How to Get Rid of Cat Dander

It is estimated that around 6 million Americans, or roughly 2 percent of the population, suffer from cat allergies. Allergic reactions can range in severity from mild sneezing and a runny nose to a severe asthma attack. These reactions are not caused by the cat's hair, but by a protein found in its dander (flakes of the skin) and saliva.

Much as the only completely guaranteed method of birth control is abstinence, the only way to be certain you'll avoid cat dander is by getting rid of cats. But if you do have cats, or live in a house with cats, there are some steps you can take to control the amount of dander you come up against.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove carpeting, heavy drapes and curtains. These fabrics will trap cat dander, and even if you get rid of a cat, its dander will haunt you in your carpets and curtains. Replace your flooring with hardwood or vinyl. If you prefer curtains to blinds for your windows, use a light, washable fabric and wash it regularly.

    • 2

      Vacuum once a day. Cat dander will get everywhere, and a light vacuuming is a good way to remove it from places you might not expect. Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter to remove the smallest dander particles.

    • 3

      Bathe and brush your cat regularly. While he or she might resist this at first, it's for the best for both of you. Make sure your cat's claws are trimmed, though, as you might get a few nasty scratches from a water-reluctant kitty.

    • 4

      Wash your bedsheets, and keep your cat out of the bedroom. While you might like the idea of cuddling with your cat, nighttime relief from exposure to dander will help you sleep better, and the linens on your bed will trap dander and cause you repeated night symptoms even after your cat has left.

    • 5

      Consult your doctor about the possibility of allergy medication. There are a number of over-the-counter allergy medications available, including loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine, all of which have been proven effective; if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may also consider prescribing a stronger medication, like desloratadine or fexofenadine.

    • 6

      Also consider a regimen of allergy shots. If none of the above methods has helped, and you feel at the end of your rope, these shots may be helpful. A monthly allergy shot will introduce the allergen into your system in small doses, to allow your body to slowly develop a resistance. This treatment plan can be successful in gradually curing your cat allergy.