HEPA is Not Enough for Battle Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) in your Cat Boarding Facility.

As a cat boarding facility owner or operator, maintaining a clean, healthy, and comfortable environment for your feline guests is a top priority. While standard cleaning routines are crucial, there’s one area that often goes overlooked: the quality of the air itself. Traditional air purifiers, like HEPA-based systems, are a common choice for reducing dust and allergens, but when it comes to eliminating viruses, bacteria, and odors, their effectiveness can be limited.

For cat boarding facilities, where multiple cats share a confined space, improving air quality is essential to providing a safer environment. This is where active air purification technologies stand out as a more comprehensive solution compared to traditional HEPA filters. Using technologies like Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO), Activated Oxygen (O3), Ionization, and OdoGard filtration, active air purifiers go beyond filtering particles—they actively neutralize harmful contaminants and eliminate odors throughout the entire space, not just treating the air that passes through it.

Why Standard HEPA Air Purifiers Aren’t Enough.

Traditional HEPA air purifiers work by drawing air through a dense filter that traps dust, dander, and other airborne particles. While this can help reduce visible dust and some allergens, HEPA filters have significant limitations:

• Only Capture, Not Neutralize: HEPA filters are designed to trap particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. This means they capture contaminants like dust, dander, and some allergens but may not effectively remove smaller pathogens like certain bacteria and viruses.

• No Odor Control: HEPA filters do not neutralize odors; they simply trap particles. This is why facilities using only HEPA systems might still struggle with persistent pet odors.

• Limited Reach: HEPA filters only clean the air that passes through the device. This passive approach means that contaminants elsewhere in the room—on surfaces or in hard-to-reach areas—remain unaffected.

For cat boarding facilities that want to provide the safest possible environment, active air purification offers a more thorough approach by actively purifying both the air and surfaces throughout the entire space.

How Active Air Purification Works

Active air purifiers use different technologies to not just capture but eliminate harmful pollutants and unwanted odors. Let’s break down some of these technologies and how they can make a difference in your facility:

1. Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO): Destroying Pathogens at the Source

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) is an advanced air purification technology that uses a combination of UV light and a special catalytic surface to create reactive molecules that neutralize harmful contaminants. When these molecules come into contact with viruses, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), they break them down at the molecular level.

• Application in a Cat Boarding Facility: With PCO technology in place, airborne viruses like Feline Herpes Virus (FVR)—a common concern for cats in close quarters—can be significantly reduced. Unlike HEPA filters, which only trap what passes through them, PCO-generated molecules disperse throughout the entire room, reducing the concentration of harmful pathogens on surfaces and in the air.

2. Activated Oxygen (O3): Eliminating Odors and Pathogens in Empty Spaces

Activated Oxygen, or Ozone (O3), is a powerful oxidizing agent that can break down even the toughest odors and sanitize surfaces. While ozone should only be used in unoccupied spaces, it’s an excellent option for periodic deep cleaning.

• Application in a Cat Boarding Facility: Ozone can be used between boarding cycles to eliminate lingering bacteria, viruses, and strong pet odors from previous guests. This ensures that the facility is thoroughly sanitized and free of hidden contaminants before new cats arrive, helping maintain a high standard of cleanliness.

3. Ionization: Reducing Airborne Contaminants

Ionization works by releasing charged ions into the air. These ions attach to particles like dust, dander, and airborne pathogens, causing them to cluster together and become heavier. This makes it easier for these particles to be captured by filtration systems or fall out of the air.

• Application in a Cat Boarding Facility: With ionization, airborne allergens and pathogens are continuously reduced, making the air cleaner and reducing the risk of respiratory issues for cats during their stay.

4. OdoGard Filtration: Tackling Odors at the Molecular Level

Odors are one of the biggest challenges for any pet boarding facility. Even with regular cleaning, the smell of cat litter, food, and general pet odors can be difficult to manage. OdoGard filtration uses a special technology to neutralize odor molecules rather than just covering them up.

• Application in a Cat Boarding Facility: OdoGard technology can help create a fresher, more welcoming environment, making the facility more appealing to both the cats and their owners. The reduction of odors can also contribute to a more comfortable work environment for staff and leave a better impression on clients visiting your facility.

The Benefits of Active Air Purification for Cat Boarding Facilities

Adopting active air purification technologies can provide several benefits that go beyond what traditional HEPA systems offer. Here’s why it’s worth considering for your business:

1. Enhanced Health Protection
   With active air purification, harmful pathogens like FVR are more effectively neutralized, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and illness among your feline guests. This can contribute to fewer health issues and happier, healthier cats.

2. Better Odor Control
   Active purifiers tackle odors at the source, making it easier to maintain a pleasant environment. This is particularly important in a boarding facility, where strong odors can be a turn-off for clients.

3. Improved Client Trust
   Being able to assure cat owners that you’ve taken extra steps to protect their pets’ health will set you apart from other facilities. Highlighting your use of advanced air purification technologies can help build trust and confidence with your clients, making them more likely to choose your facility over others.

4. Setting a New Standard for Care
   Active air purification isn’t just about meeting basic health and safety standards—it’s about exceeding them. Implementing these technologies can position your facility as a leader in cat boarding care, showing that you prioritize creating a truly safe and welcoming environment.

Invest in Better Health for your Feline Guests

Adding active air purification to your cat boarding service shows your commitment to provide the best possible care for the cats in your facility. By using technologies like Photocatalytic Oxidation, Activated Oxygen, Ionization, and OdoGard filtration, you’re taking proactive steps to ensure a cleaner, safer environment.

These technologies can help set your facility apart, providing both cats and their owners with a higher level of comfort and peace of mind. In a competitive industry, where pet health and safety are paramount, active air purification offers a more effective solution for maintaining the highest standards of care.

Phil Shames is the Founder of Cleanworld.ca and a Senior Indoor Air Quality Expert. He can be reached at phil@cleanworld.ca or 1-866-340-9939 ext.101