Allergy to cats

Allergies to cats are quite common these days. However, many mistakenly believe that its source is cat hair, but this is not entirely true.

Causes of Cat Allergies

Allergies are caused by proteins contained in saliva, urine, and skin particles of an animal. A large number of allergens do settle on the coat, as clean cats periodically lick their skin. Also, allergens can be found wherever the pet is, on the floor, furniture, carpets, etc.

Cat Allergy Symptoms

The main symptoms of an allergy to cats include a runny nose, cough, itching and sore throat, shortness of breath, cough, Quincke’s edema. Persons with defects in the functioning of the immune system, suffering from asthma, are more susceptible to allergies. Their allergy symptoms are more pronounced. Often, itching and dry skin, rashes in the form of urticaria, rash can also be observed. In this case, the symptoms may not appear immediately, but several hours after contact with the cat. Some people may react to objects touched by the cat owner of the pet, as there may be cat hair on his clothes.

Allergens can also be ingested. In this case, allergy symptoms can manifest as indigestion, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. This type of allergy can be especially common in children, as they often put various objects in their mouths, such as cat toys.

Cat Allergy Treatment

It is important to contact an allergist at the first sign of a reaction to cats. It is necessary to confirm this type of allergy, as it may raise the question of whether the animal can continue to live in the house. If the reactions are confirmed, the ideal option would be to put the cat in good hands, but allergens can remain in the house for a long time, so a move to a new home or a major overhaul may be required.

Diagnostics

Allergy to cats can be diagnosed using special tests that determine specific immunoglobulin E, as well as skin tests. In some diagnostic laboratories, it is possible to determine the presence of an allergy to a particular cat. To do this, you need to bring a piece of her wool.

However, the symptoms of cat allergies are varied and similar to those of other types of allergies and diseases. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the cat is the cause of the symptoms. There are diseases or cases that can be falsely mistaken for an allergy to cats.

• From the street, cats can bring pollen, mold, etc. into the house on their fur.
• An allergic reaction may be related to cat food, litter, detergents, etc.
• It is impossible to exclude infection with any infectious disease from a cat. For example, a cat can be a carrier of chlamydia, scabies, lichen. Therefore, it is important to monitor the health of the pet and show it to the veterinarian in time.

Modern treatments

There are some cat breeds that are less likely to cause allergies. However, to say that they completely do not produce allergens would be a lie. People with high sensitivity should avoid fluffy cats. Their coat sheds heavily and spreads everywhere. It is desirable to have cats with dense curly hair. They shed less often, therefore they are less allergenic (for example, the Cornish Rex cat breed).

Sphynxes are also hypoallergenic. It cannot be said that they do not secrete proteins, because such cats also wash themselves. But with regular bathing, allergens are easily washed off the skin of the Sphynx.

What should adults do?

Cat allergy symptoms can be eliminated by taking antihistamine tablets, such as Erius, Zodak, Cetrin, etc. For severe runny nose, nasal itching, nasal sprays containing corticosteroids (Nasonex, Avamys) are prescribed. With bronchial spasms, it is possible to prescribe inhalations. However, with any of the manifestations of allergies, it is necessary to consult an allergist.

What should children do?

It is believed that an allergy to cats cannot develop in children who have appeared in a house where there was already a cat. However, the scientists did not agree on a common opinion and different studies produced conflicting results. To date, scientists have agreed that the appearance of a cat in the life of a child prone to allergies can aggravate the situation.

One way or another, if you suspect a child is allergic to a cat, you should contact your pediatrician. After a thorough examination, the doctor will prescribe antihistamines, vasoconstrictor drops for nasal congestion.

Cat Allergy Prevention

What should adults do?

If you are allergic to a cat, you should take certain measures, follow the rules of hygiene, which will allow you not to part with the animal. For this you need:

• do wet cleaning in the house at least 2 times a week;
• brush the coat and bathe the animal at least once a week;
• get rid of carpets, rugs, any soft coverings where pet hair can settle;
• ventilate the premises;
• clean personal belongings, clothes in the closet and other places inaccessible to the cat;

Following these steps will get rid of or reduce allergy symptoms and make friends with your pet.

What should children do?

If your child is allergic to a cat, it is necessary to minimize all contact between the child and the animal:

• put the child to sleep in a separate room inaccessible to the animal;
• wash hands after touching a cat;
• bathe your pet with special detergents, shampoos;
• purchase a closed toilet for cats and change the filler after each use.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed the most pressing issues regarding cat allergies with allergist Oksana Bolshakova. We also addressed some of the questions about cat allergies allergist Elena Marinova.