Cat Maintenance: How to Reduce Allergens

Cat Specific Controls

  • Spaying/Neutering

    • Spaying or neutering your cat minimizes allergen production.

  • Cat Ownership

    • Limit the number of cats in the household to decrease overall allergen concentration.

  • Bathing

    • Bathe your cat weekly with pet-formulated shampoo, reducing allergens by up to 84%.

    • All brands perform equally in terms of allergen reduction.

  • Hand Hygiene

    • Always wash hands immediately after handling your pet.

General Household Controls

  • Room Restrictions

    • Keep cats out of specific rooms (e.g., bedrooms) to lower airborne allergen levels.

  • Flooring Changes

    • Replace carpets with smooth flooring (wood, tile, linoleum) as carpets can contain 13 times more cat allergens.

  • Cleaning Protocols

    • Avoid vacuuming and cleaning personally; if necessary, wear a disposable dust mask.

    • Allergen levels in air take hours to settle after cleaning.

  • HEPA Filters

    • Use HEPA filters in HVAC systems and air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens significantly.

    • Air purifiers can reduce allergens up to five to seven-fold.

  • Regular Vacuuming

    • Vacuum at least once weekly with a HEPA-filtered vacuum to minimize allergens.

  • Cleaning Tools

    • Avoid using brooms or feather dusters that aerosolize allergens; use statically charged or damp cleaning supplies instead.

  • Laundering

    • Wash bedding, clothing, and cat items with high temperatures and detergents to effectively remove allergens.

Cat Treatment Options

  • Bathing

    • Regularly bathe the cat using hypoallergenic shampoo to lower allergen levels.

  • Anti-Allergen Sprays

    • Use sprays designed to neutralize allergens on the cat’s coat.

  • Immunotherapy

    • Consider gradual desensitization through small doses of cat allergens.

Additional Measures

  • Allergy Medications

    • Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids can alleviate allergy symptoms.

  • Allergen-Proof Covers

    • Utilize allergen-proof covers for bedding and furniture to block allergens.

  • Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

    • Some cat breeds produce lower levels of the allergenic protein Fel d 1.

  • Consultation with Allergist

    • Seek professional guidance from an allergist for personalized treatment plans.

Cleaning Guidelines

  • Grooming

    • Regularly brush the cat outdoors to remove loose hair and dander.

  • Indoor Air Quality

    • Maintain a clean environment by frequently cleaning surfaces and vacuuming with HEPA equipment.

  • Steam Cleaning

    • Consider steam cleaning to effectively eliminate allergens embedded in fabrics and surfaces.

Other Considerations

  • Dietary Adjustments

    • Seek specialized cat food options designed to reduce allergens.

  • Prevention of Allergen Exposure

    • Spaying/neutering, limiting the number of cats, and maintaining hygiene through handwashing are essential.

Medical Interventions

  • Allergy Shots

    • Discuss potential allergy shots (immunotherapy) with an allergist for long-term desensitization.

  • Medication Options

    • Utilize antihistamines and nasal sprays to manage and relieve allergy symptoms effectively.