How to Live with Cat Allergies

Allergies are the most widespread chronic condition in the world and 4 out of 5 people who are allergic to animals are allergic to cats. Some research shows about a third of those that suffer from cat allergies live with one. 

Now cats are not the only animal that causes allergies. Many people can be allergic to dogs, rabbits, hamsters, mice, gerbils, monkeys, horses and pretty much any other animal. Some people even think they are allergic to their fish when in reality they are allergic to the algae growing in the fish tank. 

For years the doctor’s first and best solution for cat allergies was to tell the patient to find their furry pet a new home. Today people will make that the last thing they will consider. After all, it’s hard to get rid of a family member and our pets are part of the family. People are looking for another solution. 

First of all let me say, even if you get rid of the cat you will still have cat allergens all over the house. Pet dander is very light and floats around sticking to everything it comes in contact with including the walls, carpet, furniture, drapes, blinds, light fixtures, and ac systems. We have had customers move into homes that there had not been any pets in it for at least a year and they still had allergic reactions. 

It is not uncommon for people with severe pet allergies to have a reaction when they come in contact with someone who owns a cat or dog. The pet allergens are on their clothes when they leave home. They transfer the pet dander to a chair in the office, the person with allergies then sits in that same chair and before they know what is going on they have red itchy eyes. 

When you have allergies to your cat, keeping them can be done in most cases however for some people with severe allergies this is not an option. Sometimes no matter what you do, you can't live with a cat because of allergies.

Before you decide to find the cat a new home, read this and take action. The most important thing you need to do is reduce and eliminate anything that collects the cat’s dander. 

Remove the carpeting if at all possible. Even though it may look nice and clean on the surface will collect the dander. Since cat allergens particles are so small they get down into the fibers and all the way to the padding making it impossible to vacuum them up even with the best of vacuums.

If you have to have carpeting make sure to have it cleaned regularly and use anti-allergen products like Allersearch XMite Carpet treatment every two to three months. 

Just like carpets and rugs, curtains and drapes hold cat allergens. Replace them with blinds that are easier to clean. Use a damp cloth or one treated with a dusting aide to remove the allergens. If you still want to keep your drapes at least make sure you take them down and wash them on a regular basis. 

Upholstered furniture is another thing you need to keep clean. Vacuum all sofas and chairs weekly and use an anti-allergen spray like Allersearch ADS or ADMS anti-allergen spray to neutralize the cat allergens. When you are having the carpets cleaned you should have them clean the furniture too. 

As strange as this might seem, you need to wipe down the walls a few times a year to get the dander off. The best way I have found to do it is to take a Swiffer and run it up and down the wall a few times. Unless you are moving into a place that is new to you there is no need to pull all the pictures off the wall.

Don’t forget to dust the tops of cabinets and the fridge. We don’t recommend spending money on fancy electrostatic dusting rags. Instead, use an old tee shirt and wash it once you are done.

If you don’t like to use a damp rag you can always use the Allersearch AllerDust dusting aid.

Our cats have the run of the house but it is best if you keep the cat out of the bedroom. If they have a habit of getting in bed with you make sure you are washing your sheets weekly in very hot water. If they have a favorite spot they like to sleep make sure you keep it clean 

Now it’s time to talk about the cat. I don’t know about yours but there is no way I will try to give any of our cats a bath. I value my skin too much. If you have a cat that deals with the water ok then, by all means, give it a bath. If not then we suggest using Allerpet C Pet Solution for cats to help remove the dander from the cat.

The best way to apply is to brush your cat to remove the loose fur and then pet the Allerpet C on a washcloth and gently rub both directions. There is no need to soak the cat, more is not better. 

Dealing with pet allergies, especially cat allergies can seem like a lot of work but it’s worth it. Cats are easy to care for, easy to housebreak and above all else offer affection, unlike any other pet. In most cases, you don’t want your Lab sitting on the couch or in your lap.

Wishing you the best of health
The Allergy Store