Reducing Allergens

Lundberg Ripsimia 2019

Below we have listed routine household changes that will decrease the buildup of allergens, and help reduce allergic reactions. Please note: these are not sufficient to prevent asthmatic attacks, hives, or other severe reactions to normal cats.

Moisten the kitten with Allerpet Grooming Solution prior to daily combing.  This reduces allergens released during combing, removes excess oils and deactivate allergen on the coat.  Daily grooming with a moistening solution will decrease reactions to your kitten.  Allerpet Solution can be purchased on Amazon or from National Allergy Supply.

Bathe your kitten twice a month with a fragrance-free cat-specific shampoos.  This washes allergens and irritants out of the coat.  Dry with a towel and comb, and if kitten will allow it, use a hair dryer to warm and dry their fur.

Use washable fleece throws where your kitten likes to sleep. This includes couches and chairs, climbing stations and cat beds.  Wash throws weekly in hot water with detergent and borax to deactivate the allergen.

Maintain a calm environment. Cats under stress increase production of Fel d1 allergen. Typical causes of stress include having too many cats in the house, sudden loud noise, and a lack of gentle daily attention and grooming.

Reactions to litterbox dust are fairly common, especially when you first bring home a kitten.  Small kittens play in the litterbox and get dust on their fur. Use a dust free non-scented litter such as Green Tea Litter, Feline Pine Litter, or Dr. Elseys Precious Cat.

Clean and empty litterboxes frequently. Green Tea Litter has ground black tea leaves that help reduces odors and allergens.  Do not use herbal tea as some of these are harmful to cats.

Place the litterbox in a bathroom or laundry room that can be vented to the outdoors. The best long-term solution is an outside cat run or a secure area in the garage. Rigid wire panels are inexpensive and available at www.revivalanimal.com

Keep cats out of the bedrooms of highly allergic individuals, especially children. This allows the immune system time to recuperate and will reduce daytime reactions. Run a HEPA filter in the bedroom at all times.

Frequent vacuuming reduces allergen levels. Remember to clean upholstered furniture at well. Air out the house after vacuuming if possible.  Hepa filters on forced air systems reduce allergens.  Damp-mop hard floors to remove allergens from the rooms, and wipe counters and other hard surfaces to eliminate dust buildup. 

Detailed articles about cat allergies: