February 8, 2009

Dear Obie,
Sometimes when I wake up in the night, my cat, Felix, is licking my head! Why does he do that?
Signed, Colin
Salem, Oregon


Dear Colin,
One of the very first things a newborn kitten experiences is its mother licking and grooming it. And let me tell you from my own experience when I was just a kitten, there is no more amazing feeling in the world! It is a feeling of pure comfort and warmth and love! When Felix licks your head, he is trying to pass along that feeling that he got from his mother. Be happy! It means Felix really loves you!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My best friend, Sally, can't come play at my house because she is allergic to cats. I really want her to come over and play with my two kitties, Henry and Mr. Gonzo. Why are some people allergic to cats?
Signed, Zara
Tucson, Arizona


Dear Zara,
Many people believe that it is cat fur that causes an allergic reaction in humans, but that is not the case. All of us cats have a protein in our saliva known as FEL D1. When we groom ourselves, that protein is deposited onto our fur, and from there it makes its way onto the carpet and furniture in our house. Some people have an allergic reaction to this protein where others don't, just like any other allergen, like pollen or citrus. Some cats have more of the protein than others, which is why people who are "allergic" to one cat might not be allergic to another.

For years, it was believed that regularly bathing a cat would reduce the allergic reaction in a resident human, but recent studies are saying otherwise. Many scientists now believe it is better to wipe the cat with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any loose dander. There are also products on the market that can help reduce the effects of FEL D1. Talk to your vet about those.

Here are some other tips to help make your house more allergy free, and help both your friends who might visit or resident humans in the house who are allergic. Keep your cats out of the bedroom. Many humans, like mine, love to have their kitties sleep on the bed with them, but the protein can get into the blankets and make the bed a real allergy-monster! Vacuum regularly with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum to remove dander and hair that might have the FEL D1 protein on it. Using HEPA air filters in the rooms frequented by your kitties also helps. Another great tool is a vapor steam cleaner. Steam cleaners provide a chemical-free way of cleaning and killing dust mites, mold spores, bacteria and cat allergen. Wash your hands immediately after petting your cat, and avoid rubbing your eyes or face until you do wash your hands. And remember that you do not have to get rid of your kitty! Taking the above steps will allow you and your kitty to live happy lives together.

Always remember this one fact: the protein that causes the allergic reaction has to be airborne and you have to breathe it in to have a reaction! Following the above tips, such as using a HEPA air filter in your house, will pull those allergens out of the air and make your house safe for you and your friends!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Two of my very best pals when I was at Salem Friends of Felines were Priscilla and Grace O'Malley. They have been there for a long time, and I can't understand why nobody has adopted them! They are really sweet kitties, and they deserve to have a loving home where they can sleep in the sunlight and purr happily when their new humans love on them! Please stop by Friends of Felines and spend some time with Priscilla and Gracie. Trust me; you'll fall in love with them, too!

*****

Remember, folks, I am not a vet! I am a cat! Always talk to your vet before making any medical decisions regarding your cat! Please!