Cat allergies seem to cause a lot of problems for people. What causes this reaction? Can allergic reactions get better? Is there anything you can do to live in harmony? There are many myths, misconceptions, and misinformation about allergies and cats. It's time to dispel the fluff and get to the facts.
Quickly jump to each section using this list:
- Fact or Fluff? Cat Fur Is the Allergy-Trigger?
- Cat Allergy Symptoms
- How to Deal with Cat Allergies
- Strive for Purity In Your Air
- Suck It Up, Literally
- Steam Away the Problem Particles
- Don't Bring Your Problems to Bed
- Clean, Pet, Sanitize, Repeat
- Questions?
Fact or Fluff? Cat Fur Is the Allergy-Trigger?
That's all fluff! Here are the facts about cat allergies:
- People aren't allergic to cat fur. They are allergic to cat dander (shedding skin cells) and saliva.
- As an allergen, it is one of the smallest particles that can hang around the longest.
- Wherever the cat goes, an invisible trail of dander follows, and it's difficult to get rid of without the proper equipment.
- Cat saliva is also in plentiful supply in the home of a cat-owner.
Cat Allergy Symptoms
Allergic reactions manifest themselves in a number of ways. Sometimes it's just a bit of sneezing, but other times, it's a combination of multiple symptoms that can even be life threatening. These can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Skin irritation
Allergic reactions often emerge immediately, but for some people allergies can be delayed, sometimes appearing well after immediate contact.
How to Deal with Cat Allergies
So you're ready to make a change, and you know the causes and the symptoms.
Products such as vacuums, steam cleaners, air purifiers, kitty wipes (like baby wipes but for cats), and hand sanitizer are effective when they're combined.
Use them regularly so your home is as close to an allergy-free zone as possible. Cat-lovers know that living without them, well, simply isn't living.
So, the following suggestions highlight how to live a more allergy-controlled life with your feline friend.
Strive for Purity In Your Air
Air purifiers capture allergens that may remain in the air, and air purifiers can help with cat allergies.
- They clean the air using a specialized filtration system, trapping 97 - 99% or more of particulates, including dander.
- Air purifiers trap pet hair, which helps to eliminate contact with cat saliva.
Air purifiers, like the Aprilaire Allergy + Pet Air Purifier, are a key step in making your indoor environment healthier and in allowing you to breathe easier.
Suck It Up, Literally
Use a vacuum with a high-quality filter to remove dander and unwanted cat hair from your home. If used at least twice a week, there will be little dander to be swept up into the air.
- Get a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Using a HEPA vacuum is critical to trapping the tiny dander, dust, and dirt particles that trigger allergies.
- HEPA filters help 99.97% of particulates from the incoming air, down to .03 microns.
- Air exhausted from the vacuum is cleaner than it was when it entered the vacuum.
Miele vacuums and SEBO vacuums feature HEPA vacuums for capturing even the tiniest particles in their closed bagged systems. Brands like Dyson also have vacuums specifically designed for pet owners.
Steam Away the Problem Particles
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Steam cleaners are an excellent way to clean thoroughly without using harsh unhealthy chemicals.
- Steam cleaners allow you to clean soft and hard services safely and effectively.
- Steam penetrates into carpet and furniture fabrics, helping to break up and lift those set-in allergens with a vacuum or microfiber cloth.
Some models also have a vacuum function to suck up unwanted pet hair as you steam.
Don't Bring Your Problems to Bed
All that dander and saliva is an itchy, sniffly wheezing attack waiting to happen. As our body relaxes for a night of rest in bed, we often breathe more heavily, open-mouthed as it were, and all that dander floats right on in with each breath we take.
You have to be strong and take the necessary steps to ensure your good health.
- Don't let your feline friend lounge on your bed, as the dander will settle on your sheets and covers. This is the hardest step on your road to allergy relief, but it has to be done, for both of your sakes.
- To ease the transition, spoil your cat with a nice new pet bed. Once this step is completed, you'll sleep better, and be well-rested for some quality time with your pet.
- When picking out a pet bed, opt for choices that are washable and, if possible, hypoallergenic.
Clean, Pet, Sanitize, Repeat
There are additional steps you can take to curb allergy attacks from cat dander.
- Don't pet your feline friend and then touch your face or eyes. The result is itchy-eye syndrome, which leaves you with watery, swollen eyes.
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Good hand-washing practices will aid you in your quest for allergy freedom. The less time cat dander, saliva, and hair remains on your skin, the better off you'll be. - Also, giving kitty a quick "sponge bath" regularly with pet wipes, which can be purchased at any pet store. This will keep your kitty much cleaner than her existing method of tongue to fur.
- Remove extra hair with a good brushing or grooming and have furniture cleaned regularly.
By following a cleaning routine where dander and saliva are eliminated from the home, you and your cat can live happily together, almost completely allergy-free.
Still Have Questions?
For more information on specific products and ways to improve your indoor environment, review our extensive product listings and other educational materials.
Not sure what's best for you? We can take the guess work out of decision-making. Contact our product experts toll free at 1-800-934-9194 for a detailed consultation. Our goal is to make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
