Many cat-lovers cannot have cat at home because of allergy. If you feel itchy eyes, running nose or difficulties with breathing everytime you meet a cat then you probably have cat allergy and it is not recommended for you to live with a cat. But if you already got one – you DO NOT have to get rid of your cat - here are some ways to controll the situation:

• Leave at least one room cat free.
• Don’t let the cat sleep with you. (Your sleeping area should always be a cat free zone.)
• Vacuum frequently. If possible, get someone else to do the vacuuming when you’re not home. Buy a vacuum cleaner with good HEPA filter for this.
• Try to not leave your clothes where your cat can rub on them or sleep on them.
• Wash your hands often – and try to avoid touching your eyes or nose after you touch your cat.
• Wash all bedding in high-degree hot water at least twice a month.
• Clean your cat at least twice a month with a special shampoo (you can use a parfume-free baby shampoo).
• When the allergy symptoms flair up (especially this happens when you meet your friends’ cats), use an anti-histamine medications to make you comfortable.

Many people believe that allergy is caused by cat’s fur & hair, but it is not true – the allergen is in cat saliva. This allergen is a protein called Fel d 1. It is well described in this article about cat allergy:

When a cat washes itself, saliva is deposited on its fur (or skin in the case of hairless cats). The saliva dries into dust (dander or dandruff) which is released when a cat scratches or moves and when humans stroke or brush a cat.

I hope this post will help you to live happilly with your cat. For more info read these online discussions: One, Two, Three.

• Previous Entry: The right people
• Next Entry: Business failure reasons