Cats are such lovely pets. But we can’t really control our bodies if we feel allergic to them. If you are experiencing cat-related allergies, then you should know the techniques that could subside their symptoms.
Individuals who have cat allergies tend to be reactive to specific substances that cats produce, such as their skin flakes, urine, and saliva. And, of course, it is not a nice thing to experience allergies, especially if it is coming from your beloved pet. Nobody wants to ditch their pets simply because they are experiencing allergies.
But at the same time, the dilemma is always there for these pet owners. As mentioned, allergies aren’t something that you can shrug off. Its symptoms may range from mild respiratory issues to potentially lethal conditions, such as anaphylaxis.
Here, you can learn about these cat allergies and how you can deal with them as effectively as possible through the use of tested-and-proven methods.
Where Do Cat Allergies Come From?
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Obviously, cat allergies are derived from your feline friend. Allergies happen when your cats release specific substances that cause an overreaction to your immune system. The same thing happens when you are allergic to pollen, and you happen to breathe one.
People think that cat allergies come from the hair of their cats. But that’s just a fallacy; it’s not their hair that causes the problem. Instead, the ones that trigger allergies are the following substances: dander, saliva, and urine. These things have proteins on them that may cause allergic reactions in the body.
Interestingly, it has been indicated that people with other allergies are likely to be allergic to cats, as well. For example, if you are allergic to dogs or cows, you might be allergic to cats, as well.
Is It Normal To Have Cat Allergies?
Being allergic to something is a phenomenon that your body decides. There’s no guaranteed cure yet for allergies. So if you are born allergic to cats, you can no longer change it.
Allergies are due to genetic inheritance. This means that you inherit your allergies from your parents. So if you are allergic to cats, it is possible that your parents are allergic to cats or certain animals, as well.
Allergies are common among people. In the United States, it is estimated that 50 million individuals suffer from multiple allergies coming from indoor and outdoor sources. And this number doesn’t vary either, regardless of age, sex, and demographics. Furthermore, keep in mind that cat allergies may manifest even if there’s no longer a cat in your living space.
Can Cat Allergies Be Dangerous?
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Cat allergies have varying symptoms, depending on the type and degree of exposure to the allergens. However, here are the most common symptoms of this particular allergy:
- Asthma attack
- Sneezing, stuffy nose, and coughing
- Red eyes and irritation
- Rashy skin
These symptoms are a nuisance. But they aren’t life-threatening. However, there are cases where people with cat allergies may develop severe reactions. An example of this condition is anaphylaxis. The latter is a condition where a person has difficulties in breathing. At the same time, the person could experience a sudden decrease in their blood pressure level, causing shock.
If someone in your home suddenly experiences difficulties in breathing after being exposed to a cat should get medical treatment immediately. After all, anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition.
What Substances Cause Cat Allergies?
Just as we’ve said earlier, cat allergies aren’t caused by the hair of the cats. Instead, they are caused by the substances produced by the cats, such as urine, saliva, and dander.
However, it is not exactly these bodily residues and fluids that cause the allergies in the first place. Specifically, it is the protein contained in these things that trigger overreaction in your body. As mentioned, some people have sensitive immune systems that wrongly label foreign things as dangerous threats. Once they detect these particles, your immune system attacks them.
Basically, the allergy that you feel are the effects of the attack on your immune system to those allergens.
Why Is Cat Allergy Purification Important?
Dealing with cat allergies is necessary so that you can live with your beloved pets harmoniously. Just imagine that you will no longer have to wheeze or sneeze while your cat is around. That should be able to give you a comfortable time while dwelling with your furry companion.
At the same time, allergies are pretty much annoying. Nobody wants to deal with them frequently. The cost of treating allergies will stack up sooner or later if you don’t address the causes. Hence, adding an air purifier to your home makes sense, especially if you are taking care of cats, dogs, and other animals.
Adding Air Purifier To Get Rid Of Cat Allergies
Keeping your indoor air fresh and clean is quite challenging, especially if you have pets in your home. The best way to counteract this challenge is through the use of air purifiers.
The job of these air purifiers is to trap airborne contaminants in indoor spaces. Depending on the air purifier you get, the device should be able to capture allergen, pathogen, dust, and pet hair. In fact, these air purifiers are excellent for allergy sufferers. Learn more about these air purifiers and how they can help with cat allergies.
Why Is An Air Purifier Important To Improve Air Quality?
Air purifiers are important appliances these days. The issue of indoor air pollution isn’t something that we can downplay anymore, as there are numerous sources of these pollutants even inside your homes.
For instance, your pets can gradually pollute the air quality of your living spaces. Pet dander and odor are among the things that can reduce the breathability of the air. Over time, they can cause unwanted effects, such as allergies, asthma, and similar symptoms.
With an air purifier, you will be able to deal with these pollutants. You don’t need to do drastic measures anymore; just run these devices, and they will capture as many types of pollutants in the air.
Air Purifier For Cat Allergies
If your major problem in your home is cat allergies, then it is a wise decision to get an air purifier. Cats and other pets in your home are prone to releasing various stuff in the air, such as their hair. They also have microscopic residues that can trigger allergic reactions in your body.
Ordinary cleaning methods, such as vacuuming, will never guarantee that these things will be dealt with. After all, most of them are invisible to the eyes. You’ll never know that they are there until someone on your property is getting ill regularly.
Air purifiers, on the other hand, will be able to capture these airborne particles efficiently. They have specialized mechanisms that enable them to process air and remove the foreign substances on them.
Are Air Purifiers For Cat Allergies Safe?
Yes. If we are talking about filter-based air purifiers, then you shouldn’t worry about a thing here. These air purifiers don’t generate chemicals and substances that could pollute the air you breathe.
The way they purify your air is through the filter-based mechanism. Specifically, the air passes through several layers of filters. These filters trap or capture various particles present in the air. Hence, there’s nothing that you should be worried about here.
The only type of air purifier that you should avoid is an ozone generator. These ozone air purifiers generate ozone, which is a gaseous lung irritant. They can cause respiratory complications, so it is better that you stay away from them.
How Do Air Purifiers Remove Cat Allergies?
Standard air purifiers are equipped with various filters that can tackle different contaminants and substances in the air. When the air passes through these filters, most of the particles present are captured.
Here are the specific filters commonly used on air purifiers:
- HEPA filter – This one captures 99.97 percent of microscopic contaminants, such as allergens, bacteria, and pet dander.
- Activated carbon filter – It is the one responsible for breaking the substances and chemicals that cause odor. An example of these particles would be volatile organic compounds.
- Pre-filter – A pre-filter works by trapping large debris that enters the air purifier. It plays an important role in protecting the other filters (HEPA filter and carbon filter) from being damaged by those solid contaminants.
Removing Cat Allergies By Air Purifier: Step-By-Step
Most filter-based air purifiers use the same fundamentals when it comes to removing pollutants in the air. Specifically, the process can be broken into the following:
- The air purifier draws the air toward it through its fan.
- Once the air enters the air purifier, it will pass through the filters that we have mentioned above. Each of those filters can remove different particles and contaminants from the air. For instance, the HEPA filter captures allergens, while the pre-filter catches the hair of your pets.
- After passing through the filters, the air is released back into the room. The air purifier would repeat this process throughout its operation.
How Long Does It Take For Cat Allergies To Settle?
There’s no definite time in which an air purifier can provide a guaranteed remedy for pet-related allergies. If you are going to use a powerful air purifier, you can expect that its effects will manifest within a couple of days.
This is the reason why you should get the appropriate air purifier in your space. In this way, you can guarantee that the device will be able to generate significant improvements to your indoor air quality. If the air purifier is too small or too weak, it cannot help in alleviating various allergy symptoms.
Things To Consider When Buying An Air Purifier For Cat Allergies
You need to take into account several considerations when buying an air purifier. Here are some of them:
- Coverage – Every air purifier has a specific effective range. This means that an air purifier can be suitable for either small, large, or medium rooms. You can see the coverage of these air purifiers on their labels. You need to match the square footage of your room to the effective coverage of the air purifier.
- Type of filter – Filters are the most important components of air purifiers. Without them, these air purifiers won’t be able to do their job of purifying indoor air. HEPA filters and carbon filters are essential here, as they can deal with the allergens and odor produced by your pets.
- Energy-efficiency – You want these air purifiers to run continuously to keep your indoor air quality fresh. Hence, it would be best that the air purifier you pick doesn’t consume too much electricity. In this way, you can save on your power bills, even if you decide to operate the air cleaner for prolonged periods.
Air Purifiers That Are Best For Removing Cat Allergies
As mentioned, air purifiers are efficient devices for removing different types of allergens, including those that are coming from your cats. Hence, it is essential that you invest in them, especially if you are having difficulties dealing with the symptoms.
Here are some of the top air purifiers for cat allergies:
| Coverage | Type Of Filters | |
| HisoAir Model HA-138 | 527 square feet | HEPA filter, carbon filter, pre-filter, UVC filter |
| Levoit Core P350 | 219 square feet | HEPA filter, carbon filter, pre-filter |
| Bissell Smart Purifier Air 220 | 1,252 square feet | HEPA filter, carbon filter, pre-filter |
1. HisoAir Model HA-138
Image Source: HisoAir
One of the best air purifiers for allergy relief is the Model HA-138 of HisoAir. This device is equipped with a high-quality, medical-grade HEPA filter that captures microscopic contaminants. It can trap allergens and pathogens in the air, ensuring that the air you breathe is clean and safe. Interestingly, the Model HA-138 is commonly used in hospitals and commercial establishments because of its extensive coverage.
The HisoAir Model HA-138 is manufactured by HisoAir, which is one of the top producers of AHAM-certified air purifiers today. It is a reputable brand, as it is compliant with various quality standards. You can guarantee that its air purifiers are safe and effective, as they are equipped with the necessary air filters.
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2. Levoit Core P350
Image Source: Levoit
The efficiency of the Levoit Core P350 is something that you cannot downplay, as well. This particular air purifier is rated to perform well against different contaminants in the air. Aside from being an effective purifier against allergens, this device is also a good deal for pet owners because of its specialized carbon filter. The latter can remove odors coming from pets, household products, and other odor-producing substances.
The quiet operation of this air purifier is commendable, as well. It doesn’t cause any disturbances, even if you put it in its highest setting. It is for this reason that this air purifier is an excellent addition to bedrooms and other noise-sensitive environments. Moreover, it comes with a Pet Lock that prevents your children and pets from accidentally changing its settings.
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3. Bissell Smart Purifier Air 220
Image Source: Bissell
Most of Bissell’s air purifiers are designed to tackle the residues of pets, such as allergens and odor. One good example is the Air 220. This air purifier has essential filters to capture microscopic pollutants, such as typical allergens and pathogens. It also has an exceptional carbon filter, neutralizing pet-related smells and other odorous substances.
Furthermore, the Air 220 is designed for large spaces. Specifically, these devices cover up to 1,252 square feet. Under this specification, this air purifier can do up to one air change per hour. Hence, if you want to maximize the performance of this air purifier, you should put it in smaller spaces. This air purifier is also a quiet device, especially if you put its fan speed on its lowest setting.
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How To Prevent Cat Allergies After Removal?
Since removing your cats isn’t the solution that you want, then you should explore other alternatives to prevent the growth of allergens in your home. One way of doing this is by neutering a male cat and spaying a female one.
There’s a science behind this. According to studies, neutering and spaying cats can reduce the natural production of the Fel d1 protein. This is the very protein that causes allergies in humans. While these procedures won’t really remove the allergens, they can still reduce them to a manageable degree.
As long as you have cats in your home, you will have to deal with their allergens. Hence, you need to consider neutering and spaying to minimize the production of these allergy-causing proteins.
Other Solutions To Remove Cat Allergies Naturally
Many of you here are allergic to cats, dogs, and other furry creatures. As much as we adore their cuteness, it is not easy to withstand symptoms like wheezing and sneezing. If you want to deal with these allergies naturally, we got you covered. Here are some of the ways to do this.
Controlling The Environment
One of the most efficient ways of controlling the effects of pet-related allergies is a thorough cleaning. Of course, regular cleaning doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have to deal with allergies anymore. But with cleaning, you will be able to control their presence–even down to a tolerable level.
Hence, you may need to vacuum at least once a week. Make sure that you target the drapes, furniture, carpets, and other parts of your home where these allergens could stick. If this doesn’t work, you might need to remove the carpets and curtains in your house.
And don’t think about bathing your cat. Even if they allow it, it doesn’t help that much. Cats regenerate the allergy-causing protein in their bodies within 24 hours. Hence, it is essential that you focus on cleaning instead.
Neutering Your Cat
We know that many have qualms when it comes to this method. Not all pet owners aren’t in favor of neutering their cats and dogs. But for felines, it may be an essential thing to do so, especially if you have a male cat.
You see, male cats that aren’t neutered are prone to produce high levels of the Fel d1 protein. The latter is a naturally occurring protein in cats that causes allergies in humans. If you neuter your male cat, its production of this protein will decrease.
Interestingly, some studies suggest that spaying female cats would also lower their Fel d1 protein. Hence, you should consider doing this, as well.
Use An An All-Natural Allergen Neutralizer
Another way of dealing with cat allergies in your home is using an allergen neutralizer. Of course, you need to pick those that have an all-natural formulation. You don’t want to use those that contain chemicals, as they can harm your pets. Herbal remedies are effective but won’t cause any deterrence to your beloved pets.
Fortunately, there are numerous natural remedies that can destroy cat allergens. If you can get the right one, your cat would not cause any more symptoms to your body, as the effects of the allergen neutralizers can last for weeks. Ultimately, they would help you breathe better without sacrificing the wellness of your four-legged friends.
Change The Litter Box Regularly
One of the things that you can do to ensure that you won’t be dealing with cat allergies is by cleaning their mess. You should know that animal allergens are also present in their solid waste and urine. Hence, you should be responsible enough to put the litter box away from areas with regular human traffic.
Furthermore, the litter box should be in an area where there’s enough ventilation. In this way, the allergens would be circulated away from your home. Of course, don’t forget to change a full litter box every day.
Conclusion
Even pet lovers are often plagued by animal-related allergies. Because of this, it is essential that you know the necessary methods to keep these allergens at bay. In this way, you will be able to live harmoniously with your beloved furry pets.
At the same time, it is important that you invest in a highly functioning air purifier. In this regard, you should rely on highly reputable air purifier manufacturers such as the HisoAir. The latter is a China-based company that specializes in the manufacturing of medical-grade air purifiers, meeting the international standards for indoor air purification. Visit HisoAir and check their provisions now.
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