If you are allergic to cats then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. If your skin comes into contact with cat dander or cat hair you immune system produces a violent reaction in an effort to eliminate something it considers harmful.
The main cause of cat allergy is caused by the allergens found in the cats skin. When the cat licks themselves, this sticky protein adheres to the cat hair. When the cat hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, furniture, curtains, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object. Even after the cat has been removed the allergens can remain for up to 4 years.
Cat allergen is so small that it can easily penetrate the bronchial membranes. It is about 10 times smaller than dust particles or pollen. Up to 1/3 of non-cat owners have the cat allergen on their clothing and in their home.
Male cats product more allergen that female cats and neutered cats product less that non-neutered and kittens product less allergens that adults animals do.
You need not have what you would consider a dirty house to suffer from dust and dander allergies. Some of the more common overlooked ideas for dust and dander management are as follows.
After you have vacuumed your carpets get down on your hands and knees, in a well lit room and slap the carpet with your hand. If you see dust rising into the air then you need a better vacuum cleaner. Most vacuums will blow the smaller particles of dust back into the air through the exhaust. You will need to get a vacuum that has some type of HEPA filter that traps microscopic particles of dust from being blown back into the air.
Ceiling fans not only trap dust and dander on top of the fan blades but will also stirs up any dust and dander in the area when turned on. Clean them weekly and if you must use them be sure to have a good HEPA type of Air Purifier in the area.
Run the vacuum over all curtains every week and wash them in the washing machine ever couple of months. You will also need to use a lint remover, the sticky tape type, to remove all of the cat hair stuck on the bottom of the curtains. If you have curtains that require dry cleaning, replace them because the chemicals used during the cleaning process can lead to problems with someone who has allergies or asthma.
I believe those vile and evil creatures called dust bunnies live on cat hair. I have never had a larger infestation of dust bunnies as when I had a cat. They are sneaky little buggers and they multiply like - well like rabbits. Do all you dusting with a damp cloth. Using a dry cloth will only stir up the dust and dander into the air.
Most of us believe that are kitchen is the cleanest room in the house. My cat likes to sleep on top of the kitchen cabinets. When was the last time you cleaned on top of the kitchen cabinets? If you haven't cleaned up there in a while it will not be a pretty site.
As a last resort you could get ride of the cat or hope for a vaccine.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
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