How to Reduce Cat Dander

If you have a cat and allergies, you know what it's like to suffer from symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing. Dander, found in your cat's dead skin flakes, slough off and find their way onto your furnishings, carpet and air. If you want to keep your pet in the home, you can minimize the impact of cat dander by integrating a few management techniques. It may help to ask a family member or friend to watch your cat for a few weeks while you initially clean your home to reduce dander exposure. Once you clean your home, continue to utilize the techniques.

Things You'll Need

Pet wipes
HEPA filters
HEPA vacuum bags
Cat shampoo
Cat brush
Furniture throws

Instructions

- 1
  
  Vacuum often.
  
  Replace carpeting if possible, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Replacing carpet with tile or wood flooring can reduce cat dander. However, if you can't replace your carpet, vacuum your home often. Using high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) vacuum bags can also reduce dander kicked up when vacuuming.
- 2
  Install HEPA filters into your air ducts. The filters should be used for four hours every day, recommends the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. High-efficiency particulate air filters help to catch dander in the air and reduce the amount inhaled.
- 3
  
  Maintaining your cat's coat will help.
  
  Bathe your cat if it will allow it. Otherwise use pet wipes to occasionally remove pet dander buildup. Grooming your cat with a brush can help to remove loose fur. Having someone brush your cat outdoors will prevent the dander from becoming airborne indoors.
- 4
  
  Keep certain rooms pet-free.
  
  Consider having certain rooms in your home be pet-free. Not allowing your cat to take up residence in your bedroom, for example, will reduce dander in that room.
- 5
  Use furniture throws to cover furniture. Cat hair on your furniture can contribute to dander buildup. You can occasionally wash the throws to reduce dander.