Posted on February 26, 2010.
How can I reduce my symptoms allergic to cats? I do not have a cat, however, I have a friend that I visit often and she has two. It seems only the allergic reaction when I am in his house. I have other friends with cats, and as long as I do not touch them I'm fine. What might be different on his house? It's so bad that 5 minute walk through the door, I feel my throat is scratching, itching, redness, tearing, eyes etc. is what I can do to reduce these symptoms? Claritin and Benadryl showed no relief. Even aspiration just before I did not help!
People who are allergic to animals are often allergic to the dander (dead skin that is continually shed), saliva or urine.
Remember this basic fact about cat allergens. They must be loaded and you must breathe for you to have an allergic reaction to them. cat allergen is very small so it remains suspended in the air longer. There is also a high rate of recontamination (because the cats are running around the house). Here are some recommended steps to reduce your allergies (or your chat partner).
This would apply to your friend, but says "you".
No more cats sleeping on the bed.
Sorry it a little price to pay for allergy relief. If you get your symptoms under control by all means invite them to come back, but take a break while you try reducing your symptoms.
Keep them out of the room altogether.
Close the bedroom door to try to keep the cat allergen in the bedroom. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary from allergens. So try your cat to sleep elsewhere during the day.
Wash all bedding in 140 degree hot water at least twice a month.
This eliminates dust mites and cat allergen (because we know some of you will still slide on the bed from time to time).
Use HEPA filters in rooms where your cats frequent.
Since cat allergen is so difficult to remove, a good HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air purifier is essential for cleaning the air in your home. HEPA air purifiers require continued filter replacement, but when the worst and you are in need of allergy relief, a good HEPA filter will do it for you.
cat allergen vacuum with a HEPA vacuum cleaner high quality twice a week.
empty walls, carpet, flooring, chairs, furniture ... everywhere. Use hand tools on the vacuum. Cat allergen particles are very small and invasive so you really do a thorough job. hand tools on your vacuum cleaner are the answer right here. In addition, installing a central vacuum will help pick up the rest.
Use a steam vapor to clean your home.
In addition to vacuuming, vapor steam cleaners are now proven by research to be extremely useful for killing cat proteins / dander, which are embedded in your carpets and upholstery. Steam cleaners provide a means cleaning without chemicals and kill dust mites, bacteria, mold spores and cat allergen.
Wash your hands immediately after touching your cat and do not rub your eyes.
Rubbing the eyes can cause itchy eyes for hours. Use a strong anti-bacterial soap to avoid this problem.
Clean your cat.
Some people wash their cats to reduce the amount of cat allergen is released from their cat into the air, but research seems to be conflicting about its effectiveness. Allerpet, a well known brand of liquid that reduces cat allergen in the air, can be applied to the fur of your cat and is available from your local vet. Alternatively, you can get a micro fiber cloth and just damp rub cats' coats to rid it of visible flakes. Most cats prefer it to the bathroom very feared.
Limit your cats to a place in the house.
Me know it will be difficult for some people but it's less control of cat allergens to a separate.