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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.
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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.
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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!
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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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.
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.
You could be in with a chance to win one of our 10x $50 Prezzy Cards. Simply complete our Neighbourly survey before 14th September 2020, 9am.
Click below to take part and good luck!
2020 has been challenging and especially hard for small businesses. If you’re a small business owner looking to get back to business, then talk to Prospa, New Zealand’s small business lending specialist. Prospa offers business loans up to $300K with a fast decision and funding possible in 24 … View more2020 has been challenging and especially hard for small businesses. If you’re a small business owner looking to get back to business, then talk to Prospa, New Zealand’s small business lending specialist. Prospa offers business loans up to $300K with a fast decision and funding possible in 24 hours.
Apply in as little as 10 minutes so you can get back to business sooner.
Cash payout for a Lewis Chainsaw Winch in any condition, will travel to pickup. My plan is to rescue/restore one back to good working condition, & give it an easy retirement doing occasional jobs. So, if you've got complete winch that's not doing anything, or even just a dismantled … View moreCash payout for a Lewis Chainsaw Winch in any condition, will travel to pickup. My plan is to rescue/restore one back to good working condition, & give it an easy retirement doing occasional jobs. So, if you've got complete winch that's not doing anything, or even just a dismantled box of parts, then I have $$$ for you
Join the Yates Growing Community – a free online blog to share successes, get advice & win prizes in fun challenges along the way!
A great place for gardeners of all skill levels, including newbies, to come together. You just need a passion for gardening, and a willingness to share your … View moreJoin the Yates Growing Community – a free online blog to share successes, get advice & win prizes in fun challenges along the way!
A great place for gardeners of all skill levels, including newbies, to come together. You just need a passion for gardening, and a willingness to share your journey.
The current challenge running is the Vegie Growing Challenge, and there are over $4000 worth of Go Gardening vouchers and Yates goodies up for grabs
Animal-based fibres are wool, fur, and excretions, such as silk.
Alpaca: Alpaca is a very exclusive fibre, hollow in part of its structure, and it comes naturally in twenty-three different colours. It is extremely lightweight, has great insulation properties and is stronger than sheep’s wool. … View moreAnimal-based fibres are wool, fur, and excretions, such as silk.
Alpaca: Alpaca is a very exclusive fibre, hollow in part of its structure, and it comes naturally in twenty-three different colours. It is extremely lightweight, has great insulation properties and is stronger than sheep’s wool. Alpaca is mixed with other natural fibres such as mohair, silk, or wool to make luxurious garments of the highest quality, both in knitted and flat fabrics.
Alpaca fibres of higher quality coming from the shearing of pups and younger specimens are considered smoother, softer, and warmer than cashmere. It is currently being used to manufacture sportswear. The leading brands in sports have been seduced by this fibre due to its insulation qualities in cold weather.
Angora: Angora is a natural animal-based fibre that comes from the Angora rabbit. It is silky, thin, and soft. This “ultra-silky” white hair from the Angora rabbit is a hollow fibre classified as wool. The hair is light, with great water absorption and quick dry.
Extremely light but very warm, angora is used mainly to make woven clothes such as pullovers, vests, sweaters, and fashion accessories for winter season. Flat fabrics with angora are used to manufacture thermal garments. Angora is mixed with wool to create greater density and elasticity in the fabric, especially for the production of suits and blazers. It also used to make high-quality and luxurious garments.
Cashmere: Cashmere comes from the Kashmir goat, a native of the Himalayas.
Cashmere is a very expensive and exclusive fibre. It is extremely soft and has great thermal properties; cashmere is used to manufacture high-quality sweaters and children’s warm clothes. The well-known “pashmina” is a type of cashmere used in shawls and scarves, produced in the Kashmir Valley. More robust cashmere is employed to manufacture high-quality rugs and carpets.
Sheep wool: A limited supply and its exceptional qualities have made wool the most widely used animal-based textile fibre in the fashion and textile industry.
Wool is a fibre with curly appearance, elastic, soft to the touch, which easily absorbs moisture and has an extremely low rate of heat release. These last few characteristics make woollen garments comfortable and warm.
Wool is a fibre of multiple functions and a wide range of diameters that make it perfect for manufacturing clothing items and fashionable accessories. It is mixed with other natural and synthetic fibres to increase strength. Wool is also used in household textile products as well as in industrial developments such as thermal and acoustic insulation.
Mohair: Mohair is the hair of the Angora goat from the Tibet. It is a very shiny, insulating type of wool, softer and stronger than sheep wool. Mohair is white and dyes with exceptional ease. It has excellent absorption capacity and is mainly used to make knitted garments and crochet accessories. Mohair is also utilized in household textiles to make luxurious beddings and upholstery.
Camel hair: Obtained from Bactrian camels with two humps, it is a fine, soft fibre that is used exclusively in luxurious textiles due to its quality and small supply. To manufacture ultra-exclusive items, camel hair is mixed with cashmere and, in other cases, due to its high cost, it is combined with wool to reduce the final price tag of the garment.
This fibre is employed to manufacture a wide variety of clothing items –suits, coats, sweaters, and jackets—and other accessories for winter season such as gloves, hats, and scarves.
Silk: In many people’s eyes, silk is still “the queen of fabrics”.
Silk is a protein filament produced by the silkworm. Feeding on mulberry leaves, the worm produces liquid silk that once solidified forms the filaments to build its cocoon. Then, once the larva is dead, heat is used to soften the hardened filaments and to unroll them. These individual filaments are later intertwined into one single filament to form the silk yarn.
Silk is a lightweight, lustrous, and soft fibre. It is highly resistant to tensile strength with little or no elasticity. Silk is very glossy because of the triangular prism structure of the fibre and this causes garments made of this fabric to refract incoming light into different angles.
Naturally, silk is used in high-quality textile industry to produce exquisite accessories as well as luxurious, haute couture garments. Additionally, it is utilized in a wide range of home décor items.
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