I am allergic to cats. I have four. My allergist would be totally happy if I got rid of all of them. I love my cats and have had them for years and could not ever choose one or more to get rid of. What are some tips to keep my house clean to reduce the allergins? They sometimes come in the bedroom. Would that drastically help to keep them out?
2007-09-05 15:33:49 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
In addition to what the queen of the dust mites says I have something you may wish to try. Switch your cats to an all natural food (canned is best) and supplement with a feline vitamin for skin and coat issues. By reducing your cats dander and shedding, you will reduce your allergies. The cats will be healthier and you will have to take less drugs! It's a win win situation. I stumbled on this solution by accident when I did the same for my cats for another health issue. I have been allergic to my cat for 16 years, but no longer!
Here is some info on pet foods that will explain the allergy issues. http://www.belfield.com/article3.html
Here is a place that carries food and supplements, plus has info on all cat issues. http://www.onlynaturalpet.com
You can often get natural foods and supplements at local pet stores or health food stores. Give it a try, it does work.
2007-09-07 08:10:14 · answer #1 · answered by aGhost2u 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nash: There are steps you can take to try to keep your cats as family members. First, know that it is a protein that is in their saliva and urine that causes your allergies. As the cat grooms itself, this protein in the saliva sticks to the fur and skin. Then it flakes off and becomes airborne or sticks to a surface where it is later dislodged and becomes airborne. It is a good idea for you not to clean the cat box (because of the urine). If you must, wear a HEPA or N95 mask. Keep kitty out of the bedroom. Since it sounds like they have already been in bed with you, cover your mattress and pillows in those special allergy proof covers. Get the ones with the membrane, microweaves will NOT provide protection against cat allergen. If you have carpets in the house, remove them. If you can't remove the carpets, Alkaline Laboratories makes a product called ADMS Spray that you spray to neutralize the protein that causes the product (this is called denaturing). I will include a link so you can read about that and find where to buy it. Also, you should start using Allerpet/C once a week to denature the proteins that are still on the cats. This is a coat conditioner that also is a denaturing agent. I am including a link to their site so you can read about it and take a fun little true and false quiz about pet allergy. Lastly, if you decide to get an air cleaner, get a HEPA machine and not any type of ozone generator or ionizer. Only a HEPA machine will actually eliminate the airborne allergen without producing ozone. If you want to know what order I would work in, first I would Allerpet the cats and start spraying with ADMS once a month. Then I would cover my bedding and lastly I would get the air filter. I know you don't want to get rid of those cats, they are family members. Can you imagine if you suggested to the allergist that they got rid of 4 of their family members =o) Anyway, here are some links to help
2007-09-06 08:54:18 · answer #2 · answered by Queen of the Dust Mites 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people are allergic to the saliva on the cat's coat rather than the hair itself - not that it makes much difference when you have them at home - but keep them out of the bedroom, brush them regularly to keep coat loss to a minimum & also keeping their coats clean & tidy helps reduce their desire to lick themselves clean.
I have alergies to dust - so not an option to avoid it - I use a product called rhinocort nasal spray - it is an antihestimine type spray for alergies but has a steriod in it to help build up the nasal passage & reduce the allergic reaction. (Safe to use everyday)
People develope & get over allergies over time - don't get rid of four of your family - the love you get from them will outweigh the problem if you just take a few basic steps to reduce the severity of it!
2007-09-05 15:45:50 · answer #3 · answered by Veewilson 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When you dust and vacuum, open windows and wear a "mask" (those things you see people wearing at the hospital or nursing homes on their nose and mouths.) Brush the cats regularly--also wearing a mask, vacuum furniture (cloth) regularly, and if you suffer from hives, wash frequently after handling the cats, and cleaning. Over the counter allergy medication can help also. I feel for you. I love cats. I am very very allergic.
2007-09-05 15:44:34 · answer #4 · answered by mld m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most cat allergies are to the dander of the cat bathing the cat helps a lot. You should have someone brush the cats between baths. You need to have cat free areas to go to when you have a reaction so yes keep them out of your bedroom. You can use air filters with electrostatic filters or hepa filters. Have a good vacuum with hepa filters and filter bags. they are less messy that baggless. My brother was allergic for a while, and had use benadryl, prednisone, and ephedrine to stop itching and now he isn't allergic to anything anymore. Good luck.
2007-09-05 15:50:51 · answer #5 · answered by redd headd 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Besides brushing the cats on a regular basis and keeping them out of your bedroom, I would suggest taking a teaspoon of LOCAL honey each day to help your body develop immunities to all the air born irritants around you. These include pet dander, mold, dust, pollen and smog. Local honey will also help you get less cold and flu symptoms. Also, try removing rugs and mop your floors each day to remove cat hair. Stay away from nose sprays and anti-histamines. They will dry your whole body out resulting in sinus infections and future kidney and liver damage. Please try this remedy-it will take some time but you will be CURED, naturally
2007-09-06 01:39:11 · answer #6 · answered by cooker_upper1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am also allergic to cats and because of that, I won't even think of getting one. I believe there is a shampoo at the pet store that helps control dander and try changing your air filters to ones that capture allergens. They are a Little more expensive but they work. Get a vaccuum with a hepa filter.
2007-09-05 15:41:21 · answer #7 · answered by littleme836 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What about one of those good airfilters from Shaper Image. Also get rid of carpet. If you have had them for four years have you suffered this long? Also get some medicine. Brush your cats for the hair and dander.
2007-09-05 15:39:33 · answer #8 · answered by Alison S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Besides cleaning your house 24/7, there isn't much you can do.
The only thing that works is Anti-Hystemines (the pills you usually take for hayfever)... but I do not think it is a good idea if used daily over a long period of time.
2007-09-05 15:40:10 · answer #9 · answered by Mahmoud MC 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You could try wearing prosthetic gloves, but make sure it doesn't bother the cat.
Wear them to touch the cat, cat-hairs and it food etc.
2007-09-05 15:40:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋