Types And Causes Of Cat Allergies
There are 4 common allergies in cats: environmental, fleas, food, and seasonal. This section elaborates these types of allergies and the different ways in which they may affect your cat.
Environmental allergies. Substances that cause environmental allergies include pollen, grass, fungi, mold, and dust. Your cat may also have allergies to things like cigarette smoke, perfume, and some cleaning products.
Flea allergies. When a small insect known as a flea bites your cat, it causes an allergic reaction that can be very irritating. The saliva from a flea bite can affect a catâs entire body, not just where the cat was bitten. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right flea prevention product to help protect your cat.
Food allergies. Some cats may have allergies to certain foods. This can cause skin itchiness, vomiting, or diarrhea. Your veterinarian can help you find out which foods are irritating your cat and create an appropriate diet.
Atopic dermatitis. When a cat experiences allergies, their bodies can often react with a skin condition called atopic dermatitis. With this condition, your cat may develop skin sores, scabbing, hair loss, and redness.
Environmental and flea allergies are usually treated by your veterinarian using the same meds, often including skin creams or a prescribed medication.
See An Allergy Specialist
These doctors have an arsenal of weapons, such as medication and immunotherapy, to help you in your battle against allergens. Holistic allergy remedies acupuncture, for example also can provide relief. An allergy specialist can pinpoint exactly what you are allergic to, which can help you to avoid or minimize the allergen.
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Best Cat Breeds For People With Allergies
Franny Syufy is a cat expert with over two decades of experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions. She is a professional member of the Cat Writersâ Association, won the prestigious PurinaOne Health Award for her writing, and authored two books on cat care.
The Spruce / Kristie Lee
If youâre a cat lover with mild cat allergies, it still might be possible for you to have a cat in your home. Although no cat breed is scientifically hypoallergenic, anecdotal reports claim some breeds might be less likely to trigger allergies. This is potentially because of their shedding level or because they produce less of the Fel d 1 protein, a common allergen. The cat breeds that are supposedly good for allergies vary in appearance and temperament. Some are related breeds while others are more unique. Moreover, itâs important to note that individual cats within these breeds still might trigger allergies, as each cat will have slightly different allergens.
Here are 10 cat breeds that might work for people with allergies.
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Can Being Allergic To Pets Kill You
Anaphylaxis is a rare but life-threatening allergic reaction, usually caused by things such as insect stings or food items and even pets. It is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure and requires immediate medical attention. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can get worse very quickly and lead to death within 15 minutes.
When someone comes into contact with an allergen capable of causing anaphylaxis, they might experience symptoms such as:
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Are There Hypoallergenic Pets
All dogs and cats can cause allergy symptoms. People with dog or cat allergies may tolerate some breeds more than others. People may think those breeds are hypoallergenic, but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.
You can be allergic to the animals skin cells, urine, and/or saliva. These have different proteins your immune system may react to. Research is looking into if there is a way to change the proteins so that they dont trigger symptoms.
When choosing a pet, consider fostering one first to see if you have an allergic reaction. Another option is to choose pets that do not have fur or feathers. Fish, snakes, or turtles are some good choices.
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Cat Allergy Quiz Explained
You might be curious as to why these questions were asked let me explain.
#1 Children raised with pets are less likely to have allergyto them.
#2 If youre experiencing allergy symptoms and have a cat,it might be the culprit.
#3 Black cats are known to produce more allergy-causing dander .
#4 Most people experience cat allergy indoors, if you feelbetter outside it might be a clue.
#5 If you are allergic to other things, pollen for example,the chances of developing additional allergies are increased.
#6 Do you experience allergy symptoms when youre aroundcats? This is the most obvious reason you might have allergy.
#7 There tend to be genetic factors with allergy, eczema,and asthma.
#8 Allergies can pop up during pregnancy or after giving birth this surprised a lot of women
#9 If you have cats and have a dusty house, it could becausing allergy symptoms. Dont forgetto clean .
Living With Cat Allergies: Cleaning
Once you have a cat, diligence around the house is one of the keys to limiting allergies.
- Wipe down smooth surfaces in the home regularly. Microscopic dander can stick to any type of surface and is there even if you don’t see it.
- Use a vacuum with a filter and steam clean carpets often. Restricting the cat’s access to carpeted rooms will also help.
- Frequently wash any bedding or blankets that your cat sleeps on.
- Designate specific rooms, like the allergic person’s bedroom, as cat-free zones.
- Consider replacing upholstered furniture. Cloth-covered chairs and sofas can retain a lot of allergens and be difficult to clean. Either keep the cat off of upholstery or consider investing in wood, plastic or leather furniture that is easy to wipe clean.
- Take down your curtains. Like upholstered furniture, curtains can be a magnet for cat hair. Consider replacing them with blinds or other coverings that are easy to clean. If you decide to keep your curtains, launder them regularly.
- Invest in a HEPA filter. These can be attached to your furnace or air conditioner, or purify the air from a freestanding unit. Whatever model you get, their job is to reduce small particles in the air.
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What Causes An Allergy To Cats
While it is commonly thought that cat hair causes allergy symptoms, the truth is more complex its whats on the hair that is the issue. In fact cat allergies is caused by a protein produced in a cats saliva and sebaceous glands, which is then spread onto the cats hair and skin during grooming. Whenever a cat sheds their fur, hair and dander , the sticky protein attached is transferred into the environment. This often leads to the allergy symptoms you experience be it coughing, sneezing or watering eyes!
However, cat hair can also act as a carrier of other airborne allergens: pollen, dust mites and mould, which can also cause allergic symptoms in individuals with hay fever, asthma or eczema
My Motivation For This Article
Recently, my husband asked me a question that went something like this, “how do you tell if you have cat allergies?” The thought of a cat allergy struck me with fear because we had three cats. All kinds of thoughts went through my mind. Would we have to get rid of the cats? It seemed like an impossible situation. After all, the cats were already a big part of our lives. What could we do?
So, feeling desperate, I started to do some research. These were my questions:
- What are the symptoms of a cat allergy?
- How do you know for sure that the cats are causing the reaction?
- And most importantly, what can you do about it?
In this article, I will answer each of these questions.
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Reducing Your Exposure To Cat Allergens With Purinapro Plan Liveclear
Did you know that you can reduce the amount of allergens released into your home with a specific cat food? PURINA® Pro Plan LiveClear is a new cat food designed to neutralise the Fel d 1 allergen in your cats saliva, reducing the amount of active allergen that they release into the environment.
The cat food has been proven to reduce the allergen on cat hair and dander by an average of 47%, from the third week of daily feeding*.
*A 10-week controlled study of 105 cats showed an average reduction of 47% starting from the third week of daily feeding
The food also offers delicious nutrition for your cat the key egg product ingredient, designed to neutralise the allergen once eaten, is digested like any other protein. Alongside other allergen reduction measures, using PURINA® Pro Plan LiveClear could help to keep a cat in their loving home.
To find out more about PURINA® Pro Plan LiveClear, visit www.purina.co.uk/proplan/liveclear or find out more in their short ‘how it works’ video.
Fast Facts About Cat Allergies:
- Most people experience mild to moderate symptoms.
- Some people who have allergies may be able to live with cats.
- Researchers do not fully understand why some people develop cat allergies and others do not.
The symptoms of cat allergies vary depending on the protein someone is allergic to and their exposure to that protein. For example, tiny allergens from cats can land in a persons nose or eyes, causing burning or itching.
The most common symptoms of a cat allergy include:
- a rash on areas of the body that have come into contact with cat allergens
Very rarely, people with a cat allergy can develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis makes it difficult to breathe, can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, and can send the body into shock.
A person who has trouble breathing or feels like they are choking following contact with a cat should seek immediate emergency care. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction.
A person who is allergic to cats may continue to have symptoms even after the cat is no longer present. That happens because cat dander and other cat allergens can land on furniture and rugs, remain on unwashed clothes, and linger in linens.
People with allergies who want to live with cats or visit homes that have cats can do several things to manage their symptoms. Trying these can help alleviate the severity of allergies.
These include:
No specific treatment or preventative strategy can guarantee a person will not develop cat allergies.
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How Do I Know If I Have A Cat Allergy
Although the symptoms of a cat allergy may seem fairly obvious, it’s not always the cat that causes them. It’s a good idea to get confirmation from your doctor. After all, you wouldn’t want to blame Mr. Whiskers unjustly.
Your doctor can do a skin or blood test to see if you’re allergic. However, allergy tests aren’t always correct the doctor may also want you to try living without a cat for a few months to see how it affects your allergy symptoms.
How Does A Doctor Diagnose An Animal/pet Allergy
When you have moderate-to-severe allergies, it is best to see a board-certified allergist. Your doctor will diagnose a pet or animal allergy based on your medical history, symptoms, a physical exam, and allergy test results. Allergy testing is the best way find out if you allergic to a specific animal type. Your doctor can use either a blood test or skin test to help get a diagnosis.
You can develop allergies at any time. And allergies can change over time. It is possible you were not allergic to your dog in the past, but you are now.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America advocates for equal rights for people with asthma and allergies on planes. Our advocacy helped put new rules into place on U.S. airlines that limit emotional support animals on planes. But there is still more work to do to make flying a safer environment for people with pet allergies. Join our community to receive AAFA Advocacy Action Alerts. You will receive updates on this issue, as well as other legislation that affects people with asthma and allergies!
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Are Any Cats Hypoallergenic
Despite popular belief, hypoallergenic cats dont exist. All cats produce allergens, no matter their breed, age or sex. Even hairless cats produce Fel d 1, the major cat allergen. The allergen that is produced in the cats saliva is spread onto skin and hair during grooming, and even hairless cats will shed dander with allergen on it.
When You Get Home
Even after a short visit to a household with cats, wash your clothes in hot water to avoid bringing allergens into your home.
Pet allergens are easily spread, says the NIEHS. They can circulate in air and remain on carpets and furniture for months. They can also be carried on clothing into areas where there are no pets.
“When I’m home, everything I’ve brought, I need to wash thoroughly,” said Waldron. The water should be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Are You Allergic To Your Pet
Are You Allergic to Your Pet? Breathe EasyYou Can Still Keep Your Animal Companion!
Although many people have discovered the beneficial effects of caring for a furry friend, the fact remains that roughly 15 to 20% of the population is allergic to animals. The result? Countless pet parents in unhappy, unhealthy situationsand their beloved pets are the cause! Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose sneezing coughing scratchy or sore throat itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing.
The most common pet allergens are proteins found in their dander , saliva, urine and sebaceous cells. Any animal can trigger an allergic response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies. Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted.
Improving the Immediate Environment
Taking Care of Yourself
What Causes Skin Rashes On Cats
Itchy skin and rashes are symptoms of allergic skin conditions. Food allergies frequently result in a rash and irritated skin. Severe allergic responses can result in hives, rashes, and swellings across the body. If you feel your cat is suffering a severe allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian immediatelythis is an emergency.
Other common causes of skin problems in cats include:
Parasites such as fleas or ticks that bite cats often develop skin diseases as a side effect of being bitten by another animal. These parasites spread disease causing bacteria or viruses into the cat’s blood when they bite them. If your cat has not been treated with heartworm prevention, have him checked by a vet before starting treatment for other skin disorders.
Skin problems can also be caused by food allergies or dietary changes. If you start seeing signs of skin irritation such as dry skin or scabs, take your cat to the vet right away so that any underlying problems can be treated.
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Symptoms Of Cat Allergies
Immediate reactions to cats could include:
- a flare-up of eczema
- skin rash or hives
For many people, the signs are more subtle and it can be tricky to identify the cause of your allergic reaction particularly if your symptoms are triggered by another factor. Some people are allergic to some cats but not others, as all cats produce their own individual amount of cat allergens.
Want to get a cat but not sure if you are allergic? Try visiting someone that has a cat, or head to a cat adoption centre, to test if cats trigger a reaction.
If I Want To Keep My Pet Can I Take Steps To Reduce My Pet Allergy
Animals become a part of your family. If your allergy is manageable, you may want to keep your pet. Here are some ways to manage pet allergens in your home:
Reduce your exposure to pet allergens.
- Keep your pet out of bedrooms or places people sleep. You spend about one-third to one-half of your time there. If you have a bedroom door, keep it closed.
- Keep pets off fabric furniture.
- Have someone without a pet allergy brush the pet outside to remove fur. Ask them to clean the litter box, bedding, or cage. If you do the grooming and cleaning, wear a face mask and gloves.
- Wipe your pet down with pet-friendly wipes or towels after it has been outside to remove pollen and urine.
- Change your clothes and shower after you spend time with an animal.
- Wash your hands and face after petting or touching the pet, its cage, or bedding.
Clean and reduce allergens in your home.
- Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning.
- Remove dust on hard surfaces often with a damp cloth. A damp or microfiber cloth will help keep the pet dander and fur from going back into the air.
- Wipe down walls, cabinets, and floorboards with a damp cloth.
- When possible, choose furniture and window coverings that are not made of fabric.
- Use slipcovers on fabric furniture or cover with blankets that can be washed weekly.
- Vacuum fabric furniture and carpets weekly. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® vacuums meet AAFAs standards for vacuums.
Medical Review: June 2022 by John James, MD
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