Cat Allergy

What Is Cat Allergen?

An allergen is a material capable of provoking an allergic reaction, such as a pollen grain, dust particle, or animal dander. Cat allergen — the allergy-causing material from cats — is not cat hair, but a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. The allergens become airborne as microscopic particles which, when inhaled into the nose or lungs, can produce allergic symptoms.

Although individual cats may produce more or less allergen, there is no relationship between a pet's hair length and allergen production, and there is no such thing as a non-allergenic breed.

Where Is Cat Allergen Found?

Cat allergen is present in largest amounts in homes with cats, but has also been found in homes where cats have never been present and in offices or public spaces where animals are not allowed. Cat allergen is particularly sticky and is carried on clothing from places with cats to other locations. It is almost impossible to avoid some level of exposure to cat allergen. Of course, levels will be much higher where cats are present and are more likely to cause allergy symptoms.

Because cat allergen particles are particularly small (1/10 the size of dust mite allergen), they remain airborne for prolonged periods of time. Cat-allergic individuals are more likely to have a rapid onset of symptoms when entering a home with cats, because there is always allergen airborne and easily inhaled. The amount of airborne allergen can be decreased by opening windows, using exhaust fans, and using high-efficiency air cleaners.

Soft furnishings such as carpets, sofas, and mattresses will hold cat allergen even after a cat is removed from the home or banished from the bedroom. It has been shown that it can take as long as 20 weeks for allergen levels in carpets to decrease to the levels found in a cat-free home, and up to five years for cat allergen levels in mattresses to reach such levels. Removal or treatment of carpet and sofas, and encasing of the mattress, will reduce continued exposure to these reservoirs of allergen.

Cat allergen is also found on vertical surfaces such as walls, so attempts to decrease cat allergen exposure in a home should include wall cleaning.

If the cat is removed to a restricted area of the home, it is important to realize that air flow through the duct system in a hot-air-heated home could spread the allergen. Efficient vent and furnace filters can help trap allergens and reduce this spread.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Cat Allergen?

Nothing can take the place of keeping the cat outside — this is by far the most efficient treatment. If the cat is allowed inside, keep it out of the bedroom at all times. Use vent and central furnace filters to prevent the spread of airborne allergens throughout the home.

Ventilate the home. Very insulated, "energy efficient" homes actually trap animal danders inside. Opening windows and using exhaust fans can help increase air exchange and decrease airborne allergens.

Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) air cleaner. Air cleaners of this type can reduce the level of airborne cat allergen by about 50%. It is important to place the unit away from furnishings and not directly on the carpet, so as not to disturb settled allergens.

Mattresses and pillows are also a reservoir for cat allergen and should be encased in allergen-impermeable covers.

Studies have demonstrated that washing cats with water removes much of their surface allergen and significantly reduces the amount of future cat allergen produced.

Cat Washing Instructions

It is not necessary to submerge the cat or to use detergent. Simply place the cat in a sink and pour a pitcher of comfortable-temperature water over its body. Washing should be done weekly for three weeks, then at 2–3 week intervals.

Kittens usually do not mind being washed. Mature cats should be gradually conditioned to being washed as follows:

• Day 1: Bring the cat near the sink, turn on the water, and feed the cat.
• Day 2: Turn on the water, wet your hand or a cloth, touch the cat, then feed the cat.
• Each subsequent day: Slowly and gradually increase the amount of water placed on the cat, linking it to a positive experience such as feeding. Continue daily until you can pour a full pitcher of water over the cat, then gradually increase the number of days between washings.

Additional Steps to Reduce Exposure

Cat dander settles onto carpets and soft furnishings, which act as a reservoir for the allergen, releasing it back into the air when touched. Remove carpeting if possible, and replace upholstered furnishings with furniture that can be wiped clean. If carpeting cannot be removed, Allergy Control Solution can be applied after the pet has been restricted to another room.

Use a face mask when brushing the cat or changing kitty litter. Wash hands after touching the pet, and change clothing after contact with the pet.

Since vacuuming may blow cat allergen into the air, it is important to use a vacuum cleaner proven to have a high level of allergen containment. The use of multilayer vacuum bags and exhaust filters can inexpensively upgrade the filtration of the vacuum you currently own.

If you have any questions, contact our office: Omaha: 402-391-1800 Lincoln: 402-464-5969