It can be difficult to manage cat allergies, especially if you like their companionship. Cat saliva and skin contain allergens called Fel d1 proteins, which may cause allergies. Sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, itchy skin, or rashes are symptoms of these allergies. But you have multiple options to deal with these allergies if you don’t want to give up on your cherished pet.
Key Points
- Fel d1 protein is found in your cat’s saliva, dander, and urine which causes allergies with symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing.
- According to studies, cat owners are twice as likely as dog owners to suffer from pet allergies.
- By implementing techniques like avoiding your cat sleeping on your bed, washing your bedding frequently, utilizing a HEPA air purifier, dusting your home once a week and washing your hands after petting your cat may help to prevent cat allergies.
- Additional medications, such as albuterol or steroid inhalers, may occasionally be needed for people who have severe cat allergies or asthma.
- If you are having trouble breathing, you should call a doctor right away.
This page includes a comprehensive list of answers for how to get rid of cat allergies naturally.
What causes cat allergies?
There is a widespread belief that allergies are brought on by cat fur but it’s not true. So, if your big idea was to shave your cat bald to get rid of allergy problems, put down the clippers and take a cautious step back. Although your cat’s fur helps spread allergens, it is not the root of the problem.
A protein called Fel d1 proteins included in your cat’s saliva, dander, and urine is what causes a runny nose, eyes itching, and sneezing.
Cat allergens are “sticky,” making it easy for them to adhere to carpets, clothing, and other upholstered furniture, similar to how dog allergens do.
Do you know – Cat allergens are ideal airborne allergens since they are so tiny? We breathe them in and absorb them through our pores.
How common are cat allergies?
Cats are kept as pets more than dogs usually. Owners of cats are twice likely to experience pet allergies as compared to the owners of dogs as per studies report.
Your cat is more likely to bring in additional allergies to their fur if they are an indoor-outdoor cat.
Any type of cat has the potential to cause allergies.
Additionally, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat, so do not fall for the deception that one breed of cat is preferable to another for people with allergies.
Add on – A good news is that research backs up the idea that having a pet early in life helps lower the likelihood of getting allergies later in life.
How can you tell if you are allergic to cats?
Your body lets you know whether you’re allergic to your cat, just like it does with other allergies.
The most typical signs are as follows:
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Rashes
If you are suffering from the above-mentioned signs, then go to an allergy specialist right now.
Ways to get rid of cat allergies naturally
Following are strategies to get rid of allergies from cats naturally.
1- Keep your cat off of your bed
You can stop allergens from settling on your bed by keeping your cat off of it. Despite how adorable and cuddly your cat is, laying on the bed with them could make your allergies worse.
To prevent allergies, keep your cat away from your bed and bedding. Give them an alternative sleeping spot at night, such as a cozy cat bed or a cat tree.
Keep them in a different room at night when you sleep to make your room allergen-free. If your cat won’t sleep in its cat bed or doesn’t like to be apart from you at night, try putting a blanket on your cat that has your scent in it.
You may also try providing them with a ton of toys to play with to keep them occupied.
2- Wash your bedding frequently
Wash your bed sheets and pillow covers at least once a week. The allergens are spreaded by your cat, can attach to your bedding even if it does not sleep on the bed.
You may get rid of dander and other allergens by washing your comforter, sheets, and pillowcases in warm water once a week.
You might think about washing your upholstered furniture once a week as well. Vacuum the surface of the upholstery for a basic clean (including the cushions). By doing this, you’ll eliminate dust, dirt, and other allergens.
3- Use a HEPA air purifier
HEPA air purifiers can assist in removing dust and pet dander from the air. Fel d1 proteins rapidly spread in air when released by cats. Install HEPA air purifiers all over your home to avoid inhaling these allergens.
Try to maintain a HEPA air purifier in the rooms that you spend the most time in, such as your bedroom and living room, if you are unable to buy one for every space.
Also read – How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?
4- Dust your home at least once a week
Your allergies might be brought on by dust accumulation. Dust mites and cat dander are two hazardous substances found in dust.
Dust every room in your house on a regular basis to prevent dust accumulation. To stop dust from gathering in your home, you might also consider decluttering.
Regularly dust and clean surfaces, such as your dresser, tables, and counters. When cleaning them, spray them with a multipurpose cleanser to keep the surfaces extra-clean.
5- Clean the litter box twice a week
Dust mites can quickly gather in a filthy litter box. Scoop out any urine or feces and change the litter twice a week to make sure the litter box is not aggravating your allergies.
Consider cleaning the litter box every other day if you have many cats. Request assistance with the litter box cleaning if you share care of your cat with a spouse or roommate who is not allergic to cats.
Pro Tip – If you are the only person caring for your cat use a mask for cleaning to reduce your exposure to allergies .
6- Wash your hands after you pet your cat
Rubbing against your cat may exacerbate your allergies and their symptoms. Be sure to fully wash your hands after cuddling or caressing your cat.
Avoid touching your face or eyes, as this could cause danger to land on your skin or in your eyes and you may end up having the symptoms of allergies.
7- Bathe your cat to keep them clean
To reduce the allergens in their fur, use cat-safe shampoo. Cats’ fur sheds old skin cells, which can build up and emit dander into the atmosphere. Purchase a cat-safe shampoo to eliminate this additional allergy source.
Add on – To be on the safe side, confirm with your veterinarian which shampoo is best for your cat or kitten. Then, give your cat a once-weekly bath.
A different shampoo is frequently required for kittens and adult cats. Be sure to read the label to find out if the shampoo you are thinking about is suitable for your cat or not.
When to See a Doctor?
If treating your symptoms with over-the-counter drugs and natural allergy remedies has not helped, you should consult a doctor about a cat allergy.
It’s time to see a doctor if you experience persistent allergy symptoms like wheezing, a stuffy nose, or itchy eyes that are affecting your ability to function correctly.
For people with severe cat allergies or asthma, additional drugs like albuterol or steroid inhalers may occasionally be required.
It is important to call a doctor if you are having trouble breathing. Book an appointment with one of the best allergy specialists in Pakistan right now.
FAQs
1- Can you make cat allergies go away?
Even though the symptoms of cat allergies may never totally go away, they are controllable by cleaning your pet and its surroundings on a regular basis.
2- How do you live with a cat if you are allergic?
To minimize the allergens in the air, frequent vacuuming is advised. Plus, cat dander can be effectively eliminated from the air by using a HEPA air filter.
3- What happens if cat allergies go untreated?
Untreated allergies may worsen, leading to more severe allergy attacks occurring over time. Your immune system may become weakened as a result of these prolonged or frequent allergic reactions, which increases your risk of bacterial or fungal infections of the sinuses, lungs, skin, or ears.