Cat - Identifying a Nickel Allergy

While we have all heard of people having a dust mite allergy, dog or cat allergy, peanut allergy, gluten allergy, and so on, very few of us have heard of the people living with a nickel allergy. Even so, the number of people living with a nickel allergy is actually on the rise, partly due to the ever-increasing popularity with body piercing in which nickel is a common metal. In fact, experts estimate that people with a nickel allergy has risen by as much as 40% over the past 10 years, specific to piercing. With a nickel allergy, the symptoms can strike people of all ages and both genders. While some people will have immediate reaction, most will have a reaction caused by prolonged exposure to the nickel. If you have a nickel allergy and like piercings, then you might consider using stainless steel, gold, or silver instead. Other people who have a nickel allergy include those working with various chemicals or machinery that involves nickel such as hairdressers, hospital staff, or those working with cleaning chemicals. The problem is that for alloy to be produced, nickel is added to other metals. Therefore, nickel could easily be a component of many things we use throughout our daily lives without us even knowing it. For example, eyeglasses, watches, belt buckles, and even zippers all have nickel. For the person with the nickel allergy, this would be a problem. Other items commonly made from with degree of nickel include pens, razors, scissors, handles on kitchen or bathroom cabinets, cigarette lighters, catches on purses, toasters, needles, and so on. If you have a bad nickel allergy, you can actually purchase a testing kit that can help you identify the things you handle daily that might be a contributing factor. Although avoiding everything with nickel would be difficult, at least you would know some of the items to avoid. Just as nickel should be avoided by touch, there is also concern about food consumption. Generally, if someone has a serious nickel allergy, his or her doctor would prescribe a nickel-restricted diet in which foods high in nickel would be eliminated. Some of the foods would include: Beans Buckwheat Chocolate Dried Fruit Figs Lettuce Licorice Linseed Millet Multigrain Breads Nuts Oats Onions Peas Pineapple Prunes Raspberries Salmon Shellfish Soy Powder Spinach Tea Tomato Wheat Bran or Wheat Bran Products...and more Generally a person with a nickel allergy will experience skin rash and irritation. This dermatologic effect can be magnified by humidity and sweat. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to desensitize the person living with a nickel allergy using pills, shots, or other forms of treatment. Therefore, the best method of treatment is avoidance. If a rash does develop from the nickel allergy, usually cortisone cream will help. Grant Segall RPh is the webmaster of http://www.allergy-allergy.com a website dedicated to helping those suffering from allergy and allergy symptoms. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grant_Segall Cat - How to Solve Common House Cat Problems Cats have always become popular pets in households stretching about the globe. The charming ball of fur that lies across your lap and purrs in the middle of the night is a companion that often asserts its independence more than the beloved canine. With a relaxing softness, some believe that cats can do no wrong. When you speak to someone with torn furniture and scratches on his or her arms, they will tell you different. Cats do possess behavioral issues, but the good news is - none come without a remedy when approached with patience and consistency. Before you enter the world of cat discipline and training, you should take your feline to the vet. Sometimes, cats act out when they are stressed or have undergone a sudden change in their life, such as a move or new baby in the house. Cats may use the furniture as a scratching pole, ignore the litter box, and spray items in the household. Also, when cats are sick, they tend to face difficulties making it in time to the litter box. Not Using the Litter Box Cats are quite particular when it comes to their litter box. When their litter isn't kept up to their standards, they simply won't use it. Cleaning the litter box twice per day is highly recommended. Many cats also bypass a litter box that is dirty. When you are able, scrubbing the box out and letting it air dry once a week will do wonders. You should also know that the litter you select may turn off your cat - unscented, clumping selections are best. Litter Box Pickiness Some cats prefer urinating and defecating separate from one another, which may call for multiple litter boxes. This is also a wise move when you own more than one cat. Some felines absolutely avoid a litter box that another cat has used. Felines are generally picky when it comes to their litter box activity. Cat Urine A cat that urinates on the carpet, curtains, or pieces of furniture can become a real nuisance. Cleaning the affected areas with an enzymatic cleaner is a must. This will assist in removing the smells and stains left behind. Products to repel, as well as clean cat urine can be found at the local pet store, as well as over the Internet (sometimes for a discount). Spaying and Neutering Not only does spaying and neutering help lessen the cat overpopulation problem, but also makes a healthier, happier, safer feline. About 90% of all cats will cease spraying on the furniture or curtains when they have been spayed or neutered. Also, male cats that show a tendency to become aggressive respond well to this procedure. Reduce Clawing Some cats are natural clawers, which makes it important to keep their nails trimmed with the use of a claw clipper. The proper way to trim their nails is to gently press on the footpad to extend the claw. The tip of the nail should be snipped without cutting into the pink portion of the nail. When the pink part becomes compromised, the nail will bleed, often spooking your cat into running away. To satisfy the clawing in your cat, you may give them a designated place to do so, such as a scratching post or tree trunk. Rubbing catnip on the place you have selected is a good way to encourage them to accept your suggestion. Cats Don't Like Foul Smells A nasty smelling product can be used to deter cats from scratching, spraying, clawing, and marking their territory.