Managing cat allergies can be difficult, especially for cat owners who enjoy spending lots of time with their feline friends. It’s estimated that as many as 3 out of 10 people in the United States experience allergic reactions to pets, with cat allergies being twice as common as dog allergies. While there is no “cure” that will make you immune to cat allergens, there are several actions you can take to significantly reduce cat allergens in your home and alleviate your symptoms.
What Causes Cat Allergies?
Cat allergies are caused by being allergic to the Fel d 1 protein. This is an allergen found in a cat’s skin, saliva, and urine. Fel d 1 proteins are lightweight and can become airborne within seconds of leaving your cat’s body. Once airborne, the proteins can travel very quickly and cling to fabric surfaces like clothing, upholstery, bedding, towels, and more. Humans intake these proteins by inhaling them or absorbing them through the skin.
Some clinical studies have shown that certain cat breeds produce lower levels of Fel d 1 proteins. Breeds such as Siberian and Balinese cats are sometimes referred to as “hypoallergenic cats” because they produce fewer Fel d 1 proteins compared to other domesticated cat breeds. Additionally, female cats and kittens also produce fewer Fel d 1 proteins on average. It’s important to emphasize that these cats only produce fewer Fel d 1 proteins and can still trigger symptoms in anyone allergic. Owning hypoallergenic cats may make it easier to manage your exposure to allergens, but the allergens will still be present in the cats regardless of their breed.
Verify the Cause of Your Symptoms with an Allergy Test
The first step in treating allergies should always be an allergy test. Knowing the cause(s) of your allergy symptoms will help you and your doctor develop a treatment plan that will help you live a healthier and happier life.
If you experience allergy symptoms after being around cats, you might reasonably suspect that you’re allergic to cats. However, several other environmental factors could be triggering your symptoms. Before following any of the steps listed below, verify the cause of your symptoms by scheduling an allergy test. At AFC Willowbrook, our allergy tests are capable of detecting up to 60 different allergens with a simple 15-minute skin test.
Clean Your Home Thoroughly and Frequently
Once you’ve confirmed you’re allergic to cats, you can start taking action to reduce cat allergens in your home. Because the allergens cats produce can become airborne and easily stick to surfaces around your home, regular and thorough cleanings are essential to managing your allergy symptoms. Here are just a few cleaning items you can do to reduce the number of cat allergens in your home.
- If your cat allergies are particularly bad, consider wearing a mask to limit direct exposure to any allergens while performing any of the cleanings listed below.
- Vacuum your floors and furniture at least once every week. If possible, use a high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter to target smaller particles around your home.
- Dust your home at least once a week. Dust buildup can contain many potentially harmful particles, including cat dander. Spray and wipe down surfaces with a multi-purpose cleaner after dusting for maximum protection.
- Regularly launder your clothes and any fabrics or bedding your cat likes to sleep on. Keep worn and dirty clothes gathered in a hamper in a closet or secluded area of your home to reduce exposure to allergens. Washing laundry in warm or hot water will better eliminate allergens.
- Use a natural indoor allergen neutralizer. Look online or visit your local pet store to find an anti-allergen spray designed to eliminate cat allergens. These products can eliminate cat dander in the air and on surfaces.
- Change your cat’s litter box at least once every other day. Allergens can accumulate quickly in dirty litter boxes. Scoop out any waste and replace it with fresh litter at least once every other day.
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Air purifiers can remove dander and duster from the air in your home. Depending on your home and your budget, having a purifier in every room may not be practical or possible. Having an air purifier in at least your bedroom and living room will have the greatest effect.
- Wash your hands after petting and handling your cat. Try to avoid touching your face and eyes immediately after petting your cat.
Caring for Your Cat’s Health and Wellbeing
Establishing some regular grooming habits with your cat can greatly reduce the amount of dander they spread around your home. Brushing your cat at least once every other day can help remove loose dander and decrease the amount of saliva left on their hair from their grooming routine.
If your cat is receptive to being bathed, you can try shampooing and bathing your cat once a week. This method is highly effective and can reduce the concentration of allergens by up to 84 percent. Chances are though that your cat doesn’t like being bathed in water. In this case, you can try dry & rinse-free cat shampoos that are also effective at reducing the concentration of allergens.
Changes to your cat’s diet can also reduce the allergens they spread. Switching to food that has omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil can improve the quality of your cat’s skin and coat, and reduce excess dander buildup. Talk to your veterinarian about any additional diet options that can improve you and your cat’s overall health.
If you haven’t already, make sure to spay or neuter your cat. Cats produce fewer Fel d 1 proteins after they’ve been spayed or neutered. Non-neutered males have been shown to produce the highest allergen levels, so getting this procedure done by your veterinarian can have health benefits for both you and your cat.
Set Boundaries for Your Cat
If the above options aren’t sufficient in alleviating your symptoms, you may need to set some boundaries for your cat. If your cat sleeps on your bed, try setting up their own sleeping area outside of your bedroom. Cat dander and allergens can easily cling to mattresses and bedding and greatly exacerbate the severity of your symptoms.
You can also consider making other rooms in your home cat-free areas. Think of other areas where you spend lots of time, such as the living room or home office, and block these areas off from your cat. Alternatively, you could limit your cat’s access to different rooms to specific hours to reduce the amount of contact you have.
Experiencing Cat Allergies? Stop by AFC Willowbrook Today
The methods listed above are helpful ways you can manage the severity of your cat allergy symptoms at home. However, you should always consult with your doctor about treating your allergies. The doctors at AFC Willowbrook can help by diagnosing, treating, and preventing your allergies so you can sleep easier at night. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
