What is Air Purifier for Allergies ?
Air purifiers are devices which help remove any contaminants in the air from a room. These small machines are beneficial to humans that suffer from a variety of allergens which can be found in the air and can also benefit cats that are allergic to air pollutants. Cats can be allergic to pollen, dust, lint, and cigarette smoke or smoke from a wood stove or fireplace. Running an air purifier in either one room which the cat spends a majority of his time or every room in the house can greatly reduce allergens that tend to affect cats.
When air purifiers are on, they effectively remove the many particles that cats can fall victim to. HEPA filters or ionic filters, which are commonly found in air purifiers, trap the microscopic, yet damaging, particles as the air passes through them. The more times the air travels through the filter, the cleaner the air is in any room. This can greatly reduce the cat’s wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, and even itchiness that can occur because of allergies.
Even though seasonal allergies can come from pollen which is outside, an air purifier in the house can keep any pollen particles at bay. Although pollen being released from the trees and flowers, cats can become affected by it as it enters the home.
Air purifiers come in many shapes and sizes. They also are available in different strengths with choices for larger rooms or very small areas. Cat owners also find that even if their cat does not have allergies, air purifiers keep the air clean for the cat, especially around the area where the litter box dust can affect the cat’s lungs and overall breathing.
An air purifier is a small or mid-sized machine which can be used in the home to help keep the air clean. For cats with allergies to dust, mold, pollen, or other pollutants, an air purifier may be beneficial to them.
Symptoms of Air Purifier for Allergies in Cats
If your cat has allergies, his immune system is highly sensitive to many different or specific substances. In terms of allergens within the air, your cat can be affected and may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Stuffy nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy or red skin
- Snoring
- Ear infections or irritations
- Scratchy throat
Types
Cats can suffer from a variety of environmental allergens. Many cat owners decide upon an air purifier to help with the symptoms. Different types of allergens within the air which cats can suffer from include:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Grass
- Ragweed
- Mold
- Mildew
- Household cleaning fumes
- Smoke
Causes of Air Purifier for Allergies in Cats
There are several factors which can cause allergies in cats. Causes of allergies in cats that can be controlled by using an air purifier include:
- An over reactive immune system affected by air allergens
- Immune system which fights the allergens, causing a reaction
- Specific air pollutants which cause the cat to release histamines
- Genetics
- Congenital abnormalities
Diagnosis of Air Purifier for Allergies in Cats
If you find that your cat is having symptoms of either seasonal allergies or year-round allergies, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will ask you questions about your cat’s symptoms, when they seem to worsen, and how long they have been present. Your veterinarian will then do a complete physical examination, blood work, urinalysis, biochemistry profile, and take a closer look at his skin, his nasal passages, throat, and any other areas of concern.
In order to test for allergies, your veterinarian will perform a complete battery of tests to see what is causing your cat to show the symptoms. He may choose to even test for food allergies; however, your veterinarian may begin the whole process by suggesting you change his environment. He may choose to perform a skin test and prick his skin with specific allergens to see what he has a reaction to. Your medical professional will make the decision as to where to begin and how intensive the testing should be at this point.
Treatment of Air Purifier for Allergies in Cats
If it is determined your cat is suffering from seasonal allergies or is allergic to specific allergens in the air, your veterinarian may recommend a few methods of treatment to help control them. Treatment methods may include:
Air Purifier
Once any testing is completed on your cat, your veterinarian may determine that an air purifier can help him breathe better and avoid many of the harsh symptoms of allergies. An air purifier can be purchased in many home stores or large department stores. Prices will vary according to brand and size.
Limiting Outside Time
While you really don’t want to completely eliminate outside time for your cat, if he is suffering from seasonal allergies, especially from pollen and grass or ragweed, he may need to remain indoors.
Antihistamines
Your veterinarian will prescribe your cat an antihistamine if he feels it is necessary. He may also choose to wait before prescribing to see if his symptoms become less with an air purifier and limiting outside time.
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Recovery of Air Purifier for Allergies in Cats
Once you are able to bring your cat home and begin to alter his environment to help his allergies, it may take a few weeks before you notice a difference. Your veterinarian may recommend other types of at-home care such as hypoallergenic bedding and frequent bathing and vacuuming.
If you are giving your cat antihistamines, it will be important to follow the directions on the prescription. Only use the medication that has been prescribed by your veterinarian. Never give your cat over the counter medications for human use.
If your cat’s allergies do not improve with the use of an air purifier, possible antihistamines, and other methods of allergy reduction, return to your veterinarian’s office. He may want to do further testing on your cat to see if there are other types of allergies, such as food allergies, or another underlying condition.
Air Purifier for Allergies Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic short hair
Moses
9 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
Uncomfortable
Scabs
Hello,
My cat has seasonal allergies (every year) from End of June through to the end of September. I have tried everything....anti histermines, anti itch shampoos, allergy wipes, probiotics and, for the last few years he has been on steroids for his condition. He suffers with extreme itching and scabs which mostly manifest on his chin, ears, under his collar, in his front armpits, above his eyes and around his mouth 😖 Instead of just masking his symptoms I am looking to try something different this year and wondered if an air purifier would help? We are all having poor sleep at the moment as he is up scratching at all hours!
June 28, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
From your description of Moses, he sounds like he does suffer from his allergies. I would be very surprised if an air purifier would be enough to keep those allergies from happening, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. Unfortunately, the only way to really resolve allergies is to do testing and give hypo sensitization injections, similar to people. Otherwise, you are just controlling the allergies when they occur. I hope that everything goes well for him.
June 29, 2018
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Domestic shorthair
Noel
9 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching, Asthma
My 9 year old cat has bad allergies. We've spent a fortune on testing both food and environmental. We've changed food, but she is also allergic to molds and some outdoor weeds even though she's an indoor cat. She is currently using oral AllerPaws, 3 mists per day in her mouth. Her asthma is getting worse. Would an air purifier help?
April 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
I'm so sorry that Noel has all these allergies. An air purifier will definitely not hurt, as it will clear the internal air of any possible irritants. I can't see it being a miracle, but it would be a good idea.
April 11, 2018
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Maine Coon
k and p
5 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wheezing, Asthma, Sneeze Congestion
Wheezing, Asthma, Sneeze,Congestion
how often do i need to change my hEPA air purifier air filters? i have 2 cats i'm allergic to in a studio apartment with me. how often do i need to change my hEPA air purifier air filters? i have 2 cats i'm allergic to in a studio apartment with me.
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/air-purifier-for-allergies-
March 19, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. HEPA filters all have different timeframes that they are effective for. You can look at the filter label, or ask your air condition professional what the recommended time frame. Since the general recommendation to change air filters in general is once a month, that might be a good place to start.
March 19, 2018
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Exotic Shorthair
Simon
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wheezing, Sneezing, Inflamed Eyes
My cat was diagnosed with rhinitis recently. It is not the result of a bacteria or virus so I decided to try air purifiers in my house to see if it would help. Can allergies cause rhinitis and can air purifiers help? How long would it take generally to see any positive results? Thanks!
