Q. See question 3183 above. When the cat brought me a live bird it caught on Shabbos, there were feathers everywhere. Since I am allergic to them, I automatically cleaned them up. Then I wondered if they are mukztah and if I should have done it with a shinui. ( in an unusual way)?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 308: 34) permits removing muktza that is disgusting and revolting (Geref shel Rei). By the same token, one may remove objects that are detrimental to one’s health.
There is also no prohibition of Meamer or gathering, as it only applies Biblically to earth-grown produce. (Rambam H. Shabbos 8: 5, Mishna Berura 340: 36), and other ancillary lenient issues apply.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a