Adopt a Friend - "Tinker" the Laid Back Kitty Cat

ADOPT A FRIEND - "TINKER"

Tinker is an owner surrender because her owner was allergic to her but now she is looking for a new loving, forever home.

NAME:  “Tinker”

COUNTY ID#:  A388622 

AGE:  10 years

GENDER:  Female

BREED:   Domestic Shorthair

WEIGHT:  Not much

COLOR:  Diluted Calico

HOBBIES:  Napping and playing with her kitty toys especially toy mice and feathers

PERSONALITY:  Tinker is a very sweet, laid back kitty but still ready to play when engaged.  She loves laying on her cat bed.

If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting the wonderful pet featured this week, please call the Prince George's Animals Management Facility in Upper Marlboro at 301-780-7201 to check on the availability. You may also visit www.pgamd.petfinder.com or www.petharbor.com to see many more precious pets that are available for adoption.

ASK FOR TINKER (#A388622)

Cat Allergy: live in "purr-fect" harmony!

Learn to control and eliminate symptoms of cat allergy, understand the Fel d 1 allergen, choose from effective treatment options including a breakthrough treatment that can end your cat allergy permanently!

Between six and ten million people in the U.S. have symptoms of cat allergy. These symptoms, however, are misunderstood by people. You might think they come from the fur or cat dander (scales of skin), but this allergen comes mainly from saliva and sweat; a protein with a carbohydrate structure called “Fel d 1" allergen.

"Fel d 1" allergen is much smaller than pollen or mold spores. The small size of this allergen explains why it easily bypasses nasal passages and lodges deep in the lungs, where it can cause allergic episodes and asthma.

Fel d 1 allergen floats in the air microscopically. After a cat licks itself, “Fel d 1" allergen is deposited on its fur. Once it is deposited, dried specks of saliva can float off and drift around your home. This protein allergen can spread everywhere, attaching itself to walls, windows, and furniture. Amazingly, this allergen can still be present years after a cat leaves your home, so everything would need to be totally cleaned in order to remove the allergen.

Cat Allergy Symptoms

cat allergy can affect your eyes, nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. With regard to symptoms involving the skin, reddened or inflamed areas are usually caused by the scratch or lick of a cat. If a rash appears on the face, neck, or upper body, this would normally be associated with an allergy that is respiratory.

Symptoms of respiratory allergy usually occur between fifteen and forty minutes after one is exposed. However, keep in mind that pet related allergy sometimes occurs several days after one is exposed. 

The most common symptoms related to cat exposure are:

 • red, itchy, or swollen eyes

 • Reddened areas on the skin

 • runny nose

 • nasal congestion

 • sneezing

 • ears that become stuffed-up or itchy

 • post nasal drip

 • itching and horseness in the throat

 • coughing and wheezing

 • frequent bronchitis

Cat allergy control

If you have cat allergy and decide to keep your cat (the emotional bond between people and their pets can be quite strong), there are certain things you can do to reduce your allergies:

• Use reputable allergy avoidance products throughout your home

 • Improve the ventilation in your house. Since allergens float in the air, having a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen.

 • Use a Hepa air filter. Air filters work particularly well for particles of cat allergen.

 • Create a comfortable place outside where your cat can sleep. Make your cat’s place warm and cozy, include a dish with food and water, and maybe even so catnip!

 • Consider removing all carpeting from your home, since this is where cat allergens can lodge themselves. Also, consider leather or vinyl covered chairs which clean easily.

 • Keep your pet out of the bedroom. If you can’t do this, cover the mattress and blanket with anti-mite covers.

 • If you have a male cat that is not neutered, consider getting him neutered. This reduces the amount of allergen. 

 • Wash your pet regularly, but have someone else brush and groom the pet.

Cat allergy treatment

Conventional cat allergy treatment options are similar to those recommended for other types of allergies. Your options include the following (a powerful natural allergy treatment method is included):

Medications

Medication for pet related allergy is the same as that recommended for other inhalant allergies: bronchodilators, oral antihistamines, corticosteroids, and topical nasal steroids.  Discuss with your doctor which might be appropriate for you. 

Immunotherapy

This involves a series of injections, in gradually increasing dosages, which include extracts of various allergens so that an individual with a particular allergy can develop a tolerance to that allergen.

As always, check with your Doctor and Vet to see if there is anything you can do to minimize your symptoms.