How to Reduce Cat Allergies Through Grooming

How to Reduce Cat Allergies Through Grooming

If you’re a cat lover, it’s frustrating when you get close to a kitty only for allergies to flare up. Many people suffer from allergies, with symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, swelling in the throat and rashes on the chest or face. But, the attraction of getting close to a cat is often too hard to resist. Luckily, if you’re a cat owner there are a few things that you can do to help reduce allergic reactions.

So how do you reduce  cat allergies through grooming? The top tips for grooming cats to reduce allergies include wiping their fur with a damp cloth, brushing the fur and regular bathing. These steps all help to remove dander from the home which is what causes allergies. 

Read on to find out more about the top tips for reducing cat allergies through grooming including the appropriate products and tools. 

How Does Grooming Help Reduce Cat Allergies?

Regular grooming sessions are a great way to keep your pet’s coat clean and healthy throughout the year. This should also be backed up with regular at home grooming. But did you know that it can also help to reduce cat allergies? It helps reduce the amount of dander that is released in your home, clothes and when you hold your animal. 

Contrary to what many people think, allergies are not caused by a reaction to your pet’s hair, they are caused by a reaction to dander. Dander is a fine dust that comes from the dead skin of an animal – a little bit like dandruff. These pet allergens are widely distributed in the air due to their size which makes it hard to avoid breathing them in.

WIPE FUR WITH A DAMP CLOTH

Using a damp cloth or sponge on a daily basis will help remove dander from the surface of your cat’s fur and skin. This is relatively stress free for a cat and it can actually be enjoyable as to them it feels like you’re stroking them. To ensure that it reduces the amount of dander in your home, rinse the cloth following use.

BRUSH THE FUR

Regular brushing helps reduce the amount of loose dander on your pet’s skin. To reduce the amount of dander in the home it’s often useful to do this task outside or in a designated cat area. You should use both a fine bristle soft brush and a regular hair brush. Regular brushing is essential for any cat as it helps prevent their skin from matting. 

REGULAR BATHING

Most cats hate water, however in severe cases, we recommend you bathe them regularly. If someone in your home has bad allergies that should be once a week. If you need advice on bathing cats, our free consultation can help determine the best products and tools for your pet’s fur type.

How Else Can You Reduce Cat Allergies?

Alongside routine grooming, there are other steps you can take to reduce your allergy to cats:

ADOPT A RIGOROUS CLEANING ROUTINE

Adopting a rigorous cleaning regime will reduce the amount of dander in your home. Dander collects dust on all surfaces, so dust all shelves and flat surfaces that your cat spends time near. You should also vacuum regularly and wash all cat beds and blankets at least once a week. 

RESTRICT YOUR CAT’S ACCESS

To make the cleaning process easier, you should restrict your cat’s access in your home. This is especially important in your bedroom as your allergies are likely to impact your sleep. Your cat can also bring more allergens into your home via pollen and mould. Restricting their access to outdoor areas reduces your exposure to airborne allergens.  

TAKE ANTIHISTAMINES

Antihistamines are a useful medication for reducing an allergic reaction to cats. You should always visit a doctor or ask the pharmacist for advice with any medicine, to establish the correct dosage that is right for your allergies. 

Cat Grooming at The Pet Retreat

At The Pet Retreat, we offer cat grooming services to help reduce your allergy. We can advise on the best products, tools and techniques to keep your pet’s fur healthy. Book a free consultation today to start the process with one of our expert groomers. 

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Please note: Due to our policy of having no dogs in the salon when we have cats we do have a longer wait time for cat grooming appointments, so please ensure you book your cat grooming appointments well in advance.