Cats and Allergies | Causes, Symptoms and Solutions

1. Keep your home clean by vacuuming frequently to reduce allergens.
2. Establish cat free areas in your home, especially in the bedroom.
3. Consult your GP about using antihistamines or nasal sprays.
4. Try to avoid being licked by your cat, as it might worsen your symptoms.
5. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows regularly.
6. Wash your cat blankets and cat toys regularly to minimize allergens.
7. Use a HEPA air purifier to capture airborne allergens and improve indoor air quality.
8. Bathe your cat regularly with pet safe shampoos to reduce the amount of allergens they shed.
9. Groom your cat frequently to manage dander and reduce allergens in the environment.
10. Consider using allergen reducing sprays or wipes on your cat’s fur to help decrease allergens.

While many believe that cat hair itself triggers allergy symptoms, the reality is more nuanced it’s the substances on the hair that are the problem. Cat allergies are actually caused by a protein found in a cat’s saliva and sebaceous (oil) glands, which gets transferred to their fur and skin during grooming. Regular brushing of your cat can help manage the spread of allergens learn how often you should brush your cat to reduce allergen buildup. When cats shed their fur, hair, and dander (dead skin cells), this sticky protein is released into the environment, leading to common allergy symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Additionally, cat hair can carry other airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold, which can exacerbate symptoms for those with hay fever, asthma, or eczema.

Before assuming you might have a cat allergy, consider that other potential allergens, such as dust mites or seasonal hay fever, could be causing your symptoms. However, cats and allergies are quite common in the UK, particularly among those who also suffer from allergic asthma or hay fever. So, how can you determine if you are specifically allergic to cats?

Immediate reactions to cats and allergies can include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy skin
• Watery eyes
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulties
• Eczema flare ups
• Skin rash or hives
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sinus congestion
• Headaches

For many, the signs of a cat allergy may be more subtle, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of your allergic reaction, especially if other factors are also involved. Some individuals may be allergic to certain cats but not others, as each cat produces a unique level of allergens.

Considering getting a cat but unsure if you're allergic? Visit a friend with a cat or go to a cat adoption center to see if exposure triggers a reaction.

Your doctor may suspect a cat allergy based on your symptoms, an examination of your nasal passages, and your responses to their questions. They might use a lighted instrument to inspect the lining of your nose, which could appear swollen or pale if you have a cat allergy.

To pinpoint the specific allergens causing your reactions, including a potential cat allergy, your doctor may recommend an allergy skin test. You might be referred to an allergy specialist (allergist) for this procedure. During the test, tiny amounts of purified allergen extracts, including those with animal proteins, are introduced into your skin’s surface typically on the forearm or sometimes the upper back. After 15 minutes, your doctor or nurse will check for signs of an allergic reaction. For instance, if you're allergic to cats, you might develop a red, itchy bump at the test site. Common side effects include itching and redness, which usually resolve within 30 minutes.

Most allergies typically develop in childhood or adolescence. If you grew up with a cat and didn't experience any symptoms, it's likely you'll remain symptom free as an adult. However, in rare cases, adults who were exposed to cats as children may still develop a cat allergy later on.

Sometimes, prolonged exposure to an allergen, such as living with a cat during childhood, can lead to tolerance to that specific pet. Yet, when re-exposed to a different cat as an adult, you might start experiencing cat allergy symptoms.

Though uncommon, this can explain why some people notice sudden cat allergy symptoms. Additionally, since different cats produce varying levels of allergens, individuals can react differently to each cat. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to manage cats and allergies.

In addition to maintaining a clean, allergen free home, here are some tips for interacting with your cat, especially if you're dealing with cat allergies:

1. Avoid letting your cat lick you, as this can transfer allergens and exacerbate symptoms of cat allergies.
2. Bath Your Cat Regularly if your cat tolerates it, occasional baths can help reduce the amount of dander and allergens.
3. Clean Air humidifiers and house fans regularly, clean your home’s fans and humidifiers to prevent the spread of allergens through your home.
4. Groom your cat outside whenever possible to keep allergens contained.
5. Always wash your hands thoroughly after petting your cat to prevent allergic reactions.
6. Consider feeding your cat a special diet designed to reduce allergens in your home.

Testing for a cat allergy at home can give you some preliminary insights, but for an accurate diagnosis, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Here’s a general approach to test for cat allergies at home:

Pay attention to any symptoms of cat allergies that develop when you’re around cats, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or skin rashes.

If you have access to a cat, spend time with it in a controlled setting to see if your symptoms of cat allergies worsen. For better accuracy, avoid cats for a week and then reintroduce them to check if your allergic reaction reoccurs.

Track your symptoms related to cat allergies and note any changes based on your exposure to cats. Record how much time you spend with the cat and the presence of cat allergens in your home.

Home allergy test kits are available that measure the presence of antibodies related to cat allergies in your blood. Follow the instructions carefully, but remember that these results should be confirmed by a healthcare professional for accuracy.

Ensure that other potential allergens, such as dust mites or mold, are not causing or contributing to your allergic reaction. Use air quality monitors or conduct tests to rule out these factors.

Although home methods can offer some insights, a healthcare professional can provide more accurate testing for cat allergies, including skin prick tests or blood tests, to confirm if you have a cat allergy and assess its severity.

These steps can help you identify if you might be experiencing cat allergies, but for a comprehensive understanding of your cats and allergies, professional evaluation is essential.

Contrary to popular belief, truly hypoallergenic cats do not exist. All cats, regardless of breed, age, or sex, produce allergens, making cat allergies a concern for many. Even hairless cats produce Fel d 1, the primary allergen associated with cats. This allergen, present in cat saliva, is transferred to their skin and hair during daily grooming. Hairless cats still shed dander (dead skin cells) containing these allergens, contributing to cats and allergies. This means that an allergic reaction can still occur even with breeds advertised as hypoallergenic.

Building immunity to cat allergies involves several approaches. Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, gradually desensitize your immune system to cat allergens through regular injections. This treatment can take several months to years. Another method is allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy), where you place drops under your tongue to build tolerance to cat allergens over time.

Gradual exposure to cats can help in building tolerance to cat allergies, but it should be done cautiously and with guidance from a healthcare provider to avoid severe allergic reactions. Reducing allergen exposure by keeping cats out of certain areas and using HEPA filters can also help manage symptoms of cat allergies.

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial regularly clean your home and your cat to minimize cat allergens and wash your hands and face after contact. Medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays can help manage symptoms of cat allergies, but should be used under the advice of your doctor. For personalized advice and effective treatment options, consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in managing cats and allergies.

There isn’t a one size fits all answer to this question. Before deciding whether to rehome your cat, you need to confirm that your cat is indeed causing your allergic reaction. It’s important to rule out other sources of allergens, such as dust mites, to avoid the stress of rehoming a beloved pet unnecessarily.

You should evaluate whether the severity of your allergic reaction requires finding a new home for your cat.

In some cases, the symptom relief strategies mentioned earlier may make living with a cat manageable despite cat allergies. However, for others, the impact of their allergic reaction might make coexisting with cats and allergies intolerable.

So you want to know how to get rid of cat allergies permanently? to manage cat allergies naturally, focus on reducing exposure to cat allergens and supporting your immune system. Regularly clean your home to minimize dander and use HEPA filters to capture airborne allergens. Maintaining good hygiene by washing your hands and face after contact with cats can help reduce allergic reactions. Eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and staying hydrated may support overall immune function. While these strategies can alleviate symptoms of cat allergies, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing cats and allergies effectively.

Yes, some cat breeds are considered less likely to cause allergies due to producing fewer allergens. Breeds such as the Cornish Rex, Balinese, Russian Blue, Oriental Shorthair, and Devon Rex are known for producing lower levels of Fel d 1, the primary allergen in cat saliva and skin. However, no breed is completely hypoallergenic, and individuals with cat allergies might still react to these breeds

You might suddenly develop cat allergies due to changes in your immune system or increased exposure to cat allergens, such as dander or saliva. Factors like your cat’s health or environmental conditions can also trigger a new allergic reaction. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing your cat allergy.

Cat allergy symptoms can last from a few hours to several days after exposure, depending on the severity of your cat allergy and the level of allergens you’ve been exposed to. Symptoms of cat allergies, such as sneezing and itching, may persist as long as allergens remain in your environment. Managing exposure to cats and allergies effectively and using treatments like antihistamines can help reduce the duration and intensity of an allergic reaction.

A cat allergy can manifest as sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes or hives. Symptoms of cat allergies may also include coughing and wheezing, especially if you have asthma. An allergic reaction to cats and allergies can vary in severity, and managing exposure to allergens can help alleviate these symptoms. For proper diagnosis and treatment of cat allergies, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

Hairless cats still produce allergens like Fel d 1 in their saliva and skin, so they can still trigger allergies, though they may produce fewer allergens.

To manage and potentially reduce cat allergies, focus on minimizing exposure to allergens by keeping cats out of certain areas, using HEPA filters, and regularly cleaning your home. Implementing good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and face after contact with cats, can help manage symptoms. Medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays may also alleviate an allergic reaction. For long term solutions, consult a healthcare professional about treatments like immunotherapy.