Runny Nose & Itchy Eyes
Love your cat but not loving constantly sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes? We’ve gathered some suggestions to reduce cat allergens in your home so you can better enjoy time with your feline friend.
Common Allergy
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine has an informative and helpful article listing this statistic: “An estimated 15 to 30 percent of people with allergies have a reaction to cats or dogs, with cat allergies being twice as common as dog allergies.” So, if you battle with pet allergies, you’re not alone.
Concentration of Allergens
There are some common misconceptions about where the allergens from cats originate. Many people think cat fur is an allergen, but allergies to cats actually derive mainly from a protein found in cats’ saliva and skin. The area around a cat’s face and neck has the highest concentration of allergens due to all the oil glands located there.
Cat Care
To help reduce allergens, you can take a few measures starting with your cat. Spaying or neutering reduces allergen production in the first place. Additionally, a weekly bath for your cat can decrease the concentration of allergens by 84%, according to the OSU Veterinary Medicine article. Just be sure to use a shampoo formulated for cats.
How to Clean Your Home Most Efficiently
Since using a broom or feather duster could cause the particles to disperse, it’s better to clean with damp cloths or mops to trap the allergens before they spread up and around. Vacuum at least once a week with a sweeper that has a HEPA filter.
Bettering Your Bedroom
You spend a big chunk of time in your bedroom while sleeping, so focus your efforts there to lessen triggers. You can put in place a few safeguards to minimize allergens in your sleeping space:
- Discourage your pet from sleeping in your bedroom
- Wash your bedding on high heat
- Use a HEPA filter in your bedroom
The Pay Off
Sure, all these precautions take extra time and work, but it’s worth it for a better quality of life with your furry family member.
