Choose an Air Purifier to Reduce Cat Dander
Cat dander is extremely small and sticky. It attaches itself to floors, carpet, walls, linens and even ceilings. If you have been tested and found to have a cat dander allergy, then you may need to make changes around your home to reduce the presence of dander. The first step is to remove pets from your vicinity; however, if you want to keep your pet, you can also reduce the amount of cat dander in the air by vacuuming and buying an air purifier. Certain models of room or forced air filters pick up dander better. Find out how to choose an air purifier to reduce cat dander.
Steps
- Decide if you need a room purifier or a whole house model. You must have a forced air system in order to install a whole house model. Most people choose room purifiers because you can transport them from room to room or other locations.
- If you have a forced air heating system, you should look for a model that can be installed within this heating system. If you buy a room air purifier, allergens will circulate through the air by the forced air heating and cooling system, so you will find it is harder to clean the air room by room.
- Do not choose ozone generators. Air purification units that emit ozone have been found to put you at risk for other respiratory health concerns.
- Figure out the square footage of the room or part of the home you would like to purify. Look for an air purifier that can purify an area larger than this number.
- Choose an air purifier and a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. If the machine does not say it contains a HEPA filter, then it is not designed to remove extremely fine allergens from the air.
- Look for air purifiers with HEPA filters that can be cleaned. It is recommended that HEPA filters are replaced at least once per year, which should be calculated into the total cost of the air purifier. Newer models, that may be more expensive up front, may save you money in the long run.
- Check the filter indicator feature. The best air filtration models test the dirtiness of the filter, instead of suggesting you replace the filter after a certain amount of time.
- Look for models that contain an air quality meter. If you are unsure what the air quality is in your home and your allergies are extremely sensitive, this can tell you when it's time to clean the house and remove dander from your cat, in addition to using an air purifier.
- Search for good air purifier models on allergy product sites. Places like achooallergy.com and allergybuyersclub.com advertise models that are well known for removing cat dander. Compare these models based on features and price.
- Shop around for the best deals on the air purifier you like best. Looking on Amazon.com, Costco.com, Overstock.com or Buy.com may yield a discounted price on the air purifier of your choice.
- Install the filter. Run it at least 4 hours per day to reduce pet dander in your home. Replace the filter frequently, as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not allow pets into certain rooms in the house. This will reduce the amount of dander in the room, so that you can place a room air purifier in specific locations where it will do the most good. Doctors recommend that you bar cats from bedrooms immediately to reduce dander where people sleep.
Tips
- Buy special cat dander wipes for your cat. These wipes can help soften the skin and reduce the amount of cat dander that they shed.
- Clean all the surfaces of your home regularly. Air purifiers do not remove cat dander that is stuck on walls or floors. Allergy doctors recommend you vacuum the floors, walls and ceilings with a HEPA filter vacuum. Then, you should mop floors weekly and wash walls frequently.
Things You'll Need
- Room/house square footage
- HEPA filter vacuum
- HEPA filter air purifier
- Replacement HEPA filters
- Air quality meter
- Washable HEPA filter
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- Reduce Allergies to Dogs
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- Choose an Air Purifier for Allergies
