Having an allergy to cats can be a cat lover’s worst nightmare. Whether you found out after adopting a cat or you’ve had allergies for years, it’s no fun. However, you can own a cat if you’re allergic by following these tips. Here are 6 tips for managing cat allergies from The Refined Feline!
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Tip #1: Speak With Your Doctor Before Bringing A Cat Home
While most cat allergies are pretty mild, there’s always the chance that they could be severe. Reactions to cats vary so it’s important to check with your doctor before bringing one home.
You should also rule out any other medical conditions that could be related to this allergy and do a full allergy test while there. Your doctor will want to see the full picture and understand all of your allergies & medical conditions before possibly prescribing medication to manage them.
Tip #2: Every Cat Will Trigger Your Allergies Differently
Cat’s saliva, skin, and hair carry the protein that causes allergies for many humans. Male cats actually secrete more of this allergan than female cats. The breed of the cat though also determines how much of the protein they produce. Some breeds such as Balinese cats, Javanese cats, Siberian cats, and Oriental Shorthair cats are often called hypoallergenic since they create less of this protein. The Sphynx and Rex are hairless cats that are the preferred option for people with more severe allergies. Allergic reactions really vary though from person to person and by individual cat. Felines also produce more of this protein when they aren’t fixed. Therefore, neutering or spaying your cat plays a part in reducing allergies as well.
Tip #3: Make Cleaning Your New Favorite Hobby
Most people aren’t fans of cleaning, but you must learn to love it if you have allergies. It’s really not a surprise that vacuuming your floors more will aid in reducing allergies. Removing excess cat hair from the floor makes a big difference. Cat hairs collect quickly, and on soft surfaces it is even worse. Therefore, both you and your cat’s blankets and bedding should be washed weekly.
Another way to really reduce allergens is to remove carpeting from your home. Hard floors make cleaning easier since there are less places for hairs to hide. Furniture made from leather or suede type of materials helps as well since it’s also easier to clean and wipe them down. Last, robot vacuums will help a lot and some are even made specifically for pet hair.
Tip #4: Cat Furniture That Can Be Easily Cleaned Is Best
Cat furniture with minimal carpeting will be the easiest to keep clean, just like your furniture. Cat towers and trees with carpet all over them can be nightmares if you have allergies but cat furniture is necessary. Offering your cats harder surfaces will make cleaning up much easier.
Modern cat furniture designed by The Refined Feline is constructed in materials like metal and wood. All of the parts like the cushions, sisal scratch pads, and berber carpets are able to be removed to be cleaned or replaced. These large cat condos give cats places to climb, nap, and scratch that won’t hold onto additional hair. Plus, their modern design will look fabulous in any home!
Tip #5: New Cat Food Can Reduce Allergen Production
The new Purina ProPlan LiveClear Cat Food will reduce the amount of allergens that cats produce. An average of 47% reduction in the protein is seen after eating it for just 3 weeks. Multiple types are even offered such as an Indoor Formula, Weight Management, and more!
Tip #6: Air Purifiers Help Remove Allergens From The Air
Give your air a much needed cleaning with an air purifier. Hair, dander, and dust will be reduced, improving the quality of the air. Cleaning will still be necessary of course, but air purifiers do help. Many types of air purifiers are sold, so do some research before getting one. Make sure that the one you select is designed for the room size that it’s going in. Also, more than one air purifier may be needed depending on the size of your home!
By Following These Tips, You Can Own A Cat If You’re Allergic!
Allergies don’t have to be a deal breaker if you really want to have a cat in your home. Following these tips will help manage your allergies so that you can live a happy feline-filled life. You can own a cat if you’re allergic with these tips, as long as you’re willing to put in the effort.