6 ways to reduce allergic reactions to cats

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Simple steps to help you communicate with your beloved pet and not suffer.

Itching and sneezing is not caused by cat hair, but by the protein found in dandruff. It is also found in the saliva and urine of animals. And when cats lick and go to the toilet in the apartment, this substance gets into the air, causing you to become allergic. Here's how to alleviate her symptoms.

1. Take medication

There are many anti-drowsiness medications that you need to take once a day. Many even note that the side effects of antihistamines are weaker than the effect of communicating with a cat. However, everyone has different reactions to medications, so be sure to check with your doctor.

Sometimes it takes several tries to find the right remedy. Unless, of course, your goal is not to doze off with your pet on the couch all day. Then you are not afraid of drugs that cause drowsiness.

2. Keep the animal out of your bedroom

After all, this is the place where you lie motionless for eight hours a day with your mouth open. Plus, pillows and blankets can easily collect dust and dandruff.

However, if you still want to curl up with your cat, wash the blanket at least twice a month. Not every few years, as most people do. Change your sheets and pillowcases regularly. Store them so that they do not accumulate dust and dandruff - for example, in a plastic container.

3. Keep your home clean

Vacuum every day, and ideally use a steam cleaner as well. It does not require additional chemicals and is especially suitable for carpets and upholstered furniture. After all, it is in them that dust mites, bacteria and everything else that makes you sneeze accumulate.

Also, do not forget to clean the cat litter box as often as possible, because the allergen protein is also found in urine.

4. Install the air filter

The most common advice is to use HEPA filters with high particle retention efficiency. If you already have an air purifier, look for a filter that matches it. They are also made for vacuum cleaners.

Do not buy chemical air purification systems. Including deionizers, which are imposed by advertising. They will only exacerbate allergies.

5. Take care of your cat

Experts disagree on whether there is any sense in washing. “It used to be thought to help, but to get the desired effect, you will have to bathe your pet almost daily,” says astmologist Robert Zuckerman. However, few cats will tolerate it patiently.

Therefore, you can simply wipe your pet with a damp microfiber cloth. Although the fabric can also be irritating at first, it will still not be as unpleasant for the animal as washing in the bathroom. Cats are used to grooming, so this may be the most natural cleansing option. But it is worth accustoming your pet to it gradually.

There are also special liquid products that moisturize the cat's skin and thus reduce dandruff. In addition, with their help, you will remove some of it from the fur when you wipe the animal with a rag.

6. Take care of your own hygiene

Always wash your hands after petting your cat to prevent dandruff from accidentally getting into your eyes. If, of course, now you can release the pet from your embrace.