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Cats, carpets, & fel d1

June 19, 2002

I just moved into a house with hardwood floors and carpet in two rooms. My lanlord tells me I can't get a cat because once a cat lives in a house, the carpet will always give people with cat allergies reactions. Is this true? Doesn't a good steam cleaning deal with that? What part of a cat makes people allergic...the fur? Dander? If i can tell them it is not true they will let me get a cat! Please Help! -- Ivy, Seattle

The part of the cat that makes people allergic is called Fel d1. This is a protein secreted by the cat's sebaceous glands in the skin, and also by the salivary glands. This protein is sticky and easily adheres to walls, carpet, clothing, furniture, and bedding.

I replaced my carpet a few years ago and have not owned a cat since. I never had a cat in my bedroom. My carpet has been steam cleaned several times since installation. We used to have cats in our neighborhood, but I rarely see them anymore. I found it interesting that the Allergen Alert Home Allergen Detector I used last December indicated a moderate exposure of Fel d1 in my bedroom carpet. For more about the Allergen Alert, click here.

Cat allergen can be tracked in on shoes or brought in on clothing of visitors who have cats. Even for those who don't have cats, the doctor I work for recommends including it in the mixes for shots because cat dander is impossible to avoid.

Most authorities recommend regular steam cleaning of carpets for those who suffer from cat allergies. However, the best protection is to remove the carpet and use throw rugs which can be easily cleaned. Other things that will help include keeping the cat outside or at least out of your bedroom; using an air cleaner; and cleaning your cat with a product formulated to remove cat allergens while keeping your cat's coat conditioned and moisturized. (Click here for information from one of our sponsors about this product.)

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