Dust Mites in Cats
Dust mites are those microscopic eight-legged critters invisible to the naked eye that live in your mattresses, pillows, blankets, rugs, couches and pet's bedding. They prefer warm and humid areas chock full of dead skin scales, the primary source of their diet. Since cats shed much more dander than humans, they can greatly add to a dust mite's food source. While dust mites may briefly "hitchhike" on humans or pets, they do not live on either. Disgusting? Absolutely. Dangerous? It depends.
Other People Are Reading
-
Dust Mites and Human Reactions
-
A favorite place for dust mites Dust mites do not carry disease, however they are a major trigger of allergies and asthma, with children and elderly folks most at risk. According to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology, around 10 percent of Americans show allergic sensitivity to dust mites, and if concentrations of allergens are significant, those previously unaffected by dust mites can develop a reaction over time. Humans are allergic to the body of the mite and to the protein in the mite's feces. Dust mite feces pellets are considered the number one cause of asthma-related deaths. Symptoms of an allergic reaction in humans include runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, hay fever, itchy and/or watery eyes, facial pressure and asthma.
Dust Mites and Feline Reactions
-
Cats can be allergic to dust mites Cats can also be allergic to dust mites and their feces. If inhaled, they can cause atopy, or allergic inhalant dermatitis. An allergic reaction in a cat can cause symptoms including inflamed ears, itching, licking of feet, redness and hair loss. In some cases infection or hot spots may develop. To test your cat for dust mites allergies, interdermal skin testing or serologic blood testing for allergies is required.
-
Eliminating Dust Mites
-
Wash bedding in hot water To eliminate and reduce dust mites, the key is to eliminate the offender. All bedding, especially cat bedding and places your cat frequents, must be washed, preferably weekly, in hot soapy water. Dry cleaning and exposure to at least three hours of direct sunlight also kills dust mites. Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner to frequently clean up dust, dander and fur, reducing indoor humidity with a dehumidifier and running a HEPA air purifier will contribute to cleaning and eliminating those nasty little buggers. Wiping down smooth surfaces with a damp cloth will collect airborne mites that have landed on tables, chairs and floors. For those with asthma, wearing a mask during clean up efforts will help reduce exposure.
Further Measures
-
Brush kitty's fur Other measures to reduce allergic reactions to dust mites include building the immune system, reducing acute allergic reactions, maintaining the health of your skin, maintaining the health of your cat's fur and skin, and neutralizing dust mites already present on your cat and throughout your home. Omega 3's and fatty acids help both a human's and cat's immune system avoid over-reacting to dust mites. Immunology therapy will also help reduce allergic reactions in the long run in both humans and cats, while antihistamines and corticosteroids will help reduce reactions immediately. Taking fish oil will help keep your skin, and your cat's skin and fur, in top shape, thus reducing the amount of shed dander throughout your home. Anti-allergen pet shampoos, wipes and sponges help to neutralize dust mite allergens on your cat's skin and fur, while brushing your cat daily will remove undercoat hair and keep his top coat shiny and healthy.
Considerations
-
Stay healthy If you think you are allergic to your cat, it might be the dust mites that are causing your allergic reactions. With proper care and a diligent effort to reduce dust mites in your home, both you and your cat will be healthier and less prone to allergy symptoms and attacks.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Furry cat image by Tasha from Fotolia.com sleepy cat image by Slavyan from Fotolia.com cat image by Dwight Davis from Fotolia.com laundry image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com cat brush image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com dj wave 219 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
