How to Get Rid of Cat Allergies Naturally

Cat allergies can be a challenge, especially if you love cats but find yourself sneezing, wheezing, or dealing with itchy eyes around them. While medications are commonly used to manage allergy symptoms, there are also natural ways to reduce cat allergens in your environment. Cat allergies are when a cat's immune system overreacts to certain substances that are known as allergens. The causes of cat allergies are varied and may include food, medications, environmental pollen, dust, mites, fleas, etc.... Symptoms of cat allergies may include itchy skin, redness, hair loss, shedding, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, frequent sneezing, red and swollen eyes, more than a few tears, ear infections, and frequent head tossing. These symptoms may be triggered by the cat's exposure to allergens or ingestion of allergic foods. If you suspect that your cat is having an allergic reaction, you should contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian may recommend allergy testing to identify specific allergens and provide appropriate treatment options, such as avoiding allergens, using antihistamines, or administering immunotherapy. In this guide, we’ll explore how to get rid of cat allergies naturally and create a more comfortable living space.

What are Common Allergens in Cats?

Food Allergies

Cats may be allergic to certain food ingredients such as beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products and wheat gluten.

Drug Allergies

Cats may have allergic reactions to certain medications, such as penicillin and kanamycin. 

Chemical Allergies

Cats may be allergic to chemicals in the home, such as mothballs, insecticides, and perfumes. 

Dust allergy

Cats may be allergic to airborne suspensions such as pollen and dust, which can lead to respiratory problems. 

Cat hair and dander allergy

Humans are allergic to cats mainly because of allergies to proteins in cat dander, saliva or urine, and these allergens can be airborne. 

These allergens may cause itchy skin, digestive problems, respiratory symptoms and many other allergic reactions in cats. If you suspect that your cat is allergic to a substance, you should consult your veterinarian for appropriate examination and treatment.

How to Know My Cat is Suffering from Allergies?

The judgment of cat allergy can be based on the following symptoms for initial observation.

• Itching

Cats may scratch their face, ears or lick the skin on their  belly and inner hind legs frequently, showing a noticeable itching sensation.

• Skin symptoms

Skin problems such as redness, hair loss, bumps and small red spots may occur.

• Digestive symptoms

Such as vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

• Respiratory symptoms

In severe cases, cats may experience difficulty breathing or wheezing.

If you observe one or more of these symptoms in your cat, it is recommended that you take your cat to a veterinary hospital for a timely checkup. The veterinarian may be able to determine if the cat is allergic to a substance through blood tests, skin tests, etc. Early recognition and treatment of your cat's allergy symptoms is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.

How to Get Rid of Cat Allergies Naturally?

If you want to manage cat allergies naturally without relying on medication, here are ten effective methods to reduce allergens in your home:

1. Regular Grooming and Bathing

Brushing your cat regularly can help reduce the amount of loose fur and dander in your home. You can also consider bathing your cat with a gentle, allergen-reducing shampoo. While cats may not love baths, occasional washing can significantly cut down on the allergens they carry. If possible, have a non-allergic person handle the grooming or use grooming gloves to limit direct contact.

2. Use HEPA Air Purifiers

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers can filter out airborne allergens, including cat dander. Place HEPA air purifiers in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom or living room, to reduce allergens in the air. This helps minimize exposure to the proteins that trigger allergic reactions.

3. Clean Your Home Regularly

Cleaning your home frequently helps to remove dander, dust, and other allergens that accumulate on surfaces. Regularly dust furniture, wipe down surfaces, and wash fabrics like curtains and sofa covers. Deep clean your home at least once a week to prevent allergens from building up.

4. Use Hypoallergenic Bedding

Cat dander can settle on bedding, leading to allergy flare-ups while you sleep. Invest in hypoallergenic pillowcases and bedding that are designed to block allergens. Wash your bedding in hot water weekly to remove allergens that may have settled there.

5. Wash Your Hands and Face Frequently

Washing your hands after petting or handling your cat can prevent allergens from transferring to your face or other surfaces. If you’re particularly sensitive to allergens, consider washing your face after interacting with your cat to avoid irritation or sneezing.

6. Create a Cat-Free Zone

Designate a specific area of your home as a cat-free zone, ideally your bedroom, to create an allergen-free space where you can sleep and relax. This will give you a sanctuary from allergens and help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

7. Use Allergy-Reducing Sprays

There are sprays available that can help neutralize allergens on your cat’s fur or in the air. These sprays work by reducing the amount of dander that cats produce or by trapping airborne particles, making them less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

8. Boost Your Immune System

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Strengthening your immune system through diet, exercise, and natural supplements may help reduce your body’s allergic response. Certain foods, such as those rich in vitamin C, quercetin (found in apples and onions), and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil), are known to have anti-inflammatory and allergy-reducing properties.

9. Manage Indoor Humidity

Low humidity can cause allergens like dander to become airborne more easily. Using a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% can help reduce airborne allergens. However, don’t let humidity get too high, as this can encourage the growth of mold and dust mites, which are also allergens.

10. Dust and Vacuum with HEPA Filters

When dusting or vacuuming, use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap allergens effectively. HEPA filters are designed to capture fine particles, such as cat dander, that standard vacuums may not catch. Vacuum your floors, carpets, and upholstered furniture at least twice a week to keep allergens under control.

Also Read: Allergies in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Managemen

How to Properly Clean My Cat's Hair to Reduce Allergens?

In order to properly clean your cat's fur to minimize allergens, you can take the following steps.

• Regular grooming

Brush your cat's hair daily with a special cat comb, which helps to remove dead and loose hair and reduces hair dispersion in your home.

• Moderate bathing frequency

Bathe your cat regularly according to its breed and skin condition. Use a mild shampoo suitable for your cat's skin to minimize dander and allergen build-up.

• Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner

Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency filtration system to clean furniture, carpets and other surfaces in your home to absorb cat hair and allergens.

• Clean bedding

Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets frequently in hot water, as these items tend to trap cat hair and dander.

• Air Purification

Use air purifiers to reduce allergens in the air, especially those with HEPA filters that trap tiny particles, including cat hair and dander.

• Limit your cat's access to certain areas

Keep bedrooms and other sensitive areas closed off to cats to minimize the buildup of allergens in those areas.

• Personal protection

Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning up cat hair to prevent inhalation or contact with allergens.

By following these steps, you can effectively reduce cat hair and allergens in your home and alleviate allergy symptoms. Remember to be gentle with your cat when performing these cleaning measures to avoid unnecessary stress or health problems.

How Should I Adjust My Cat's Diet During Allergies?

• Diet Adjustments During Cat Allergies

Dietary adjustments are very important when your cat is experiencing an allergic reaction. Here are some suggestions for your cat's diet during allergies.

• Change hypoallergenic foods

Choose a cat food that does not contain ingredients known to be allergenic, or switch to a food designed for sensitive or allergic individuals.

• Single protein source diet

Offer foods from a single protein source, such as lamb, venison or fish, to help identify and eliminate possible allergens.

• Probiotic supplementation

If your cat has digestive issues, such as chronically soft stools or diarrhea, consider supplementing with probiotics to help maintain intestinal health. 

• Limit additives and artificial colors

Choose foods without grains, additives and artificial colors to reduce non-core ingredients that may cause allergies.

• Switch foods gradually

When switching to a new food, make a gradual transition by mixing the old food with the new and gradually increasing the proportion of the new food to avoid digestive discomfort.

• Consult a veterinarian

Before adjusting the diet, it is best to consult your veterinarian, who may recommend a food exclusion test to determine your cat's exact allergens.

• Stay hydrated

Ensure your cat has an adequate supply of fresh water to help maintain a good water balance and boost metabolism.

By making the above adjustments, you can help reduce your cat's allergy symptoms and promote his or her overall health. Remember, every cat's situation is unique, so when implementing any dietary changes, observe your cat's reaction closely and make adjustments as needed.

How to Properly Clean My Home to Reduce Cat Allergens?

In order to properly clean your home to minimize cat allergens, you should take the following steps.

Wet Cleaning

Use a slightly damp rag or special pet hair cleaning tool to wipe down furniture surfaces to minimize dust and allergen flyaways.

Wash bedding and curtains regularly

These items tend to accumulate cat hair and dander and should be washed at least once a week.

Cleaning hard surfaces

Use a mop and a specialized pet hair cleaning solution to clean floors, especially hard floors such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Cleaning walls and high places

Use a long-handled brush or a special wall cleaning tool to remove cat hair and dust from high places.

Cleaning air-conditioning and ventilation systems

Regularly replace or clean the filters of the air conditioning and ventilation system to prevent allergens from circulating.

Focus on cleaning cat activity areas

Pay special attention to the areas where your cat sleeps, eats and plays, which are often where allergens are concentrated.

By following these steps, you can effectively reduce cat allergens in your home and create a more suitable living environment. Remember to wear appropriate protective gear, such as masks and gloves, during the cleaning process to protect yourself from allergens.

FAQs

Conclusion: How to Get Rid of Cat Allergies Naturally

Managing cat allergies naturally requires a combination of reducing allergens in your environment and supporting your body’s immune response. Regular grooming, cleaning, air purification, and creating cat-free zones can help minimize allergens in your home, while a healthy diet and immune-boosting strategies can reduce the severity of your symptoms. With the right approach, it’s possible to live comfortably with your cat while keeping allergies under control.