cat allergy

Cat Allergy

Cat allergen is not cat hair, it is protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. When they become airborne as microscopic particles which, when inhaled into the nose or lungs, they can produce allergic symptoms. Although individual cats may produce differing levels of allergen, there is no relationship between the pet's hair length and the allergens produced. Cat allergen is particularly adhesive and is therefore carried on clothing. It goes without saying that the levels of exposure will be much higher where cats are present, although it is difficult not to be exposed to some level of cat allergen.

There are literally millions of people world wide that are allergic to cats, in America alone the figure is estimated at six million. Allergic reactions can range from inflammation of the nose and eyes to asthma attacks. Although the most effective treatment is removal of the animal, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the levels of cat allergen:-

Do not allow your cat in the bedroom. Soft furnishings such as carpets, upholstered furniture and mattresses will hold pet allergen which will become airborne when disturbed. Removal of the bedroom carpet will eliminate continued exposure, also a mattress encasing could be used.
Carpets should be thoroughly vacuumed. It can take up to twenty weeks for pet allergen to decrease to levels found in homes without a pet. It is better not to have a carpet at all, but if you have, it should be thoroughly vacuumed with a suitable cleaner so that the tiny allergen particles do not pass through the filter as they do with standard bags of many vacuum cleaners. It can then be sprayed with a special carpet treatment to inactivate allergen in carpeting and to reduce the mite population.
Ventilate your home by opening windows and using exhaust fans. Pet allergen particles are very small and therefore remain airborne for prolonged periods. If your cat is limited to a single area of the home, remember that allergen can be spread by air flowing through a ducted system.

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