How to Reduce the Effects of Cat Allergies

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There is nothing like the sense of joy and fulfillment that adopting a kitten can bring into your life. Unfortunately, many of us are unable to do so because we or someone we love suffers from cat allergies. You may think that this automatically makes it impossible for you to enjoy the simple joys of feline companionship, but this does not have to be the case. There are quite a few different things you can do to drastically reduce the effects of cat allergies, and in some cases eliminate them completely.

The first thing that you need to do is clean your home frequently and make sure that you always keep it just as clean as possible. You are going to be vacuuming more than anything else, but you are also going to need to do the dusting, among other things. The use of a vacuum cleaner with a built in HEPA filter will go a long way toward helping you eliminate the allergens that are responsible for cat allergies. You may also want to consider an occasional steam cleaning of all the upholstery, carpets, and draperies in your home. Even bathing the cat frequently can help.

You can also take the medical approach to dealing with your cat allergies. Over the counter and prescription antihistamines are available, and can be very effective at blocking your body's allergic reactions to your cat. You will want to talk to your doctor before taking them if you have special medical considerations, though.

A more drastic measure would involve removing the carpets from your home, though this is really only an option if you have hardwood flooring beneath. Allergens can build up beneath the carpet, as well as in the upholstery of your furniture and in the draperies. Replacing them periodically can help keep cat allergies at bay.

As a last resort, you could potentially keep your adopted cat outside at all times. This option is definitely not for everyone, especially if you live in a very cold climate or if you live in an urban area where there are a lot of cars present. Unfortunately, the much reduced contact results in a more casual relationship with the cat, and it is unlikely to bond to you much at all.

Everyone responds to cat allergies differently. What works amazingly well for one person may be entirely ineffective for another. Just keep trying new things until you find something that works well for you. Aren't your furry friends, from newborn kittens to older cats, worth the effort?