If you or your child suffers from cat allergies, you know how frustrating it can be to live with the sniffles, itchy eyes, and constant cleaning. At Brigite’s Bengals, we know this struggle intimately: our founder’s daughter is highly allergic, and keeping her comfortable at home meant learning how to manage cat allergens without giving up the cats we love.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between your health and your feline companions. With a little science and a lot of strategy, you can dramatically reduce allergens in your home. Here’s how.
🏡 HOME-BASED ALLERGEN CONTROL
1. Use True HEPA Air Purifiers
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers can reduce airborne cat allergens (Fel d 1) by 30–65%. Place one in your main living area and another in the bedroom for best results (source).
2. Vacuum with a HEPA Filter
Standard vacuums can actually recirculate allergens. Choose one with a HEPA filter or multi-layer bag system. Vacuum carpets, furniture, and curtains at least twice a week.
3. Wash Soft Fabrics Frequently
Cat dander clings to fabric. Wash bedding, throws, and curtains weekly in hot water. If your cat has a favorite spot, clean that area more often.
4. Minimize Carpet and Upholstered Furniture
Hardwood or tile flooring is easier to keep allergen-free. If rugs are necessary, choose low-pile, washable options and steam clean them regularly.
5. Bathe and Wipe Down Your Cat
Bathing your cat weekly can reduce Fel d 1 on their fur by up to 79% (source). Not all cats love baths, so try fragrance-free, allergen-reducing wipes between washes.
🌿 FELINE-FOCUSED SOLUTIONS
6. Feed an Allergen-Reducing Diet
Specialty diets like Purina LiveClear contain egg protein that neutralizes Fel d 1 in saliva. Over time, this can cut allergens by nearly 50%.
7. Groom Cats Outdoors
Brushing your cat outside keeps loose fur and dander from floating through the house. Always follow up with handwashing and fresh clothes.
🚑 FOR HUMAN ALLERGY SUFFERERS
8. Make the Bedroom a Cat-Free Zone
This creates a safe space for allergy sufferers to sleep without exposure. Pair this with a HEPA filter and frequent linen changes.
9. Wash Hands and Change Clothes
After petting your cat, always wash up. Keep a lint roller and extra shirt by the door for quick allergen control.
10. Try Allergy Medication or Immunotherapy
Daily antihistamines can reduce symptoms. For long-term relief, consult an allergist about immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops).
📍 EXTRA TIPS FROM BRIGITE’S BENGALS
- Neuter male cats: Intact males produce more Fel d 1
- Cover air vents with cheesecloth to trap allergens
- Provide a high-protein, balanced diet (our book Feed the Cat Better launching in August covers this in depth)
- Install a cat water fountain to encourage hydration and reduce grooming-related shedding
📚 Final Thoughts
Cat allergies are manageable. With a layered approach—cleaning, air control, grooming, and diet—you can create a healthier environment for everyone at home. It takes effort, but the reward is worth it: a happy cat, a healthy family, and no need to say goodbye.