9 Ways to Reduce Cat Allergens in Your Home

Suffering from cat allergies? Learn 9 effective ways to reduce allergens in your home, from cat-friendly diets to cleaning tips.

What Causes Allergies to Cats?

Many people assume cat fur is the culprit behind allergies, but it’s actually a protein called Fel d 1, found in your cat’s saliva, skin, and urine. When your cat grooms themselves, this sneaky protein ends up on their fur and skin. As they shed, tiny flakes of skin, or dander, float around your home.

Cat dander is lightweight and loves to hitch a ride on your furniture, clothes, and bedding. If you’re allergic, simply breathing it in can lead to sneezing, itchy eyes, and coughing. But don’t worry—just a few simple changes can help manage those allergens and make your home more comfortable. Here’s how:

1. Change Your Cat’s Diet

One of the simplest ways to reduce allergens starts with what’s in your cat’s bowl. The ProPlan Live Clear range is designed to neutralise the Fel d 1 protein—the main trigger for most cat allergies. By switching to this food, you can reduce the allergens your cat produces.

2. Minimise Items that Trap Dander

Certain household items like rugs, decorative pillows, and blankets can easily collect dander and allergens. Reducing the number of these items in your home, or opting for easily washable fabrics, can make a big difference in keeping allergens under control. If you love your rugs and throw pillows, be sure to wash them regularly in hot water.

3. Keep Air Moving

Good airflow can make a huge difference in keeping allergens at bay. Running your air conditioner helps circulate and filter air, while keeping your home cool and comfortable. Don’t forget to clean or replace your AC filters regularly to keep things running smoothly.
An air purifier can also help filter out airborne dander, especially in your cat’s favourite hangout spots.

4. Groom Your Cat Regularly

Regular grooming, including brushing and the occasional bath or wipe-down, is one of the best ways to reduce shedding and dander. Brushing your cat a few times a week helps remove loose fur and prevents allergens from spreading. While frequent baths can be harsh on your cat’s skin, an occasional bath with a cat-specific shampoo or a quick wipe-down with cat wipes can help keep dander under control.

5. Wash Your Cat’s Bedding (and Yours!) Weekly

Wherever your cat curls up to sleep, allergens build up. Washing your cat’s bedding weekly in hot water can help remove that pesky Fel d 1 protein. If your cat snuggles with you at night, be sure to wash your own sheets regularly too.

6. Play with Care

Playtime is fun, but be mindful of how allergens spread during those cuddles and games. Scratching, licking, or rubbing up against you can transfer dander to your skin and clothes. After playtime, give your hands a good wash to avoid any post-play allergic reactions.

7. Revamp Your Cleaning Methods

When it comes to cleaning, a few key changes can make all the difference in keeping allergens under control:

• Use damp cloths or mops rather than dry dusting, which can send dander into the air instead of trapping it.
• Regularly wipe down surfaces where your cat likes to spend time.
• Wear a face mask while vacuuming or dusting to protect yourself from inhaling allergens.
• Consider steam cleaning carpets and upholstery periodically to reduce deep-seated allergens.

8. Keep the Litter Box Clean

Using a low-dust, unscented litter can help reduce airborne allergens, and making scooping a daily habit will keep allergen buildup in check.
Place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to prevent allergens from lingering in one spot and spreading throughout your home.

9. Limit Your Cat’s Access to Certain Areas

Limiting your cat’s access to specific areas of your home can help keep allergen levels down, especially in bedrooms or other areas where people with allergies spend the most time. By creating “allergen-free zones,” you can minimise your exposure to dander and make certain areas of the home more comfortable.

Are Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Real?

Despite popular belief, there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat. The real culprit behind cat allergies is the Fel d 1 protein, found in their saliva, skin, and urine—not their fur. Hairless cats, like the Sphynx, still produce this protein and often create more skin oils, which can lead to increased dander.

That said, some breeds are considered more allergy-friendly because they shed less, reducing the spread of dander in your home. If you're looking for a breed that might be easier on your allergies, here are a few to consider:

Low Shedding Cat Breeds

• Devon Rex
• Cornish Rex
• Burmese
• Russian Blue
• Oriental Shorthair

Bonus: Siberian Cats
Siberian cats shed moderately but are known to produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein which may make them a better option for some allergy sufferers.

While no breed is completely allergen-free, these tend to shed less and could be a better fit for people with mild allergies.