Cat dander can be a big problem for new cat owners when you find that someone in the family has an allergy to the cat. The dander is usually the culprit that is causing the itchy eyes and sneezing and it is a process to eliminate it. Virtually cleaning everything including the cat is going to be the answer.
Wash the House
Cat dander is a protein that dries on a cat's skin and then is shed off in flakes. When someone in the family has an allergy to a cat’s dander, it is time to eliminate it from not only the cat but the house as well. According to the National Allergy website, cat dander is sticky and sticks to even the ceiling, so when cleaning out the house every surface has to be wiped clean: the couch, floor, ceiling, lampshades, chairs and bedding all have to be washed thoroughly. If you do not have carpets, then all the floors should be wiped clean close to the baseboards.
Use a HEPA Filter
According to Vet Info, the best way to treat cat dander is to vacuum your home once a day with a HEPA-filtered vacuum and run a HEPA air purifier in the house all day. This will cut down on the amount of dander in the air. Also, furnace filters and air filters have to be changed to a brand that reduces allergens in the air. It is also a good idea to place the fan on the furnace or air conditioner to the "on" position and not the "auto" position, according to National Allergy.
Groom Your Cat Regularly
According to Vet Info, bathe your cat once or twice a week. Also, do not let the cat in where you sleep. Make sure you comb your cat's fur everyday to remove the excess dander and fur. Also, wiping your cat down with a damp cloth each day will reduce the amount of dander expelled from it. Ideally, your cat should stay outside as much as possible, but if this is not an option, then these home remedies should help.
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Writer Bio
Kelly Willoughby has been writing since 2004 and has several items published, including a creative piece on Mommy.com and an article for TurboTax. She self-published a book about cryptogram puzzles, titled "Crypto Stories: A Unique Twist on Cryptograms." She owned a business that sold antiques and collectibles and has an associate degree in business management from Baker College of Port Huron.