by Patricia A. Coldiron

Created on: March 13, 2010

People who suffer from human cat allergies, may be allergic to the cat dander, which is dead skin that your cat continually sheds, saliva, or urine. You may experience allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, or red, itchy skin.

You may not be able to eliminate allergy symptoms completely, but keeping a clean, indoor environment and taking protective measures should help reduce your symptoms.

 Weekly Baths

“Giving your cat a weekly bath can help reduce the level of allergy-causing dander by as much as 84 percent,” according to the Humane Society of the United States. Cats can become accustomed to being bathed, but it’s important to use the correct products. If you’re bathing a kitten, use a shampoo that is labeled for kittens. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on what type of shampoo you should use.

Allergy Shots

If you’re unwilling to remove your cat from your home, or if you’re a veterinarian who cannot avoid regular contact with cats, you may find that your symptoms are reduced with allergy shots. Shots are usually given for at least three years, and you should notice a decrease in symptoms in about six months.

Allergy shots should be supervised by an allergist-immunologist, so that treatment can be tailored to your individual sensitivities.

Restrict Access/ Air Cleaner

If you have an indoor cat, restrict his access to a few rooms, and keep him out of your bedroom. However, restricting your cat to certain rooms will not keep the allergens in that room. Air from your air conditioning / heating system will spread allergens all through the house, so have your air conditioning system fitted with a central air cleaner, which should be used at least four hours a day.

Housecleaning

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated cat dander throughout your house, and damp wipes to clean all your furniture and counters. Thoroughly wash your sheets, bedspreads, pillowcases, and throw rugs. You may need to clean your house several times to significantly reduce allergens.

Blinds are easier to clean than drapes that collect dust, and floors are easier to keep clean than carpets or rugs, which attract and hold dust.

Limit Exposure

As a cat allergy sufferer, you may trigger allergy symptoms when you come in contact with the fine dust of a coarse clay litter box, or litter with scented perfumes.

Have another household member change the litter box.  If there is no one else who can change the litter box, wear a protective face mask and gloves.

You shouldn’t pet, kiss, hug, or brush your cat, because you’ll come in contact with allergens on the cat’s fur or saliva.

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