How to Minimize Cat Dander

Cat dander can be more than a nuisance. If you have an allergy to cat dander, you may suffer symptoms like itching, rashes and respiratory problems -- leaving you to wonder if you should have a cat at all. Even if you do not suffer from pet-related allergies, you can maintain a cleaner home by controlling the dander.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat brush
  • Pet wipes
  • Allergy reducing spray
  • Cat shampoo
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • HEPA air purifier
  • High quality cat food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your cat every day with a specialized cat brush to remove loose hair. The Doctors Foster and Smith website also recommends applying an allergy-reducing spray and wiping the fur daily with pet wipes for maximum effect. If you have severe allergies to cat dander, you may need someone to brush the cat for you.

    • 2

      Bathe your cat once a week using a cat shampoo. This step alone can reduce allergen shedding by up to 90 percent, according to the website Vet Info. Lather your cat with the shampoo in a tub or sink, then rinse gently with warm water.

    • 3

      Clean and vacuum your home on a regular basis. You will never get rid of all dander and some shedding will occur as long as you have a cat, but weekly cleaning can keep the problem under control.

    • 4

      Install a HEPA air purifier to filter the airborne cat dander from your home. An air purifier can also remove other airborne impurities and make it easier to breathe, especially for allergy sufferers.

    • 5

      Feed your cat a high-quality commercially prepared diet. The Doctors Foster and Smith website suggests giving your cat a product with high protein, as well as vitamin A, fatty acids like arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, and amino acids like taurine.