What do you do if you've just found out someone in your family is allergic to your beloved cat? Arizona is full of allergens from desert blooms and pollution, so adding a pet can be difficult. The truth is that the best thing to do is to find another home for your pet. However, if that is too emotionally hard to do, here are some steps to try before you make that final decision:
- Start allergy shots for family members who are allergic.
- Limit the allergic person's contact with the cat. If they do touch the cat, be sure they wash their hands and change clothes.
- Keep the cat out of bedrooms and keep the door closed.
- Get a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter for your vacuum and be sure to vacuum your house often.
- Do a thorough vacuum of the area where the person with allergies sleeps. Then wash all of the fabric in the room, including sheets, pillows, comforters and curtains. Be sure to dust away any surfaces, especially places the cat likes to go.
- Get allergy covers for pillows and mattresses. That will help protect the person from pet dander that has already seeped in, as well as preventing more pet dander from building up.
- Get a HEPA allergy air filter for the bedroom and keep the door closed while you use it.
- Be ready to give more medications to control that person's allergies.
Be sure to consult with your Scottsdale Allergy and Asthma doctor about the steps you have taken and let them help you adjust your home environment and medication. You may be able to keep your pet if you are willing to do the work it takes to keep your family member healthy.
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