Remove Other Allergens from Your Home
If you’re thinking about getting a new pet, make sure your house is free of as many allergies as possible, such as mites, dust, and mold. Most allergens in the air (including cat dander) adhere to soft materials like curtains and drapes, upholstery, and floor coverings. Here are some common methods for ridding your home of allergens:
- Replace window coverings with shades. If you rent and can’t acquire permission to switch them, keep the curtains clean and dust the drapes frequently.
- Replace overstuffed upholstered furniture with leather if possible.
- Scented candles, potpourri, and plug-in air fresheners, all of which can aggravate allergy symptoms, should be avoided.
- Consider replacing carpeting with wood or tile flooring. Otherwise, vacuum the carpet thoroughly on a regular basis.
Tip
Vacuuming has the effect of moving allergens around in the air. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to collect more of the particles and avoid recirculating cat dander.
