CHILDREN who grow up with cats are less likely to develop allergies than those who live in a feline-free house, a study has found.

Research found unless children already showed symptoms and a family history of allergies such as asthma, eczema or hayfever, they were likely to develop a stronger immune system if they had a feline friend.
Pediatrician Catarina Almqvist has conducted a study of 516 children born in Sydney hospitals from 1997 to 2000.
Tests showed last year 29.3 per cent of the children whose families had acquired cats in the past five years, had atopy, or a positive skin prick test for allergy. This is compared to 47.2 per cent who had atopy but lived in a feline-free household. “There are widespread benefits of pet ownership,” Dr Weston said yesterday.
“Exposure to lots of things when you’re young is likely to reduce the allergies.”
 

“Children who are exposed to pets or children who grow up on a farm have a reduced risk of atopy,” Dr Almqvsit said. Australian Veterinary Association state spokeswoman Dr Jenny Weston was not surprised by the study.

Only about 10 percent of the general population has pet allergies, but 30 percent of people with asthma do, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Does this mean if you’re asthmatic that you have to get rid of your pet?
Consider first whether your pet might be triggering asthma symptoms, the foundation advises.

 Contrary to popular belief, your animal’s fur probably isn’t what’s making you sneeze and wheeze. More likely, animal “dander” (skin flakes), saliva, urine and feathers are triggering allergic reactions. And dust mites, which many people are allergic to, can collect in your pet’s fur.

 What’s more, any animal that lives in a cage deposits droppings that can attract mold and dust mites.

 Suggested remedies include: buying an air cleaner containing a HEPA filter, keeping the allergic person away from the cat’s litter box, having someone other than the asthmatic person brush or wash the dog, and making sure everyone washes his hands after playing with the pet.

By correcting your breathing volume through the Buteyko method, allergies to be pets itis can be reduced and eliminated. The Buteyko method helps raise the Control Pause which in turn reduces susceptibility to allergens,such as animal dander.