Did you know 33.3% of Australian households own cats? While felines bring joy and companionship (as the real boss of the house), many owners or visitors struggle with sneezing, watery eyes and congestion when around them. Allergy symptoms can quickly turn cuddle time into discomfort, leaving some facing the heartbreaking decision to rehome their pet. But getting rid of cat allergies doesn’t necessarily mean getting rid of your four-legged friend! With the right approach – including employing a robot vacuum and mop, allergy relief treatments and regular grooming – cat allergies can typically be managed.
What Causes Cat Allergies?
Cat allergies are primarily caused by a protein called Fel d 1, commonly found in dead skin flakes, saliva and urine. When cats groom themselves, their saliva transfers Fel d 1 onto their fur, which dries and flakes off as dander. Eventually, this allergen becomes airborne and settles on your sofa, carpets, clothing and other surfaces.
Exposure to Fel d 1 can trigger allergic reactions. Common symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, skin rashes – and in some cases, wheezing or asthma attacks. If you suffer from asthma or sensitive immune systems, there is a chance to experience severe breathing issues after inhaling airborne allergens.
Better safe than sorry – if you frequently experience sneezing or congestion around kittens, consider getting tested. While you can get at-home allergy testing kits at pharmacies, consulting a doctor or allergist is highly recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
How To Reduce Cat Allergens at Home?
To reduce cat allergens at home, you can focus on cleaning methods, air filtration and proper pet care routines. The basics include vacuuming frequently, using an air purifier, and grooming your kitties regularly. Deep cleaning carpets and washing upholstery products also help minimise dander and keep allergy symptoms under control.
Clean your home frequently
Setting a cleaning routine is one of the most effective ways to reduce cat allergens. Dander and pet hair spread constantly and settle quickly on floors, furniture – basically any surface. All-in-one vacuums like DEEBOT T30S COMBO feature a robot vacuum cleaner for carpets and floors, together with a handheld vacuum with various brushes for different furniture. Mopping and wiping surfaces with a damp cloth also help trap fine particles. Vacuuming at least twice a week can significantly improve the air quality.
Upgrade to a Robot Vacuum with Tangle-free Brushes
Considering the effort and time required to keep allergies under control, it is worth upgrading to a smart vacuum. Their high suction power effectively lifts dander from floors, and the scheduling features allow them to run automatically as often as needed to reduce allergens. Take DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI as an example: its 12,800 Pa suction 1 powerfully removes pet hair and fine dander particles that trigger allergy flare-ups. Meanwhile, the ZeroTangle Anti-tangle Technology features Dual Comb Teeth Arrays for hair removal and flow guide, as well as an anti-tangling roller brush to further enhance performance with a 21° flat bristle structure and outward-rotating angled bristles, keeping hair from getting stuck.
Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers help remove airborne allergens like dander and dust. Run the purifier in high-traffic areas where your fluffy friend spends the most time, such as the living room. If you suffer from severe allergies, choose a purifier equipped with a HEPA filter, as it is highly effective at capturing ultra-fine allergens and airborne irritants like cat dander and dust mites.
Deep Clean Carpets and Furniture
It’s easy to spot a cat owner from the cat hair on the clothes, as feline dander cling to soft surfaces. Steam cleaning carpets, couches and curtains penetrates deep into fibres, removing stubborn dander and dried saliva that regular vacuuming may miss. Hence, it’s a good idea to steam clean carpets and upholstery every 1-2 months.
Protect Your Bed with Allergy-Proof Sheets and Covers
Do you sleep with your furry friend? Feline dander easily settles into your bedding and triggers sneezing and congestion. Thankfully, allergy-proof mattress covers and pillow protectors are designed to create a barrier against allergens. With a very close-knit fabric structure, they stop dust mites and other allergens from penetrating the material and irritating your skin.
Go for Cat Breeds that are Better for Allergy Sufferers
When getting a new furry friend, you should know that some cat breeds produce less Fel d 1 protein that triggers allergies. For example, Siberians, Balinese, Devon Rex and Cornish Rex are often considered hypoallergenic. While no kitten is completely allergen-free, these breeds would be easier to tolerate for people with allergies.
Keep Your Cat Clean with Regular Grooming and Baths
Yes, cats naturally groom themselves, but their saliva spreads Fel d 1 onto their fur, which dries and turns into an airborne trigger for allergies. Brush them daily to minimise shedding and the risk of spreading dander. Occasional baths with a pet-safe shampoo can also help – to help your mischievous one get used to baths, start slowly and reward them with treats.
Wash Cat’s Bed Weekly to Remove Allergens
Over time, a cat's bed can collect dander and dust. To prevent buildup, remember to wash it weekly in hot water. Opt for machine-washable pet bedding so you can simply toss it into the washing machine for a quick and thorough clean.
Are DEEBOT Robot Vacuums Good For Cat Allergies?
Yes, DEEBOT robot vacuums are great for reducing cat allergens at home. The advanced DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI features 12,800 Pa suction power 1 and Al Instant Re-Mop, which identifies heavy stains and immediately switches to deep clean mode to remove feline dander from floors and carpets. The ZeroTangle Technology prevents cat hair from clogging the roller brush, while the upgraded TruEdge Adaptive Edge Mopping further cleans corners and edges thoroughly, ensuring allergens don’t accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. After each clean, the OMNI station’s 70℃ Hot Water Mop Washing and 2-hour Hot Air Drying system keeps mops bacteria-free, stopping germs and odours from spreading around the house. If your kitten is scared of vacuums, help it relax by creating gradual and positive experiences.
Disclaimer(s):
● 12,800Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI can reach 12,800Pa.
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