People often keep cuddly animals like cats and dogs for spiritual comfort.

However, some people are allergic to furry animals, and keeping such pets may cause their allergies to flare up.

In this regard, some experts have provided some suggestions so that people with allergies can also be able to have the companionship of a kitten or a puppy.

Purvi Parikh, an allergy specialist and immunologist at the Allergy & Asthma Network, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, said it's common for people to be allergic to furry animals such as cats, dogs, horses or hamsters, according to CNBC. But these symptoms are not as simple as the occasional sneeze. In some people, their lungs or breathing can be affected, like an asthma attack.

If you have allergies, that doesn't mean you can't adopt a furry pet. Parikh suggests you take two steps before adopting:

1. Spend some time next to the animal you plan to adopt and see how your body reacts.

2. Ask an allergist to help you test which pets you are allergic to, especially if you already have other allergies or asthma.

Until you live with a certain pet, it's hard to know if your body will be allergic. Sometimes you will be surprised to find out that you are allergic to this pet and not to that one, so you can adopt the one that doesn't make you allergic. Another option is to adopt an animal without fur, such as a fish, turtle, or lizard. Adopting these animals is safe for people with allergies, and you don't have to see an allergist beforehand.

Maybe you've already adopted a furry animal, only to find out later that you're allergic to it. Or you've decided to adopt a kitten or puppy even though you have some allergies. If that's the case, you don't have to worry, says Parikh. There are things you can do to minimize the impact of allergies on you. For example, use an air cleaner and don't let your pet sleep in your bedroom or bed.

In addition, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences also suggests that you take the following precautions to minimize the risk of allergens from your pets:

1. Wash your hands and clothes after playing with your pet.

2. Remove dust from your home often with a damp rag.

3. Remove or replace carpeting.

4. Use sheets or pillowcases made of allergen-resistant fibers.

5. Clean your home often with a vacuum cleaner that has a high-efficiency filter. If possible, have someone who won't be sensitive to pets do the job.