Cat Allergens & How to Help Manage Them at Home

Person in red and white checkered pajamas sitting cross-legged on a dark blue couch, holding an orange cat on their lap.

Learn what causes cat allergies and get our expert tips for how to help manage cat hygiene and keep your home environment clean.

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We love our kitties, but allergies? Not so much. Cat allergies are a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide. These allergies are primarily triggered by allergens found in cat dander, saliva and urine.1 When cats roam the house, groom themselves or cuddle up to you, these allergens can become airborne and spread. Understanding cat allergies can help you better manage and mitigate their impact on your day-to-day life.

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Common cat allergy symptoms

If you experience any of these and you own a cat, you may be allergic.2

  • Respiratory symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
  • Eye symptoms: Itchy, watery or red eyes
  • Skin reactions: Rashes, itching or hives, especially after contact
  • Asthma flareups: Tightness in chest, wheezing or difficulty breathing

Causes of cat allergies

Where do allergens from cats come from, exactly?

The primary culprit behind cat allergies is the Fel d 1 protein, which is present in cat saliva, dander and urine. When cats groom themselves, this protein is transferred to their fur and skin, eventually becoming airborne as dander. These tiny allergen particles can float through the air and settle on various surfaces within the home, including furniture, carpets and clothing. As a result, even brief contact with these surfaces can trigger allergic reactions, making it challenging to avoid exposure to cat allergens.

Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your life as a cat parent. Follow our steps that use three effective Clorox products to remove 99% of allergens, including pet dander, dust mite matter and cockroach matter.

What you need

Steps to reduce cat allergens at home

  1. Clean your home

    Remove pet allergens from hard, nonporous surfaces throughout your home by wiping surface clean with a Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe. Let air dry. For larger cleaning jobs, spray Clorox™ Clean-Up™ Cleaner + Bleach Spray & Mold Remover 4 to 6 inches from surface until thoroughly wet. Let stand for 3 minutes. Wipe clean. For surfaces that may come into contact with food, a potable water rinse is required.

    Tip

    Don’t just clean where your cat hangs out. Surfaces like ceiling fans, fireplaces and molding can be typical places that dust and pet dander pile up.

  2. Groom your cat

    Brush your cat regularly, ideally outside if possible, to help reduce the amount of loose fur and dander. Grooming wipes can also help remove allergens from their coat.

    Tip

    Follow up your grooming routine with Clorox™ Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths to wipe or mop floors clean. Let air dry.

  3. Regularly wash your pet items

    Choose a cat bed with a removable cover, and consider washing it on a weekly basis. If your pet bed does not have a removable cover, we recommend vacuuming it regularly to help reduce allergens. Don’t forget other items like cat trees, scratching posts and carriers, and consider frequently washing your bedding and clothing.

  4. Limit contact where possible

    Increased exposure to cat dander can flare up those allergies. It may be a good idea to keep your cat out of your bedroom and off upholstered furniture, and minimize close contact like hugging, petting or kissing your cat. Have someone without allergies groom your cat.

  5. Manage your symptoms

    Talk to your doctor to manage your symptoms. They may recommend taking over-the-counter allergy medication when needed or immunotherapy that can help reduce your sensitivity over time.

Best products for allergen removal

HEPA filters and other products in the market may help manage pet allergens at home.

While having a cat unfortunately means living with allergens on some level, a regular allergy cleaning routine may help you manage their effects. Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes and Clorox™ Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach Spray & Mold Remover remove 99% of allergens on hard surfaces, including pet dander, dust mite matter and cockroach matter, while Clorox™ Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths can help remove allergens on floors.

Did you know cat dander is the smallest pet dander particle?3 Air purifiers equipped with True HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, significantly improving indoor air quality.4

HEPA filter vacuums are designed to trap allergens during cleaning, preventing them from being released back into the air. These vacuums are particularly effective at removing dust mites, pet dander, and other fine particles from carpets and upholstery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hypoallergenic cat breeds exist?

While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds are known to produce fewer allergens and may be more suitable for people with allergies. These include Siberian and Siamese.

Can you develop cat allergies later in life?

Yes. Our immune systems are constantly evolving, as are our lives. For example, you may adopt a cat who sheds much more than your childhood cat. Or perhaps your cat sleeps in your bed now when it didn’t used to. Even your cat’s gender can be a factor — researchers say you’re more likely to be allergic to male cats than females.5

Are some people more prone to cat allergies?

Yes, usually due to genetics. A family history of allergies, asthma, hay fever or eczema are more likely to develop cat allergies. Additionally, some individuals may have a more sensitive immune system that reacts negatively to pet allergens.

Can I still have a cat if I’m allergic?

Having a cat is up to you. We recommend creating an allergy-free zone where your cat is not allowed, regularly vacuum floors and furniture and launder your bedding and invest in an air purifier to help reduce airborne allergens.

Can cat allergies trigger asthma?

Yes. For those with asthma, managing exposure to cat allergens with our tips above is critical to prevent flareups.