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So after being down for the count for the 3rd time this summer, I finally broke down and went to the allergist yesterday.
A ton of information, 4 prescriptions, and knowing i'm allergic to everything but dogs and ragweed......my head is spinning.
So I was wondering besides medicine, what works/doesn't work for all of you when trying to control your allergies? Special mattress, air purifiers, etc...
Also I tested positive for cats, and have two. Any good tips on how to keep the dander at a minimum. It's not a severe allergy.....and i was surprised because I've always had a cat.
So sorry for your misery. I understand, I am allergic to practically every living thing.
First, keep the cats out of your bedroom. Do not let them sleep with you or sleep on your bed. Wash ALL of your bedding with hot water and buy those allergy cases for them. That should keep the dust mites & things away from you. Wash your carpets with hot steam, (frequently) and, if possible, replace them with laminate or hardwood floors. If you brush your cats, do so outside so that the hair/dander is not released into the air and just making you sicker.
Change the air filter on your heater/air conditioning unit monthly with the special air filters that they have for allergies. I opted to have a whole house air cleaner put on with my furnace, but, it really does not help that much more than just the regular air filters.
I have an additional air cleaner in my bedroom, too. All of my downstairs floors are either laminate or linoleum, no carpet anywhere.
I also have 2 dogs, a cat and a bird...and, am allergic to them all. Just try to keep the hair vacuumed up and would rather try to control my allergies than give up any of them!
Get a Hepa machine for your bedroom. We did and worked wonders. Takes all the allergens out of the air when you sleep. Only cost abuot $50 and got it at Lowes (looks like a small humidifier)
Use a nasal irrigator (called Neti pots officially). They actually make a small instruement, saw it on Oprah with Dr. Oz, but a baby bulb syringe works just as well. Make a pot of sterile saline solution and when it cools, spritz out your nostrils. It removes all the gunk as well. My allergists had been telling me for years to do this daily but I ignored him, until I had sinus surgery and had to do it to clear the area. Felt wonderful! I'm now a firm believer. You can buy saline solution but it's much cheaper to make your own. There's a recipe somewhere, just cut it down as warm is better than cool. Make it daily. Ahh, to breathe again!
I am highly allergic to cats. My nephews have 2 so if I visit I take an allegra before I leave the house and I am ok.
I had the whole house purifier (plus other things) installed. I was hesitant but it truly has done a world of good. Have asthma as well but since I had it installed have not had to use my inhalers in the house at all and can actually breathe normally.
I wash sheets, towels etc. frequently in hot water. Dusting frequently helps as well.
I have one of those Dyson "Animal" vacuums and it's really made a difference. My husband was totally allergic to my cats when he first came to live with us, and now, it's manageable.
We also have pillow and mattress protectors to cut down on the dust mite populations, and we regularly change our filters in our ventilation system.
But diligent cleaning is (unfortunately) the key for us. The more you vacuum up, the less there is to float around and cause trouble.
I have porcelain tile throughout, no drapes, leather furniture, no animals, (I LOVE dogs, too).
Take precautions early, bcs these problems only get worse....
Consider having no indoor pets in future..
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Just try to keep the hair vacuumed up and would rather try to control my allergies than give up any of them! 
