I am allergic to cats too but have 3(down from 6). I get allergy shots. It really helps to bring the overall allergic reaction down. You can take Zyrtec for the allergic symptoms but it can make you drowsy. An allergist can order Xyzal which is as strong but it isn't supposed to make you drowsy. Both are 24 hour anti-histamines. Try over the counter eye drops for allergies for the itchy eyes.
But really, if you want a cat in the house, get the allergy shots. Drugs work just so well and can interfere with other meRAB. By getting the shots, you raise your tolerance instead of drugging yourself down. Allergists are used to this....they won't deny the shots because you chose to have a cat knowing you are allergic.
And it's not the fur you are allergic to but the saliva. Cats clean themselves by licking and the dried saliva falls off and that is the allergen. The saliva isn't on the cat for long....it falls off as they walk around, play and scratch. Washing the cat only serves to make the cat lick more. It can also give them very dry skin and then they lick that. Why people think washing cats helps, I don't know but everyone says...wash the cat. It only serves to make the cat lick even more and you end up with a bigger problem. If you want to do anything, take a large towel and get it wet with warm to hot water(no soap or shampoo of any kind)....like bath temperature, wring it out really well and then give the cat a good rub down...make it fun and gentle. That removes the saliva on the fur(and onto the towel and not your floor) without drying out the skin. I have one that runs out in the rain deliberately so that when he comes in, he gets good fluff dry with a big towel. Serves the same purpose.....gets off the saliva but doesn't get his skin wet. And then he runs back out so we can do it all over again in 15 minutes. All "cat towels" get washed/dried together and stay separate from all human wash.
It is much easier on everyone for you to get allergy shots. It's your problem, not the cats. Use an air cleaner and keep the humidity at a good level and I hope it is a short haired cat...less to keep clean so less licking. Change your pillow case regularly in case any allergen enRAB up on it or keep your bedroom door closed to the cat. Often having one room that is allergen free helps a lot.
I just went through another round of shots to reinforce the ones I had years ago and I've gone from someone who couldn't get near a cat to someone who sleeps with them. They work better than anything else.
Good luck.
