There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed, although some individual dogs may cause fewer allergy symptoms than others. Many people think that pet allergies are caused by a dog's or cat's fur, but the real source of pet allergies is often a protein that's in the saliva and urine of dogs and cats. This protein sticks to the dead, dried flakes (dander) from your pet's skin.
Some dog breeds are marketed as hypoallergenic because they don't shed fur or they shed very little. Because these dogs don't shed, the allergy-causing dander that sticks to their fur doesn't get released into the air or onto the floor as much as with a shedding dog. But while you may have less dog hair with a nonshedding dog, no dog breed is hypoallergenic.
If you're allergic to dogs, but still want to have one, consider the following tips to reduce your allergy symptoms:
- Choose a smaller dog, which will shed less dander than will a larger dog.
- Keep your pet out of your bedroom and other rooms in which you spend a lot of time.
- Keep your pet outside, if weather permits.
- Bathe your pet weekly to remove dander from its coat.
- Choose carpet-free flooring, or shampoo your carpet regularly.
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier and vent filters to help reduce airborne pet allergens.
A Cat is the Best Natural Mouse Deterrent!!!
If you are looking for a natural mouse deterrent, consider getting a cat. The great thing about having a cat is their very presence will help to keep the mice away.
Having a cat on your property is one of the most natural ways to get rid of mice since you are letting nature take care of itself. It’s the cycle of life.
If you are thinking about getting a cat to use as a mouse deterrent – Read these tips so you know what to expect and make sure your cat knows how to hunt!!
How To Make Sure Your Cat Is An Effective Mouse Deterrent
Mice will build a home where they feel safe & secure. When they come into your home, they will look for an unoccupied area to live & breed. This may be in your walls, under the stove or in the attic. If they smell a cat in the area, they are very likely to find a better place to call home where they will not be hunted on a daily basis.
However, just because you have a cat, this does not mean you will never have a mouse in your house again. There may be a place in your house that does not have the smell of your cat, so the mice may still come in. Or if food & shelter is very limited in your area, the mouse may consider your home to be the only option.
How To Select A Cat That Will Catch Mice
First of all, not all cats are natural mousers. Ideally, you will be able to find a kitty that has lived for some time outside and knows how to hunt. If you live near a rural area, you can normally find barn cats looking for a good home.
Talk to your local humane society or shelter. They will know the cat’s background and should be able to help you select the right cat for your home. A kitten would be sweet, but will not know how to hunt. If you have your heart set on getting a kitten, many shelters will have both the mother & kittens that are up for adoption. The mother will be able to teach the kitten how to hunt. Female cats are also rumored to be better mousers.
Some cats will actually ignore mice, especially cats which have always lived indoors & have not been exposed to any type of hunting games or toys. Yes, there are lazy cats, just like lazy dogs & lazy people~
If you already have a cat, but he/she doesn’t know how to hunt, they can still be an effective mouse deterrent. Consider encouraging your cat to visit the area where you have the most mice. You could give it a few treats in the kitchen or play a game in the basement where the mice are known to frequent. Cats love to brush up against objects, leaving their scent trail behind. If you can encourage your cat to do this where you also have mouse activity, the trail they leave behind will be a good mouse deterrent as well.
Does Your Cat Have The Play Or Kill Mindset?
There are some cats that will just want to play with the mouse. Be prepared to watch your cat toy with a mouse, over & over & over again.
And they like to bring their toys home. You may find a dead mouse on your front porch or sometimes even in your house. A cat likes to bring its trophy home to his or her owner. They are very proud of their catch having sometimes been stalking them for days.
And occasionally your cat will bring home a mouse that is still alive. The funniest thing I heard was a story from my neighbor. Her cat brought home a mouse that must have just been stunned. The cat had it in her mouth when it came back inside. My neighbor saw her cat with the mouse & screamed. The cat let go of the mouse & it ran straight under her cupboards.
Make A Commitment To Your Cat
Getting a cat is a commitment. You have to remember that you are getting a pet, a new family member, not just an in-house mouse killing machine. Do you have the time and energy to devote to your new cat? Do you know where the cat will live? You’ll need a place to keep the litter box, toys, scratching post, etc.
Cats don’t require as much attention as some other pets, but they still need to be loved & cared for. So while getting a cat is a wonderfully natural solution to getting rid of your mouse problem, please make sure you are willing to commit to their care. After all, he or she is working hard for you and deserves a good home!
Article Credit: How To Get Rid Of Mice Today!
