Constant cleaning helps keep allergens at bay
Springtime is the beginning of seasonal allergies for many of us. As the snow melts and the flowers, grass and trees sprout, so too does the sneezing.
If you know you are a seasonal sufferer, do not blame your newly acquired feline for exaggerating the symptoms. There are many steps you can take around your home to minimize allergies that are seasonal and animal related.
Remember, in multiple feline households, or any animal household, your vacuum is your best friend and best defense against pet hair, dust and dander. Vacuum frequently, but with an efficient vacuum, so that you are not just blowing more allergens into the air.
A vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter is a good choice, or a vacuum with a disposable electrostatic bag also works well. If you have a choice between high-end paper or cloth, pick the disposable cloth. It will be stronger and cleaner and more efficient than paper. Remember, anyone can market a vacuum geared for pet hair, but it still may not be as allergen free as it should be.
You may not be the only one that has allergies in your household. Please, remember our felines can have allergies to household dust and protein dust from their food bowls if they are not kept clean. Frequent washing of the floor around their food area keeps all allergies in check.
Besides pet areas, your rugs, drapes and upholstery collect allergens. Strive to limit fabric and regularly vacuum or steam clean them. A light hand-held steamer works for a light touch-up, but a professional service can offer a deeper cleaning.
For those of us with felines, it isn't called spring cleaning; more like 24/7 cleaning if you want to win the battle against allergens.
If you really want to minimize allergens, perhaps you should keep one room allergy free by denying your feline access to that room. Try to keep hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials in that space as well.
Your furnace can also be a quiet culprit in spreading allergens around the home. Certain furnace filters are more efficient for handling pet allergens. Look for filters with higher efficiency ratings. These filters are usually twice as expensive, but will be worth the relief. 3M makes some higher rated allergen diffusers that trap pet hair and dander efficiently.
Changing the filter often is key to allergy relief. An air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter may also be an aid in removing allergens from the air.
Some pet owners bathe their animals to reduce allergens. This is tricky because you can dry out your pet's coat if you wash too often. Brushing and combing in-between baths also helps.
In the end, you may have to get allergy shots or take some over-the-counter medications to combat the sneezing. But, at the end of the day, it is worth it to be able to snuggle up with our favorite felines.
Feature felines:
• Butch is a beautiful, dark tabby. He might seem aloof at first, but he really has a lot of love to give. He will make you prove yourself before he rubs against you or gives you a head butt. Once he is sure of you, though, he will roll on his back and show you his tummy when you walk in the door. He can be bribed with treats, and he loves catnip.
• Maverick is a white male with black highlights. He was found as a stray near the shelter, so he came to live with us. At first he wasn't too sure that he liked his new home or his new friends, but with a little time and the help of one of our temporary fosters he has come around. He is still a little shy but can easily be found in his new quarters in Room 1. He has come a long way in a short time and now enjoys the attention and cuddling he gets from his new friends.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.