If you love a cat that makes you sneeze whenever it comes near, you are probably allergic to the dander. Before you start looking for a new home for your pet, here are 3 fairly easy steps to take to help you minimize your allergy symptoms and enjoy your cat more. Clean Regularly And Thoroughly–Cleaning is a great way to minimize the number of allergens in your home. Vacuuming, damp mopping and dusting are great ways to take dander and other more normal household allergens out of circulation. Since dander is one of the main triggers for this type of allergy, remembering to wipe down walls, vacuum upholstered furniture that your pet frequents is important. Wiping down walls, window treatments, ceiling lights and even ceilings makes for a more complete elimination of the dander. This sounds like a lot of work, and it is. But try cleaning normally once each week, and then treating yourself to a cleaning from a professional company who can clean the more difficult places once each month. Keeping irritants from building to levels that cause problems is an excellent way to avoid problems.
Set Limits—The more cats you have, the more allergens you will have. This may sound like a no-brainer, but for those of us who love cats, this needs to play back in our heads each time we even think about adopting another kitty. Adopting numerous kittens only to find that you cannot keep them because you can’t breathe is hard on you and your pets too. If you are severely allergic and are trying to keep your cats, try creating a clean space that is virtually free of dander and hair. The bedroom is a great place for clearing the air in this way. A good night’s sleep without allergy troubles can do wonders for your health, your attitude, and just how well you feel. Make a comfortable spot for your pet with a soft bed or blanket, toys, a little cap nip and hopefully they can weather the night without you. This may be difficult for you and your pet initially, particularly if you are both use to them being in the bedroom. But this will seem like a small sacrifice compared to having to find a new home entirely. Filter The Air Continually—Even though you think your cat may be at the root of your allergies, it has been shown that most are the result of sensitivity to a variety of irritants. Normal indoor irritants such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and seasonal pollens can all combine to exacerbate your condition. Continuous filtration keeps the particulate levels low which in turn keeps air quality high. One of the best ways to manage allergies is still to avoid the triggers.
HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filtration is well-known as the most effective type of filtration for particles. By definition it must be able to eliminate airborne particulates that are .3 microns or greater, with a micron being defined as one millionth of a meter. It’s safe because its only by-product is fresh air. This is the type of filtration that hospitals use to insure clean air. This means you and your pet avoid the possible side effects of ozone and ionized particles.