How do I get rid of cat odor and dander in my apartment?

Question

I'm soon to be moving into an apartment that housed two cats for a year. When I signed the lease, I was under the impression that they stayed in one room of the apartment only, but when I came back half a year later, the cats were roaming everywhere around the house. The really big problem is that I am allergic to cats. I realize now that I was very naive and made a huge mistake signing the lease, but I really can't get out of it. My landlord said that they will professionally clean the floors before we move in, but will that do enough? Do you think that my allergies will still go wild when we move in? If so, what can I do to counter odor and dander? Please help!!!

Answer 1

I think that if they clean it well it should be alright. I have 2 cats and I had a friend visit after I had the carpets steam cleaned and she wasn't sneezing hysterically like she use to!!! Just as long as you get a good cleaner..

Answer 2

If you are that allergic you can't expect to live there after any kind of cleaning without suffering.  Cleaning the floors isn't going to do it if the cats used the floors as their litter box (and they must have or you wouldn't smell them).  If there is any carpet in the apartment that has to go or you run the risk of really being miserable, because dander gets into carpet.  I hope the place isn't furnished, because that would be a nightmare.  

Have you considered getting a note from your doctor stating that it is a serious risk to your health for you to live anywhere where cats were kept and see if the landlord will let you out of the lease?