allergies

Quick facts about allergies to cats

• While 8 different allergens from cats have been recognized, most (up to 96%) of allergic & asthmatic reactions in humans are due to just one of these: a protein known as Fel d 1.

• Contrary to what most people believe about cats, Fel d 1 is not just spread by cats’ saliva as they wash themselves! In fact, that’s not even the main source of this allergen: it’s mainly produced by oil glands in cats’ skin.

• Even hairless cats can trigger allergies because they have oil glands in their skin, just like their fur-covered relatives.

• In addition to saliva and oil from the skin, the Fel d 1 protein is also produced by cats’ tear ducts and anal glands.

• Human allergies to cats are not just annoying: in addition to the typical runny nose and red eyes, and in some cases severe asthmatic reactions, an allergic reactions can also include hives, chronic cough, and even a susceptibility to more frequent sinus infections.

• If you have a mild allergy, you may not even be aware you are allergic to cats. If you always have a stuffy nose, sinus pressure, or a chronic post-nasal drip, or if you experience frequent sinus infections, you should talk to your doctor or an allergist. They may want to conduct a skin test to rule out an allergy to cats.

What you can do

regular Grooming

The main strategy to reduce allergic reactions for yourself and your housemates and guests is to keep your cat’s skin oil (sebum) in check! Just as with people, regular bathing is the best (and healthiest) way to reduce the amount of buildup of sebum on your cat’s skin and in their fur. The National Cat Groomers Institute recommends a bathing schedule of every 6 weeks for most cats.

Since the Fel d 1 protein collects on skin (which gets around your house as dandruff) and fur (which your cat sheds all over), a grooming session that includes a de-shedding treatment and a skin-moisturizing dandruff prevention spray will cut down on the amount of fur and dandruff collecting in your house. We always include both a de-shedding treatment and the dandruff prevention spray in every spa day.

Loose hair removed during a de-shedding treatment for a typical longhaired cat

An ear-covering bonnet makes the de-shedding treatment even quieter and more relaxing

diet and supplements

More and more research is showing that a cat’s diet influences how much Fel d 1 a cat produces. (Here’s one example.) There are some cat foods specifically formulated to reduce allergens: you might want to try Purina LiveClear, for example.

Another step we recommend is to add fish oil into your cat’s food or treats. While it may seem odd to reduce allergens from skin oil by adding more oil into your cat’s diet, the fish oil keeps the skin hydrated (instead of greasy)—therefore reducing the amount of dry skin that becomes dandruff and floats around your house.

You can buy a cat food that is targeted for skin and coat health, or try some of our favorite options:

• Inaba Churu Skin & Coat

• Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil for Cats (mix into food or treats)

• For a budget option, try Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up treats and mix in 1-4 drops of fish oil

There are a number of other oil-based supplements, treats, and foods for cats on the market—ask your vet if you’re unsure which one is best for your cat.

optimize your environment

For family members or guests who have allergies to cats, we recommend the following strategies:

• Don’t let your cat sleep on the bed or in the room of the person with the allergy (close the door to the room).

• Get HEPA air purifiers for your home, and especially put one in the room of the person with the allergy.

• Get your ducts cleaned.

• If the allergy is really severe (or if you’re preparing for a short-term guest), close all air vents to the person’s bedroom and give them a space heater, fan, or portable AC unit instead.

• Remove carpeting and rugs from the bedroom of the person with the allergy. Also remove any blankets/textiles that collect a lot of dust, such as sheepskins.

Take allergy medicines

We always recommend that you discuss allergies with your primary care doctor or allergist, but you can also use over-the-counter medicines for effective relief. The doctors we’ve talked to recommend the following for allergies to cats:

• Zyrtec or equivalent store brand before bed (10-20 mg).

• Nasacort or equivalent store brand nasal spray before bed (two sprays in each nostril, then tilt your head down towards your chest and hold your nostrils closed for 30 seconds).

• Some people also find good relief with Benadryl.

Please remember we are cat groomers, not doctors, so definitely discuss this with your doctor!

optimize your cat’s environment

Buy cat furniture that doesn’t collect dust as quickly or is easier to clean (for example, cat trees with removable cushions instead of attached carpeting)—and then make a habit of washing your cat’s bedding every single week as part of your regular laundry day. It’s not enough to wash the sheets of the person who has allergies if they are bombarded with allergens every time they walk into the living room!

Wash or wipe out your cat’s litterbox frequently—as noted above, one of the sources of the Fel d 1 protein is the cat’s anal glands. One way we recommend forming this habit is that every time you’re about to refill your cat’s litter, instead of simply refilling the box, take the opportunity to at least wipe down the sides of the box or empty out the box and scrub it (if you have time).

Schedule a consultation with us!

This is a topic we have spent a lot of time learning about and optimizing our own homes for! Please schedule a free consultation if you’d like to discuss any of the information above, or to have us take a look at your home and make suggestions to help with your allergy needs.