If the humans in your life are allergic to cats (which can be diagnosed by your doctor or an allergy specialist), there are products which can help. If your cat scratches herself a lot, tearing out fur and even skin, and other possible causes have been ruled out by your vet, consider environmental or food allergies as the possible culprit (see our article “When Your Cat has Allergies“).

There are many products which can help alleviate allergy symptoms in humans. We will tell you about those we have used ourselves and offer suggestions about where you can buy them, as some are not readily available in hardware superstores or department stores. We are independent of any supplier and do not receive any income for these recommendations.

Human allergies to cats involve a histamine reaction to a protein in the cat’s saliva and dander. Some cats may produce less of this protein, but according to our research, apparently this is not predictable by breed or length of fur. This protein can be found on clothing, furniture and even in places where no cat has ever been (see our news article “Cat Allergens Present In All U.S. Homes“).

Cleaning the Air

In general, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) based technology is an excellent choice for cleaning fur and dander out of the air. This technology has been incorporated into face masks, vacuum cleaners, and room air filtration systems (both standalone units and electrostatic filters for whole house air conditioning and heating systems).

The 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8233 HEPA filter mask (NIOSH N100) is the best face mask we have found for home use. It was recommended to me by my doctor to prevent inhalation of mold spores while gardening. Many hardware stores do not carry it. A standard dust mask does not provide the same degree of protection.

There are literally hundreds of models of HEPA-based standalone air cleaners with varying features. A visit to Amazon.com produced over 200 possible hits, with Austin Air, Bionare, and Honeywell being just a few of the manufacturers of various models. Some models incorporate ionizers or Zeolite in their designs. Our cats complain loudly if the ionizer is in use. We assume that they are hearing something we are not and it annoys them greatly (ionizers create a high voltage from house current, generally by a high-frequency oscillator). Zeolite is a lightweight type of mineral (hydrous aluminum silicate) often used to filter unwanted chemical molecules out of the air or water. Many people have Zeolite filters (those white pebbles in a sack) in their aquarium water filtration systems.

We keep a HEPA air cleaner in our bedroom and use it as needed, although we know people who run theirs all the time. We strongly suggest that you compare brands, models, and features as prices range from about $100 to over $1500 with an average cost of about $300. We have seen online sale prices below $150 for quality units. Features to consider can include:

• Auxiliary carbon (activated charcoal) or zeolite filters
• Ionizers
• Easily replaceable filter cartridges
• Rated effective for different sized rooms (some units are inexpensive but will only work in a small room)
• Germicide units
• Wheels
• Various cabinet colors

Cleaning Your Home

There are various products which can be sprayed on carpeting to neutralize pet saliva and dander proteins. Also, vent filters and electrostatic filters found in many hardware superstores can prevent dust, dander and fur from circulating through your home every time the air is moved by your cooling or heating system.

Vacuum cleaners, unless equipped with a HEPA filter, can allow dust and particulates to vent back into the air, which can irritate a person’s respiratory system. A search of Amazon.com yielded about 50 models with prices ranging from about $100 to $900, averaging about $250. HEPA vacuum cleaners are made by many manufacturers including Eureka, Hoover, and Miele. Make sure you are comparing actual HEPA technology vacuum cleaners when shopping! If it does not specifically say HEPA it does not have the technology. Some specialty features to look at include:

• Multi-stage HEPA filtration
• Type of flooring the unit is recommended for (especially if you are planning on changing your flooring)
• How you get the vacuumed-up material out of the machine
• HEPA and engine filter status indicator lights
• Cost of HEPA filter replacement (this can be breathtaking with some models, be careful!)

Cleaning Your Cat

There are several different pet specialty solutions which neutralize the allergy producing protein. Some products you can spray on and then wipe off your cat’s fur, or try the cat or dog bathing wipes, and even anti-allergen pet shampoos with flea and tick control! For removing pet odors we have even seen a battery powered ionizer type of pet brush. We probably don’t have to warn you not to use your new HEPA vacuum cleaner anywhere near your cat!

Allergy Control Products (see below) has sold human-use allergen barrier mattress and pillow covers for years, and now offers similar covers in two sizes for pet beds. These covers prevent a buildup of dust, dust mites, fleas and ticks inside the bedding. This can be good for both humans and cats.

Whatever products you choose, consistency in using them (according to manufacturer’s directions) and using them regularly, is the key to negating the allergy inducing proteins and helping you and your cats breathe easier.

Some Product Sources

• Allergy Be Gone
• Allergy Control Products
• Amazon.com
  Search under Kitchen and Housewares or Health and Personal Care; Amazon is a good place for comparative product reviews.
• iAllergy.com™