Immunotherapy for Cat Allergies: A Potential Strategy to Scratch Back

Abstract

Cat allergies are a common and costly problem in the United States. Various drug and nondrug therapies exist to alleviate and control symptoms once allergic disease has developed. However, these therapies are often ineffective or do not address the underlying condition itself. Immunotherapy is an option for patients when symptoms are not adequately controlled by medications and/or avoidance measures, when adverse effects of medications are unacceptable, or when the patient wants to reduce their long-term use of medication. The purpose of this article is to describe the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy when used to prevent or treat cat allergies.