How to Fight Cat Allergies
Allergies to cats can be a real problem for cat owners or those who live with cat owners. As if the itching nose and eyes coupled with lots of sneezing aren't enough, you are then faced with the decision as to whether you can keep the cat. Those who live with cats and cat allergies often find that in time they develop a resistance to the allergens. Thankfully, whether you do or do not develop a tolerance to the cat allergens, there are plenty of ways to coexist with a feline roomate if you are diagnosed with cat allergies.
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Things You'll Need
- Allergy medication
- Electric heater
- Cleaning supplies (vacuum with HEPA filter, dust cloth, mop)
- Cat grooming supplies (brush, shampoo, towels, allergy spray)
- Air purifier with HEPA filter
- Soap and water
Instructions
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Take an allergy medication to relieve any cat allergy symptoms. Medications are available over the counter or from your doctor (Claritin is an example of an allergy medication available by prescription and over the counter).
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Keep cats out of your bedroom; this alleviates symptoms since you spend up to a third of your time there. Close off the air ducts to your bedroom and use electric heaters to heat that room to further prevent cat allergens from entering the room.
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Clean your entire house thoroughly and regularly (at least once a week) to remove cat allergens. Vacuum your carpets and furniture with a HEPA filter vacuum (these filters further remove allergens from air), mop any hard surface floors and dust everywhere else.
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Groom your cat regularly. Brush the cat (outdoors, never indoors) each day, then spray with an anti-allergy spray such as Allerpet. Bathe the cat at least once a month (though once a week is best) to remove any dander or other allergens from your cat.
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Place an air purifier with a HEPA filter in as many rooms of your home as you possibly can, making sure to put one in your bedroom. This helps remove any allergens from the air you breathe.
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Wash your hands with soap and water every single time you touch the cat, its toys or its bed, to remove allergens from your hands.
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Tips & Warnings
A dust mask may be helpful when cleaning your home.
If you can, have someone who isn't allergic to cats groom your cat for you to eliminate that exposure to cat allergens.
Keeping your cat outdoors is another good way to keep your cat while keeping your home allergy-free.
References
- Photo Credit the cat image by Milena Kowalska from Fotolia.com
