Pets Archives

Pollen Allergy and Cats

Had an interesting conversation with a customer a few days ago about pollen allergy and cats.

This woman had several cats. She is not allergic to cats. However, she started having a problem that seemed to be caused by the cats.

They had no problems with regular cuddle time or sleeping with her. She had no allergy symptoms after these activities. However, when she let the kitties out in the morning and then brought them back in later, she noticed that she couldn’t pet them without sneezing and getting watery eyes. She started trying to connect her pollen allergy and her cats.

She wondered if the cats could bring in mold spores (she is highly allergic to mold) or pollen (she is allergic to pollen) on their fur. Of course! Pet coats are perfect for collecting mold spores and pollen.

That is why we always recommend keeping pets inside on windy or high pollen count days. We know the connection between mold and pollen allergy and cats. Did you?

She inquired if there wa a cat allergy spray she could use to take care of the “not-cat” allergens that were collecting on the cats. Of course!

Allerpet is not a spray, but it is perfect for taking care of these and any other allergens on the cat. It is also a great coat conditioner. Not only will you have an allergy-free cat, but you will have a shiny cat as well.

The same goes for dogs. If your dog goes outside, it will bring those outdoor allergens inside. Rover can spread pollen and mold all over the house. Allerpet works for dogs as well.

So don’t blame cat allergy if the cat makes you sneeze. It might just be something the cat is wearing.

Til next time!

Cheryl
The Allergy Store

Allergies – Know the Enemy – Pet Allergy

Not too long ago I read an article where it said that a large majority of people who have a pet allergy also own a pet. I know it is a fact because our daughter owns two cats and pet allergy and dust mite allergy.

Dogs, Cats, And Other Furry Animals = Pet Allergy

Many animals such as horses, goats, and rabbits can be allergy-causing. But because they live so closely with us, household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions to animals.

Many people think that their pet allergy is provoked by the fur of cats and dogs. But researchers have found that the major allergens are proteins secreted by oil glands in the animals’ skin and shed in dander as well as proteins in their saliva and urine, which sticks to the fur when the animal licks itself or empties its bladder.

People have always said that when it comes to allergies, cats are worse than dogs. We now know that it is because cats lick themselves more than dogs, thereby spreading allergen-laden saliva all over their bodies. In addition, cats may be held more and spend more time in the house, close to humans.

Urine is also a source of allergy-causing proteins. When the substance carrying the proteins dries, the proteins can then float into the air. Some rodents, such as guinea pigs and gerbils, have become increasingly popular as household pets. They, too, can cause allergic reactions in some people, as can mice and rats.

Urine is the major source of allergens from these animals. Allergies to animals can take two years or more to develop and may not subside until six months or more after ending contact with the animal.

Carpet and furniture are a reservoir for pet allergens, and the allergens can remain in them for four to six weeks. In addition, these allergens can stay in the household air for months after the animal has been removed.

Therefore, it is wise for people with a pet allergy to check with the landlord or previous owner to find out if furry pets have lived previously on the premises before they make a decision to rent or buy a new home.

Think there is such a thing as “Allergy Free Dogs”. Not really but there are some breeds that are better

Up Next – Public Enemy #4 – Mold

Till next time

Cheryl
Allergy Store – Helping customers since 1989
800 771-2246

Don’t Let Your Pet be A Statistic Control Cat Allergy

The Santa Barbara Independent reports that the number 2 reason that cats are turned into shelters nationwide is “allergies”. They cite the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy as their source and say that the number one reason is “too many cats”, which sounds like a momma cat had kittens.

You can read the entire article here. These cats lose their home because people don’t know how to control cat allergies.

It’s a shame. Because allergies are cumulative, there are probably many other factors besides just the cat that caused the uncontrolled allergy. The allergic person is probably allergic to dust mites, pollen, mold, or other household allergens. The Humane Society reports that almost 1/3 of Americans live with a cat to which they are allergic. Those are cat lovers that have learned to control cat allergies.

I believe it. We help people every day live with pet allergy and their pets. By simply keeping Miss Kitty out of the bedroom, you can greatly reduce your exposure to her allergens. Weekly application of Allerpet/C is an easy way to reduce the allergens in the cat.

Allerpet is a great coat conditioner as well, so in addition to reducing allergens, it makes the fur soft and shiny. It is not a cat allergy shampoo or a cat allergy spray, it is a liquid that is easy to apply with minimal indignity suffered by the cat.

Also, by running a HEPA air cleaner, you can reduce the level of all household allergens, including airborne pet allergens. Same for frequently vacuuming or cleaning floors and dusting the furniture with damp cloths. All of these steps help reduce allergens in the house, whether from pets or dust mites and as a result help you control cat allergy and dust mite allergies.

I’ll never forget when a friend asked me after a visit “Why do your house and air feel so clean?” I just had to laugh and say “That’s because it is”.

I run multiple Austin Air HealthMates, a have no carpeting, and I don’t have lots of overstuffed furniture. I do have lots of surfaces that are easy to wipe down and I don’t keep many dust catchers on the shelves. It keeps down the allergens and housecleaning is pretty simple. And face it, if something is easy, you are more likely to do it. Right?

So, like peace, just give the kitty a chance.

Til Next Time!

Cheryl
The Allergy Store