Prednisone and other steroids can help an allergic cat; in many cases, little else alleviates allergic signs. Yet veterinarians often choose to avoid the drugs for their patients because of the frustrating side effects. For example, diabetic cats with insulin needs cannot take prednisone.
Owners should look to the environment to help minimize a cat's allergies. Just switching to a dustless litter has benefited many cats with respiratory problems. High-filtration vacuum bags and a HEPA air filtering machine, which costs about $140, may also be beneficial both for allergic cats and allergic owners.