Allergy to cats: symptoms, causes and treatment

Medically reviewed: 11, January 2024

Allergy to cats: overview

Life with an allergy to cats raises many questions. Can you have a hypoallergenic cat and enjoy the pet without suffering the symptoms? Here are some answers that will help you learn more about allergies to cats, causes and treatment.

Cats have graced human households for centuries, serving as cherished pets, revered symbols, and loyal confidantes. Yet, despite their undeniable charm, one cannot overlook the impact of cat allergies on countless individuals around the globe. Allergic reactions to cats can range from mild inconveniences to debilitating conditions, affecting both physical and emotional wellbeing.

But what exactly triggers allergy to cats? Is it the soft, luxurious coat gliding beneath your fingertips? Perhaps the enchanting dance of whiskers accompanying every purr? Surprisingly, neither of these beloved features holds responsibility for eliciting allergic responses. Instead, hidden within seemingly innocuous substances lies the true cause: proteins found in cat dander, saliva, and urine.

These powerful molecules ignite complex immune responses in vulnerable individuals, leading to a myriad of distressing symptoms ranging from respiratory difficulties to skin irritations. Understanding the underlying mechanisms at play provides valuable insights into mitigating the effects of cat allergies without sacrificing the joy derived from sharing our lives with these magnificent creatures.

Key takeaways

Causes of allergy to cats

Approximately 10% of the US population suffers from pet allergies, the most common allergy to cats. It is twice as common as an allergy to dogs. But the reason is not the cat hair, as you may think, but the proteins that contain saliva, urine and dead cells.

Have you ever wondered why some people experience uncomfortable symptoms upon entering a room filled with feline friends? Or perhaps you’ve experienced these unpleasant sensations yourself? Let’s dive into understanding the fascinating world of cat allergies and uncover the true culprits behind this common affliction.

Cat allergies affect millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort and disrupting daily life. But did you know that these allergies aren’t triggered by cat hair itself, but rather by specific proteins present in cat dander, saliva, and urine? That’s right! Tiny particles containing these allergens cling to cat hair and become airborne, ultimately finding their way into our noses, throats, lungs, and onto our skin – sparking unwanted immune responses.

The main cause of cat allergies is a protein called Fel d 1, which is produced in a cat’s skin glands. This protein easily mixes with cat dander, which is the tiny flakes of dead skin that cats constantly shed. When cats groom themselves, the Fel d 1 protein transfers from their skin to their saliva, which then coats their fur. When cats shed, the combination of dander and Fel d 1 protein becomes airborne and can cause allergic reactions.

Another source of cat allergens comes directly from a cat’s litter box. Urine contains several proteins capable of triggering allergic responses, including Fel d 4. Although not as prevalent as Fel d 1, its presence still contributes significantly to overall allergen load in indoor environments inhabited by cats.

Interestingly enough, longhaired breeds aren’t necessarily worse offenders than shorthaired ones regarding allergen production. Instead, the amount of Fel d 1 released depends largely on individual genetics and factors like age, sex, and neutering status. For instance, male cats produce higher levels of Fel d 1 compared to females, while neutered males tend to release lower amounts than intact males. Kittens generally generate less Fel d 1 than adult cats, offering hope for potential pet owners sensitive to these allergens.

How can a small protein cause such a violent reaction? It is a well-established reality that individuals who suffer from allergies possess an immune system that is highly responsive and reactive. Their body recognizes harmful substances, for example, bacteria or viruses. Symptoms of an allergy are an adverse reaction of an organism which arises at struggle against allergens.

Do not forget that even if you do not have allergies to cats, your cat can call it. It can bring pollen, mold and other allergens from the street.

But what about so called “hypoallergenic” cats? Although it is believed that some breeds of cats, for example the sphinx, are less likely to cause symptoms, any cat can potentially cause an allergy. It does not depend on the breed, the length of the coat and how intensely the cat is shedding. Therefore, if you or your family members are allergic to cats, purchasing a cat is a bad idea, regardless of breed.

Allergy to cats treatment

Symptoms may include:

• Coughing and wheezing
• It is important to note that while hives or a rash on the chest and face can be uncomfortable and unsightly, they are typically not life-threatening.
• Redness and irritation of the eyes
• Redness of the skin in place of a scratch, bite or saliva of the cat
• Runny nose and stuffy nose
• Sneeze

Symptoms can appear in a few minutes, and after a few hours. About 20-30% of people with allergic asthma feel worse when they come into contact with a cat.

How to identify allergy to cats

Although the symptoms of allergy to cats are obvious, but not always the cause of them is the cat. It is necessary to get a doctor’s confirmation. As a result, you will not unfairly blame a mustached friend.

The doctor may suggest a skin test or a blood test to determine the allergy. But nevertheless, analyzes can not always give a reliable result. The doctor can offer to live without a cat for several months and watch your symptoms.

Allergy to cats treatment

Medicines that doctors use to help with allergies can also be used to help with allergies to cats. The doctor can offer:

Antihistamines are medications that effectively impede the activity of substances responsible for triggering symptoms in the body. They can be dispensed without a prescription. Certain antihistamines come in the form of a spray.

Decongestants that reduce edema and prevent mucus congestion, which is dispensed without a prescription, and prescription-dispensed.

There are various alternative medications available that work differently to alleviate allergy or asthma symptoms. Steroids that are prescribed by prescription are traditionally used in the treatment of allergies.

One option may be a course of allergic injections. Sometimes, the things we do to help can’t always work, and it can take a really long time to treat. This way is not good for kids who are younger than five years old. However, on certain occasions, these injections can lead to a substantial improvement in the individual’s condition. Discuss with the doctor the possibility of using this method.

You can’t stop someone from getting an allergy. Some studies have shown that contact with allergens at an early age can reduce the risk of developing allergies in adulthood. On the other hand, the condition of a child prone to allergies may worsen after contact with allergens.

Allergy to cats and contact with allergens

Most allergists believe that although drugs can be effective, the best way to control allergy to cats is to avoid contact with them. Here are some tips:

• Do not touch or kiss the cat.

This is obvious, but some believe that minor contact is allowed, and this is not so.

• Be careful with visitors who have a cat.

Even if visitors don’t bring their cats with them, they can still bring cat hair, which could cause issues for you.

• Plan it.

If you have to stay in a house where there is a cat, ask the owners not to let the animal into the room where you will spend the night, even for a few weeks before your arrival. Start taking the medication a few weeks before. In this way, you can prevent an allergic reaction before it starts.

But what if you already have a cat?

Here is the most unpleasant advice: if your family members have an allergy, there should not be a cat in the house.

Of course, it’s very difficult to take such tough measures. What if your children already loved the kitten? What if your soul mate does not want to be separated from your cat? If the cat still needs to stay, there are some methods that you can use.

1. Observe the distance. Limit contact with the cat. Of course, someone other than you should look after the cat and take out the trash.
2. Limit some areas of your house from the cat. Do not let the cat roam the minds freely. Never let an animal into the bedroom.
3. Keep the cat on the street. That’s how some people cope with an allergy.
4. Do a thorough cleaning. Cats have fur that can end up all over the place. To keep things clean, make sure to sweep and wipe the floors, as well as use a vacuum cleaner. If possible, buy a vacuum cleaner with a highly efficient dry air filter, as conventional filters do not catch allergens. Get rid of the carpet and curtains that can accumulate allergens.
5. Clean the air. In this case, the air purifier and the air filter of the ventilation system can be useful.
6. Regularly bathe the cat. Experts do not know if the frequency of bathing can affect the number of allergens. You can try bathing a cat more often, it will not affect it negatively, and observe the symptoms.

These methods can be effective, but not sufficient. However cruelly it might sound, if the cat’s content threatens your health or the health of your relatives, you need to get rid of it.

Whatever action you take, do not think that you can wait, and the allergy will pass by itself. Over time, it can worsen. Uncontrolled allergies can adversely affect life and increase the risk of developing asthma, which is a serious disease.
Do not ignore the symptoms of an allergy, but visit a doctor. Together, you can find the most appropriate way to deal with the problem.