Because of the high potency of cat dander, I always advise my patients to avoid exposure when possible, but when it comes to pets, who can be like family members, this is not always possible. Short of getting rid of the cat, you can try these steps:

• Keep pets out of your bedroom and off your bed. When you sleep your body doesn’t clear your secretions as well, and this can provide severe respiratory symptoms.
• Use HEPA filter in air conditioners and vacuums, which have been shown to reduce airborne cat allergen, reduce symptoms and improve your breathing.
• Another step, albeit unpleasant, is to wash your cat on a weekly basis. This can temporarily lower cat dander levels. It you can’t get kitty in the tub, wipe her down with a damp washcloth or pet allergy wipes to keep the dander from fluffing up and getting into the air.

For patients who choose to live with their cats, I test them to see how allergic they are to cat dander, and if it is positive, I prescribe their unique formula for sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) to build up there immunity to the cat. Over time, this can dramatically reduce their symptoms and need for medications.