Use air filtration in your home to remove cat allergens. Placing HEPA filters into rooms that you and your cat frequent can reduce cat allergens.
If you’re living with cat allergies, home should feel like a safe haven, not a sneezy battlefield. Thankfully, science shows there’s a powerful, practical way to lower cat allergens in your space: air filtration.
Cat allergens are sneaky. The protein Fel d 1, the main culprit behind allergic reactions, can stay airborne for hours and cling to furniture, clothes, and even walls. For modern cat parents with sensitivities, understanding how air filtration works to reduce these invisible irritants is key to creating a healthier home.
At Moricat, we’re here to translate the science into real-life, stylish solutions that work for both you and your feline roommate.
Only high-efficiency filters like HEPA significantly reduce airborne cat allergens.
The Maya-Manzano study compared several homes with and without filtration devices and found that HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air filters) were much more effective at removing Fel d 1 from the air than standard filters. In rooms with HEPA filtration, cat allergens dropped by up to 50% over just two weeks, without any changes in cat behavior or cleaning routines.
Strategic placement of filters matters more than blanketing your home with machines. Rather than placing units everywhere, focus on rooms where you spend the most time, like your bedroom or living room. The study found that filters placed in frequently used areas had the most impact on allergen exposure. Closing doors while the filter runs can further concentrate its effect.
Filters help, but don’t forget about surfaces where allergens land and build up.
While HEPA units reduce floating Fel d 1 and dust particles, allergens still settle on carpets, curtains, and bedding. Complement your filter with frequent vacuuming (with a HEPA vacuum) and washing soft furnishings weekly. The combination cuts allergen levels much more effectively than any one method alone.
Your filter can only help if you keep it clean and running regularly.
Most air purifiers in the Maya-Manzano and colleagues study ran 24/7, and filter cartridges were changed based on manufacturer instructions. To stay effective, follow a regular cleaning and replacement schedule. A clogged or dusty filter not only stops working, but it can even release trapped allergens back into your space.
Cleaner air isn’t just for humans because your cat breathes it in too.
Cats with respiratory issues like asthma also benefit from reduced particulate matter and airborne irritants. In the study, particulate matter (PM2.5) (tiny particles that can inflame airways) also dropped significantly with HEPA filtration. That’s a win-win for everyone’s lungs.
Conclusion
Reducing cat allergens doesn’t mean giving up your cuddle buddy, rather it means making thoughtful changes to your environment. Adding an air filter (especially a HEPA model) is a low-effort, high-impact step that can make your home more comfortable for everyone.
Start small: try one filter in the room you use most, and observe how you feel after a few days. Pair it with light weekly cleaning and plenty of airflow. With time, you'll notice a clearer nose and a happier cat too!
Moricat is here to guide you with smart, science-backed insights for living stylishly and sneeze-free with your best furry friend.
Reference
Maya‐Manzano, J. M., Pusch, G., Ebner von Eschenbach, C., Bartusel, E., Belzner, T., Karg, E., Bardolatzy, U., Scheja, M., Schmidt‐Weber, C., & Buters, J. (2022). Effect of air filtration on house dust mite, cat and dog allergens and particulate matter in homes. Clinical and Translational Allergy, 12(4), e12137-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12137
Written by: T.T.
