According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) cat allergens such as dander can take up to 20 to 30 weeks before the concentration is reduced to the levels of a home without animals.
In a home that previously had cats, it may take up to 20 to 30 weeks before the cat allergen concentration is reduced to the levels found in animal-free homes.
These allergens also can cling to many surfaces, such as bedding, clothing, and upholstered furniture, making them ubiquitous. And unfortunately, cat allergens can cause year-round symptoms and may remain in an environment for months without degrading.
The allergens may cling to walls, fabric furniture, and clothing. They can stick to carpets, pillows, and other surfaces. They may remain at high levels for several months. Pet allergens can cause symptoms up to six months after the animal is gone, especially cat allergens.
There are several ways to build immunity to cat allergies. Some will naturally develop a tolerance over time. However, most people won't develop an immunity on their own. Allergy treatments such as immunotherapy can retrain their immune system to tolerate cat dander.
Conclusion: Mechanical washing with detergent is important to remove pet allergens from contaminated fabrics.
Dogs and cats may be your best friends, but, if you have allergies, they could be your worst enemy, especially in the winter. As the weather gets colder and dogs and cats spend more time inside, the level of animal dander rises in the home. There are two major concerns: It's cold, and the house is closed up.
Build up resistance. There is no cure for allergy to cats (yet!), but immunotherapy may help increase your tolerance. Immunotherapy involves getting allergy shots once or twice weekly for up to six months, then monthly boosters for three to five years.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time. Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can reduce allergen levels. Giving your cat a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne cat allergen.
Baking Soda: Man's True Best Friend. Baking soda is a fantastic neutralizer, which is why it's top of the list for how to get rid of pet odor. Ever had anyone recommend you leave baking soda in the fridge to eat up weird smells? The same concept applies outside of the fridge, too!
Other potential causes of feline dandruff include other external parasites (such as ticks and demodectic mange), bacterial or fungal infections, malnutrition, or an interrupted ability to groom (caused by factors like kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, or even discomfort from arthritis).
Cats who are overweight may find it difficult to groom themselves. Inability or difficulties in grooming can lead to dandruff. Food allergies may also affect a cat's skin and cause dandruff, as well as malnutrition, or a lack of good nutrition.
Control Your Air
Open windows to allow an exchange of air through the house, so that airborne dander allergen can escape. (This may be counterproductive, however, if the patient is also pollen-allergic.) With windows closed, HEPA air cleaners can remove significant amounts of animal allergen.
Clean carpets, furniture and curtains regularly. A solid steam cleaning will remove dander from surfaces as well as from deep down. Use a sticky lint roller for a quick fix to remove dander from surfaces.
Use a lint roller to remove dander on flat surfaces. Clean HVAC registers and air ducts so they don't circulate dander throughout the house. Vacuum soft surfaces, such as sofas.
It can collect on furniture, bedding and carpets, and can even last a long time simply suspended in the air. Some people are lucky enough that they eventually develop an immunity to cat allergies. While this is certainly possible, allergic reactions may also worsen with more exposure.
While there is no “cure” that will make you immune to cat allergens, there are several actions you can take to significantly reduce cat allergens in your home and alleviate your symptoms.
HAIR COLOR HAS NO INFLUENCE ON ALLERGEN PRODUCTION
A myth exists that suggests cats with darker colored hair and those with longer hair are more likely to trigger allergies than cats with lighter colored or shorter hair. However, hair color and length have no influence…
Pet dander can remain in a house up to 4-7 months after a pet is gone. That means if you move into a new home, you could be affected even if you don't have a pet of your own. It also means new dander from your furry friend isn't likely to go away by itself.
Saltwater rinse
When a person with cat allergies comes into contact with cat dander, their body produces an immune response, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Saltwater rinse involves using a solution of salt and water to rinse out the nasal passages.
Not only can pet dander cause itchy eyes and a runny nose, but pet dander can potentially be harmful to your respiratory system. According to the American Lung Association this can “lead to a decline in the ability of the lungs to function.” Make sure that you and your loved ones are safe; let's start at the basics.
High-shedding cat breeds tend to be worse for people with allergies because the allergens get trapped in their coats and spread wherever they lose their fur. Some of these high-shedders include the Persian, Maine coon, Norwegian forest cat, Himalayan, Manx, and Cymric.
Symptoms Of An Allergy To Cats
Within minutes of exposure to dander, or just seconds in some cases, sneezing may start, then a sudden runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Ongoing nasal stuffiness, sinus pressure over the eyes or cheeks and an itchy throat can follow.