Allergies? It’s Not All the Cat’s Fault

So many people believe that a cat’s fur causes the allergic reactions of watery eyes, frequent sneezing, coughing and runny noses. In truth, cat dander is the actual culprit. The Humane Society estimates that one-third of cat owners are plagued by allergies. Yet, these cat owners still keep their companion animals. So what makes life with a pet and allergies tolerable? Commitment and consistency are the keys to dealing with an allergic reaction to your pets.

Dander

When cats groom their fur, deposits of saliva are left on their skin. This saliva dries and releases dander flakes charged with an allergen called Fel d1. This potent allergen causes many of the allergic reactions found in humans. Allergens must be airborne and need to be breathed to cause an allergic reaction.

Cat dander sticks to everything. It can be carried on clothing, hair, bedding and furniture. These skin scales are present in great abundance in carpeting and rugs. Cat dander can even be carried into a home with no pets, plaguing even those that strive to stay completely away from cats.

Kittens generally produce much less dander than adult cats. Male cats produce more than females. It is thought that light colored, short hair cats produce less dander than longhaired breeds. Spaying or neutering an animal tends to lessen the output of allergic dander.

Getting dander under control

Thousands of cats are given up each year due to allergies. However, you can live under the same roof despite your cat allergies. It takes commitment to your pet but also consistency in cleaning your home to remove as much cat dander as possible.

• Keep your cat out of your bedroom. Kitty’s favorite sleeping spot might be your pillow but she’s leaving untold amounts of dander on your bedding and in your bedroom. Launder bed linen in hot water at least two times a month and shut the door when you leave. A thorough cleaning of the room, including the use of a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum cleaner will keep the dander in the bag, where it’s supposed to be. Slipcovers are available to help lessen the dander buildup in your mattress and pillows.
• Vacuum your home with a HEPA vacuum cleaner two times a week. Considering purchasing a vapor steam cleaner to clean your carpets frequently.
• Dust your home with a damp rag. Regularly clean your hardwood or tile kitchen floors to remove dander.
• Purchase a home air purifier to help remove allergen particles from the air.
• HEPA air filters are available for use in your home ventilation system.
• Open windows and doors, if possible, to allow for airflow through your home.

Contact with your cat

It’s not necessary to place yourself or your cat in a plastic bubble. There are quite a few things you can do to ease your allergies and still have a wonderful relationship with your animal.

• Wash your hands after petting, hugging, or kissing your cat. It would be better if you simply choose to quit stuffing your face into kitty’s fur. If you do pet your cat, don’t rub your eyes.
• Keep kitty off the furniture. It’s a well-known fact that cats like to sit in exactly the same spot as their owners. Purchase a special kitty bed and slowly acclimate the cat to their new spot. Don’t punish the cat if he’s slow to learn. Try some catnip or place a towel with your smell on it inside his new bed.
• Let someone else clean the litter box. Cats spend a good deal of time at the box and most litter is very dusty. If dumping the box is your chore, wear a gauze mask and use a low dust litter. Pour it slowly and wash your hands thoroughly after you finish. Make sure the litter box is placed in a well-ventilated area.
• Clean the cat. No, you cannot vacuum the cat! Spray-on products are available that help reduce the amount of dander released into the air. If your cat will tolerate a bath, use specially formulated pet shampoo. Remember, the saliva on their fur is what causes allergies. Always wear a mask and wash thoroughly after bathing your kitty.

Some owners choose to confine their cats to one area in the home. Others choose to purchase outdoor enclosures. Interaction with your cat is essential to the quality of their lives. Strike a balance when choosing either of these options.