What Causes Cat Allergies
Cat allergies are caused by proteins found in cat dander, saliva, and urine. When cats groom themselves, they spread these allergens into the surrounding environment through their saliva. As the saliva dries and flakes off the fur, it becomes airborne cat dander. Cat dander is microscopic, so it can stay suspended in the air for long periods and spread throughout a home. Allergens are also deposited on surfaces when cats rub against objects. Even after a cat is no longer present, the allergens can remain in a home for months.
For people with cat allergies, their immune systems identify these cat proteins as foreign invaders and release antibodies like histamine to attack them. This triggers an allergic reaction when the antibodies bind to the proteins. The proteins that typically trigger cat allergies are Fel d 1, which is produced in cat skin and saliva, and Fel d 4, which is found in cat urine. People can develop mild to severe allergic reactions to these proteins.
Symptoms of Cat Allergies
People with cat allergies can experience a wide range of symptoms after exposure to cats. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), the most common cat allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Rashes on the face, chest or hands
As described by WebMD, cat allergies often lead to respiratory symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath [1]. Allergic reactions can also cause hives or a rash on the chest and face. Mayo Clinic notes that postnasal drip, facial pressure and itching of the nose, mouth or throat are other common cat allergy symptoms [2].
The immune response triggered by cat allergens can vary from mild irritation to severe reactions. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, difficulty swallowing or systemic reactions after exposure to cats.
Can Air Purifiers Help?
Yes, air purifiers can be very effective at reducing allergy symptoms from cat dander and pet allergens (https://www.dyson.com/discover/insights/allergy/pets/benefits-of-air-purifier-for-pet-allergy). Air purifiers work by pulling air through a filter that traps airborne allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust. The filter removes these allergens from the air so they are not circulated back into the room. This reduces the overall levels of allergens and irritants in the home.
Air purifiers use different filtration technologies like HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters and activated carbon to remove allergens. HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pet dander and other allergens (https://www.wellnessjunction.com/blogs/air-purifiers/do-air-purifiers-help-with-pet-allergies). Activated carbon helps remove odors and gases. By continuously filtering the air, air purifiers help create a cleaner home environment for those with pet allergies.
Types of Air Purifiers for Allergies
There are several types of air purifier technologies that can help reduce allergens for people with cat allergies:
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are considered the gold standard for allergy relief. They can remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including cat dander, pollen and dust. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, HEPA filters are a must-have for allergy sufferers (https://www.aafa.org/air-purifiers-cleaners/).
Activated carbon filters adsorb odors, gases and chemicals from the air, helping reduce allergy triggers like pet dander and volatile organic compounds. Carbon filters are often used along with HEPA filters in air purifiers to filter a wide range of particles and odors.
Ionizers and ozone generators are not recommended for allergy relief as they can produce ozone, a respiratory irritant. The FDA warns against the use of air cleaners that intentionally produce ozone (https://www.fda.gov/media/86475/download).
HEPA air purifiers with activated carbon filters are the most effective options for people with cat allergies looking to reduce allergen triggers and improve air quality.
Where to Place the Air Purifier
When using an air purifier for cat allergies, strategic placement is key for reducing allergy symptoms. It’s recommended to place air purifiers in the rooms where you spend the most time with your cat, such as the bedroom or living room.
Experts recommend keeping the air purifier near your cat’s main living and sleeping areas (RabbitAir). This ensures that the purifier can filter out pet dander and allergens directly from the source before they circulate around the rest of the home.
For bedrooms, place the purifier near the bed to clean the air in your immediate breathing zone while sleeping. Some people keep a second purifier in the living room or other main cat hangout spots (Reddit). Having multiple air purifiers increases allergen removal from the most frequented areas with your cat.
Other Tips to Reduce Allergy Symptoms
In addition to using an air purifier, there are some other actions you can take to reduce allergy symptoms caused by cats:
Vacuum frequently using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to remove cat dander and allergens from surfaces like carpets, furniture, and drapes. Vacuuming should be done at least twice a week in the rooms your cat frequents (vet.osu.edu).
Bathe your cat regularly, such as once a week, using a cat-safe shampoo. This can reduce the amount of allergens on your cat’s fur. Be sure to properly dry your cat after bathing (webmd.com).
Wash your hands immediately after petting or touching your cat. Cat allergens can stick to your hands and cause reactions later. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly wash your hands.
Other tips include keeping your cat out of bedrooms, using allergen-resistant bedding, and washing items like curtains frequently. Reducing overall allergen levels can help minimize allergy symptoms.
See an Allergist
Seeing an allergist can help diagnose cat allergies and provide medical guidance on treatment options. Allergists specialize in treating allergies and can perform allergy tests to identify specific allergen triggers like cat dander. This is important because allergy symptoms can come from many sources, and identifying the exact cause is key for treatment. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), you should see an allergist if your allergy symptoms are persistent and affect your daily life [1].
Allergists may prescribe medications like antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays to help relieve allergy symptoms. They can also provide immunotherapy treatment options like allergy shots or sublingual tablets to desensitize your immune system to cat allergens over time. Though expensive, allergy shots for cat dander can be very effective in the long run, with studies showing sustained benefits even after discontinuing treatment [2], [3]. So seeing an allergist provides an opportunity to discuss these long-term allergy relief options.
Air Purifiers Are Not a Cure
While air purifiers can be extremely helpful for people with pet allergies, it’s important to understand that they do not provide a cure for cat allergies.
Air purifiers work by filtering out airborne allergens like pet dander and cat hair before the particles can be breathed in. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are especially effective at trapping allergens and can remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air [1]. This significantly reduces exposure to allergens that trigger uncomfortable symptoms.
However, air purifiers cannot prevent all exposure, especially when directly interacting with a cat. Allergy medications and immunotherapy shots are often still needed to control symptoms and treat the underlying allergic response. Air purifiers should be used to supplement medical treatment, not replace it.
Talk to an allergist to develop a comprehensive plan for managing cat allergies. While air purifiers are helpful, they should not be solely relied on as a cure.
Maintenance of Air Purifiers
To keep your air purifier working effectively for allergies, proper maintenance is crucial. Here are some tips for maintaining air purifiers:
Change the filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 3-6 months. The filters trap allergens, so letting them get clogged will reduce performance. Buy replacement filters specifically made for your model.1
Clean the outside of the air purifier every few weeks with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust. Don’t use cleaning chemicals or soap.
Check the recommended coverage area and place your air purifier accordingly. For a single room, an air purifier rated for 200-300 square feet is ideal. Make sure no furniture blocks the airflow.2
Keep the air purifier running as much as possible when you are home, at least 8-10 hours per day. Shut doors and windows in the room to contain and circulate the purified air.3
Summary
In summary, cat allergies are caused by a protein called Fel d 1 that is found in cat saliva, skin cells, and urine. This triggers an allergic response when inhaled. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and rashes.
While air purifiers cannot completely eliminate cat allergies, they can help reduce allergy symptoms by filtering out cat allergens from the air. HEPA filters are best for trapping pet dander. Place the purifier in the room where you spend the most time with the cat.
Other tips to manage cat allergies include keeping your cat out of the bedroom, bathing your cat regularly, vacuuming frequently, and washing hands after handling your cat. See an allergist for treatment options. Air purifiers can provide some relief but are not a cure.
To maximize effectiveness, change HEPA filters regularly and clean the pre-filter often. Properly maintained air purifiers, combined with other allergy management steps, can make living with cat allergies more manageable.
