claritin reditabs. Put one under your tongue. They do help.
Darla Reynolds
Please let us know if and when this cat vaccine for allergies comes out.. Thanks !