Let’s talk about cat allergies. As much as we love our furry family members, and even if you aren’t severely allergic to cats, general allergens can be an ongoing challenge. People who suffer from allergies, especially cat allergies, can go from “fine” to “miserable” after only a few minutes of exposure.
Luckily, there are a few simple tips that will help reduce the amount of pet dander, mites, and other allergens in your home.
1. Vacuum Regularly
One of the best ways to battle cat allergies in your home is to vacuum regularly. Vacuuming removes dust, dander, and other particles from your carpets and furniture that can trigger allergies. Make sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, as this will help to trap even the tiniest particles.
Additionally, emptying the vacuum bag or container regularly is essential so that you don’t spread the allergens back into your home.
If that sounds like a lot of work, then consider getting a Roomba or other automated vacuum cleaner. It will still be crucial to empty regularly, of course.
2. Bathe Your Cat Regularly
Bathing your cat on a regular basis can also help to reduce allergens in your home. Cats naturally produce dander which is an allergen for many people, so bathing your cat helps to remove some of this dander from their fur before it has a chance to spread around your house.
It is important to use a shampoo specifically designed for cats, as human shampoos can be too harsh for their skin and may cause irritation or dryness.
We understand that bathing cats may not be a pleasant experience that works for every cat owner. But if your cat doesn’t mind a bath, then take advantage of that to reduce cat allergies in your home.
Read More: How to Bathe a Cat and Avoid Disaster
3. Keep Your Cat Out of Bedrooms
Keeping your cat out of bedrooms can also help to reduce allergens in your home. Allergens such as dust mites and pet dander accumulate in bedrooms more than in any other room, so keeping your cat out will help keep these allergens at bay.
This may not be realistic for many families who own cats. The bedroom could be a place where you bond with your pets. If that is the case, then lean into tips #1 and #2 as much as you can, and read on for more.
4. Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are a great way to battle cat allergies (or just about any other type of airborne allergy). Air purifiers work by trapping airborne particles such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores within their filters so that they are not released back into the air you breathe.
Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter for maximum efficiency at trapping small particles like pet dander. Note how often you need to change the filter, and be sure to stick to that schedule. An old filter isn’t going to do much to help your cat allergies.
5. Change Your Furnace Filters
Changing furnace filters regularly can also help reduce allergens in your home caused by cats and other pets. Furnace filters capture dust mites, pet hair, and other particles that may trigger allergies when they pass through the heating system’s ductwork into the home’s living areas.
Changing furnace filters every three months or according to manufacturer instructions will ensure that these potential triggers are kept out of the air you breathe.
6. Wash Bedding Frequently
Finally, washing bedding frequently can also help to reduce cat allergens in your home. Bedding should be washed at least once a week using hot water and a detergent that is designed for pet hair removal. This will help remove any excess fur or dander that may have accumulated on the bedding over time.
It may sound like a lot of work, but you may not have to regularly do everything on this list to calm any mild allergies from your cat. Try starting with one or two items and see if you notice a difference. With a little effort, you could find yourself breathing much more easily in your home.
Read More: 10 Reasons Cats Are The Best Pets (Sorry, Dog Lovers)
