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What is cat allergen?
An allergen is a material that is capable of provoking an allergic reaction, such as pollen grains, dust mites or foods. Cat allergen is not cat hair, but a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles that can … View moreWhat is cat allergen?
An allergen is a material that is capable of provoking an allergic reaction, such as pollen grains, dust mites or foods. Cat allergen is not cat hair, but a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles that can produce allergic symptoms when inhaled into the nose or lungs.
Although individual cats may produce more or less allergen, there is no relationship between the pet’s hair length and allergen production, and no such thing as a non-allergenic breed.
Where is cat allergen found?
Cat allergen is present in the largest amounts in homes with cats, but has also been found in homes where cats have never been present, and in offices or public spaces where animals are not allowed. Cat allergen is particularly sticky and is carried on clothing to other locations. It is almost impossible to not be exposed to some level of cat allergen. Of course, levels of exposure will be much higher where cats are present, and these levels are more likely to cause allergic symptoms.
Because cat allergen particles are particularly small (1/10 the size of dust mite allergen), they remain airborne for prolonged periods of time. Cat allergic individuals are more likely to have a rapid onset of symptoms when entering a room with cats, because the allergen will be in the air and can be easily inhaled. Opening windows, using exhaust fans and using high-efficiency air cleaners can decrease airborne allergen levels.
Soft furnishings, such as carpets, sofas, and mattresses, will hold cat allergen even after a cat is removed from the home or banished from the bedroom. It has been shown that it can take as long as 20 weeks for levels of allergen in carpets to decrease to the levels found in a home without a cat, and up to five years for cat allergen levels in mattresses to decrease to such levels. Removal or treatment of the carpet and sofa, and encasing of the mattress, will reduce the continued exposure to these reservoirs of allergen.
Cat allergen is also found on vertical surfaces such as walls. Attempts to decrease cat allergen exposure in a home should include wall cleaning. If the cat is removed to a restricted area of the home, it is important to realise that airflow through the duct system in a hot air heated home could spread the allergen. Efficient vent and furnace filters could help trap the allergens and reduce this spread.
Step 1: Use Allergen Wash. To get all the cat saliva and dander off your clothing and bedding, use a special detergent that removes all allergens. Use the warmest water setting possible for the fabrics to get all of the saliva and dander out.
Step 2: Use a vacuum with a high efficiency air filter. These filters remove more allergens from the carpeting and upholstery than regular vacuums. Vacuum all the floors and furniture thoroughly to get everything out. Wait several hours after the first vacuuming and go over everything again. This allows the dust you stir up the first time to settle, and you get the remnants of that dust on the second vacuuming. Make sure to empty the vacuum or change the bag outside to prevent everything you vacuumed from coming back in.
Step 3: Steam clean. After vacuuming everything completely, go over the whole area with a steam cleaner. The steam cleaner gets more of the allergens out of the carpet than the vacuum, picking up the cat saliva and dander deeper in the fibres.
Step 4: Take it to the cleaners. Take things you can't wash, such as curtains, to the cleaners. Cleaning will remove the cat saliva and dander from the fabrics. Curtain Clean has a special product used to remove cat allergen. You should advise your curtain or dry cleaners of your allergy so they may apply the correct product.
Step 5: Keep the cats off your fabrics. As soon as the cats get close to any of the fabrics, the dander and saliva will return. Studies have demonstrated that washing of cats with water removes much of their surface allergen, and significantly reduces the amount of future cat allergen produced.
Hungry for local customers? Give your business a restart boost with a FREE 3-month Premium Business Listing.
Usually $150, your 3-month Premium Listing enables you to reach thousands of people who live around your business! Find friendly locals who want your services, introduce your team and … View moreHungry for local customers? Give your business a restart boost with a FREE 3-month Premium Business Listing.
Usually $150, your 3-month Premium Listing enables you to reach thousands of people who live around your business! Find friendly locals who want your services, introduce your team and share what makes you stand out from the rest.
There's no catch and no hidden fees. It's just our small way of saying thank you for playing such an essential part in our communities.
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*This is a limited time offer
A talented group of residents and staff (inspirees) from three retirement villages (Bert Sutcliffe Village, Logan Campbell Village and Murray Halberg Village) in Auckland, New Zealand have recreated the Music Video "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake. With an average age of… View moreA talented group of residents and staff (inspirees) from three retirement villages (Bert Sutcliffe Village, Logan Campbell Village and Murray Halberg Village) in Auckland, New Zealand have recreated the Music Video "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake. With an average age of 80 years and a combined age of more than 2800 years it shows you can't stop the feeling!
wanted to buy preserving jars, must be AG medium large and small, a dozen of each to replace ones sent to dump,
urgent .
please txt or email me. thanks
For this Nelson collector, houseplants help her cope with health challenges. "It’s been proven that distraction is a really good pain relief and the plants gave me something to focus on and interrupt the pain pathways.”
It's that time of year again! ?
Chat to us about how we can help your child manage exam block.
Key tips for a warmer, drier home, Mould, 8 of 9, 2015.
Use bleach or white vinegar to remove mould from ceilings and walls.
Created by New Zealand's Ministry of Health.
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A property at 51 Silverton Road Poraiti has sold by the owner using FISBO a new private sale service started in Napier, New Zealand. The owners are over the moon as they only paid for marketing to sell with Zero Commission to pay on sale. FiSBO has 4 week campaigns starting from $1499+GST . Keep a… View moreA property at 51 Silverton Road Poraiti has sold by the owner using FISBO a new private sale service started in Napier, New Zealand. The owners are over the moon as they only paid for marketing to sell with Zero Commission to pay on sale. FiSBO has 4 week campaigns starting from $1499+GST . Keep a look out for other Property Sales Alerts from FiSBO right here on neighbourly.
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging the 620,000 motorists with temporary Warrant of Fitness extensions to get their vehicles checked before October 10.
The NZTA issued an extension to WoFs during COVID-19 Alert Level 4, allowing motorists to operate their vehicles during this time.
What you need to … View moreWaka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging the 620,000 motorists with temporary Warrant of Fitness extensions to get their vehicles checked before October 10.
The NZTA issued an extension to WoFs during COVID-19 Alert Level 4, allowing motorists to operate their vehicles during this time.
What you need to know:
- Book a WoF as soon as possible with your local mechanics to avoid delay.
- In a statement, MTA reported that there here may be a higher fail rate with some vehicles not been checked for over 12 months.
- Other documents with temporary extensions: CoFs, regos, vehicle certifications, and driver licenses.
- MTA reports that a total of 1.62 million inspections need to be completed between now and October 31.
For more information on temporary documentation extensions, see the NZTA Website.
Click here for more information on the WoF inspection process.
Kia ora Neighbours!
Have you noticed something a little different on Neighbourly today? To celebrate Māori Language Week, we’ve given our logo a little update.
'Haporitanga' means ‘the many principles and actions of being a community’ and we think it’s a great way to … View moreKia ora Neighbours!
Have you noticed something a little different on Neighbourly today? To celebrate Māori Language Week, we’ve given our logo a little update.
'Haporitanga' means ‘the many principles and actions of being a community’ and we think it’s a great way to express what Neighbourly is.
Want to get involved in Maori Language Week? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Weather is a bit dodgy today... But looks all good for a clean up throughout the weekend. Get in touch now and we can sort you out with a PortaSkip.
Competition alert! Father's Day is just around the corner and we're giving away a $100 Prezzy Card for your Dad to spend on the things he really wants!
All you've got to do is tell us something you most love about your dad. So, take a trip down memory lane and share with us your … View moreCompetition alert! Father's Day is just around the corner and we're giving away a $100 Prezzy Card for your Dad to spend on the things he really wants!
All you've got to do is tell us something you most love about your dad. So, take a trip down memory lane and share with us your moments that have become memories.
Comment below to enter, hurry though, entries close this Sunday 6th September 2020. T&C apply.
Bike in good useable condition but unfortunately you are unable to change gears & hopefully an easy fix for someone. Bike comes with a helmet & lock.
Two Napier houses are for sale after their owners failed to pay rates.
In both cases the owners claim they did not know the council had applied to the High Court to sell their house sold.
Justin Gregory, a 75 year-old engineer, has lived in his house for 41 years.Gregory said he had no idea his … View moreTwo Napier houses are for sale after their owners failed to pay rates.
In both cases the owners claim they did not know the council had applied to the High Court to sell their house sold.
Justin Gregory, a 75 year-old engineer, has lived in his house for 41 years.Gregory said he had no idea his rates weren’t being paid.
“I got a letter earlier this year telling me to set up a direct debit to pay my rates, so I went to the bank and did that. I thought it was coming out of my pension automatically, like my power and insurance,” he said.
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