Allergies are a common cause of human discomfort. Pollen, mold, dander, and dust mites are ubiquitous in our natural environment. In fact, the major allergen associated with allergies to cats is found even in surroundings not frequented by cats, such as hospitals, schools, and offices.

There are several steps that you can take to decrease your exposure to allergens:

• Keep the bedroom door closed to kitty at all times and clean the bedroom aggressively. Allergens are sticky substances that adhere to furnishings, walls, and carpets.
   

• When vacuuming wear a dust mask and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and steam clean frequently. Use throw rugs that can be washed in hot water.
   

• Cover bedroom vents with dense filtering material like cheesecloth as forced-air heating and air-conditioning can spread allergens through the house.
   

• Add an air cleaner with a HEPA filter to central heating and air conditioning.
   

• Keep surfaces throughout the home clean and uncluttered.
   

• Use air conditioning to help reduce the humidity as well as prevent exposure to outdoor allergens. Reducing humidity also decreases dust mite and mold growth. Dehumidifiers will help reduce both mold and dust mites.
   

• Prevent entry of pollen by keeping windows and doors closed.
   

• Avoid mold spores by reducing moisture around the bathroom and kitchen. Fix all leaks and other causes of damp areas.
   

• Limit yourself to a few houseplants.
   

• Rid the yard of moldy firewood and piles of leaves and weeds.
   

• Control cockroaches. Use baits and traps rather than chemical agents that can irritate rhinitis and asthma.
   

• Pet hair itself is not an allergen, but it can collect dander and harbor other allergens like dust and pollen. Frequently grooming your cat will reduce dissemination of cat allergen.
   

• Ask someone without a pet allergy to groom your cat to remove dander as well as clean the litter box.