What Are The Risks Of Living With A Cat If Im Allergic
There are a few risks to consider if youre allergic to cats but live with one anyway. The first is that your allergy symptoms may become worse over time. If youre constantly exposed to cat dander, you may find that your sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes become more pronounced. You may also develop new allergy symptoms, such as hives or a rash.
Another risk is that you may develop asthma. Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that can be triggered by exposure to cat dander. If you have asthma, its important to be extra careful to avoid contact with cats. Even if you dont have asthma, living with a cat can increase your risk of developing the condition.
Finally, its important to be aware that some people who are allergic to cats can have a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can occur when youre exposed to an allergen. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
How Is A Pet Allergy Diagnosed
The best way to know if you have a pet allergy is to have a skin-prick allergy test performed by an allergist or immunologist.5 The test consists of placing a small amount of cat or dog allergen on your skin and pricking the skin to allow a small amount of allergen to get under the skin. An allergy is signaled if there is swelling or redness at the site after 15-20 minutes.3 Several allergens may be tested at the same time to rule out other environmental factors. The allergist will develop a plan specific to your individual needs to manage symptoms.
How To Know If You Have Pet Allergies
If you do not have a pet yourself but find that you develop the symptoms detailed above every time you go into the home of somebody who has a pet or go near a pet, particularly if a cat or dog licks you , then the diagnosis is relatively clear. However, if you have an animal living in your own home, it can be less obvious as the symptoms can be more chronic. Typically, they will involve nasal symptoms particularly nasal congestion. You might notice that when you spend time away from home, for example on holiday when your pets are not with you, that your symptoms improve. If you do suspect a pet allergy, then it is helpful to get an allergy test to confirm this.
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What Is Pet Allergy
Pet allergies occur when the immune system reacts to the saliva, dead skin cells or urine of pets.
About 1 in 5 people have a pet allergy. Most are allergic to cats or dogs, but you can also be allergic to other domestic animals, such as guinea pigs, mice, rats, horses and birds. Allergies are particularly common in people who handle pets as part of their job. Some people are allergic to more than one animal.
People with a pet allergy are also likely to have other allergies for example, to pollen and dust mites. Pet allergies can develop at any time during childhood or adulthood, but some people will grow out of them.
Are There Drawbacks To Rast Testing Compared To Intradermal Testing
In theory, yes. Historically, RAST testing has been associated with a higher rate of false positive test results, or positive results that cannot be confirmed with intradermal skin testing.
In a practical sense, however, evidence suggests that most cats treated with hyposensitization based on RAST results still experience a significant improvement in their skin disease.
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Is It Safe To Have A Cat If Im Allergic
No, its not safe to have a cat if youre allergic. Cat allergies are caused by a protein in the cats saliva, which is transferred to the cats fur when the cat licks itself. The protein is then transferred to humans when they pet the cat or come into contact with the cats fur. Symptoms of a cat allergy include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching. If youre allergic to cats, its best to avoid them altogether.
What Can A Cat Allergy Look Like
Depending on the levels of allergen and a persons sensitivity, reaction to cat allergens may be immediate or not until several days after contact.
It is common to get itchy eyes after petting a cat and then touching your eyes. A cat scratch or lick on your skin can cause the area to become red and itchy, possibly causing hives . Cat allergies can also trigger an asthma attack if you have asthma.
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Many People Think Theyre Allergic To Cat Hair But Thats Not Entirely The Case
Cats are great companions, but for some people their company comes at a cost. Up to 1 in 5 people have an allergic response to cats, and this figure is increasing.
There are many myths about allergies to cats, but what is fact and what is fiction? And can you still have a cat if youre allergic?
Myth #1: People are allergic to cat hair
There is an element of truth to this myth. However, rather than the hair itself, substances on the hair are the source of the allergy. Most people allergic to cats react to a protein called Fel d 1. This main cat allergen is produced in the glands of the cat, including the sebaceous and salivary glands.
While Fel d1 is the main culprit, domestic cats have eight different potential allergens. The second most common is Fel d 4, also produced in salivary glands.
Another type, Fel d 2, is similar to a protein found in other animals, and the reason a person might be allergic, for example, to both cats and horses. This similarity can also result in a child with milk allergy having an increased risk of being allergic to animals like cats.
When cats groom themselves, they deposit the allergen in their saliva onto their hair. Sebaceous glands are close to the skin and can secrete onto the hair follicles. When you pet a cats fur, a reaction is set off, especially if you then rub your nose or eyes.
Myth #2: There are hypoallergenic cats
Myth #3: You have to re-home your cat if you have an allergy
Some things you can do to limit reactions include:
How Will My Veterinarian Diagnose Atopic Dermatitis
The first step in working up a cat with suspected allergic skin disease is to rule out non-allergic skin disease. Your veterinarian may perform a skin scrape to rule out mange, a fungal culture to rule out ringworm, and other tests based on your cats clinical signs and history. If these tests are negative, and your cats clinical signs and history fit, your veterinarian will diagnose your cat with allergic dermatitis .
“Once your pet has been diagnosed with allergic dermatitis, further testing is needed to determine the cause of your cats allergies.”
Once your pet has been diagnosed with allergic dermatitis, further testing is needed to determine the cause of your cats allergies. Atopy is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that your veterinarian must first definitively rule out food allergy and flea allergy. Improved flea control may be used to rule out flea allergy, while a food trial must be used to rule out food allergy. If no improvement is seen with either of these treatments, your vet will diagnose your cat with atopy. For information on flea control, see the handout “Flea Control in Cats” and if your veterinarian recommends a food trial, see the handout “Food Allergies in Cats” for information on completing a food trial.
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Strands Pet Intolerance Test
View On AmazonIf you want to know which food ingredients make your pup scratch, bite his paws, rub his face or have general discomforts, the 5Strands Pet Intolerance Test Kit is the best choice.
This test is designed to help you on an elimination diet. It tests for 255 food ingredients and preservatives and 100 environmental items. It uses a hair sample collection method and Bioresonance technology to identify temporary imbalances that cause stomach upset, headache, bloating, itching, and other common allergy symptoms.
How Are Cat Allergies Treated
Cat allergies can usually be controlled with standard allergy drugs. Your doctor might recommend:
- Antihistamines, which are available over-the-counter — like cetirizine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine , and loratadine or some antihistamines such as azelastine come in a nasal spray
- , like over-the-counterà pseudoephedrine or allergy drugs that contain the ingredient pseudoephedrine such as Allegra-D, Claritin-D, or Zyrtec-D
Nasal steroid sprays, which affect allergy or asthma symptoms in various ways à steroid sprays are a common treatment for allergies. Budesonide , fluticasone , and triamcinolone are steroid sprays that are available over the counter.
Allergy shots are another option. Allergy shots are not always effective, and completing treatment can take years. They’re also not usedà for children under age 5. But they can be a huge help to some people. Ask your doctor if they make sense for you.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent an allergy. Some studies have shown that exposure to pets as a young child seems to reduce the risk of developing pet allergies later. On the other hand, a child who already has allergic tendencies may get worse with exposure to a pet.
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Reducing Exposure To Cats
While medical treatment can help control cat allergies, the best approach is simple: avoid cats and their dander. Here are some tips.
- Dont touch, hug, or kiss cats. It should be obvious, but some people think a little cat contact is OK. It isnt.
- Beware of visitors who own cats. Even if your house guests leave their cats at home, they can bring the dander with them on their clothing and luggage. This indirect exposure can cause serious cat allergy symptoms in some people.
- Plan. If you have to stay in a house with cats, ask that the cat be kept out of the room in which you will sleep for a few weeks before you arrive. Also, start taking allergy medication a few weeks beforehand. Once an allergic reaction gets started, it can be tough to control. But taking medicine can prevent it from happening in the first place.
But what if you already own a cat? Heres the most sensible advice: if you or a family member has cat allergies, you shouldnt have a cat in the home.
Of course, such harsh advice may not be easy to follow. What if your kids have already fallen in love with a kitten? What if you intended to never, ever part with your cat? If the cat has to stay, there are other things you can try.
While these techniques might help, they may not be enough. As hard as it might be, if keeping your cat is putting your health or a family members health at risk, you have to consider giving it up.
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What Are The Risks Of Not Treating Cat Allergies
If youre one of the millions of Americans with cat allergies, youre probably all too familiar with the symptoms: sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes and skin. And you might also know that those symptoms can be triggered by exposure to a protein found in cat saliva, skin and urine.
But what you may not know is that there are serious risks associated with not treating your cat allergies. Here are just a few:
1. Asthma Attacks
If you have asthma and are allergic to cats, exposure to cat allergens can trigger a dangerous asthma attack. In fact, studies have shown that cat allergens are one of the most common triggers of asthma attacks in children.
2. Sinus Infections
Chronic exposure to cat allergens can also lead to sinus infections. In fact, one study found that people with cat allergies are three times more likely to develop sinus infections than people without allergies.
3. Ear Infections
Ear infections are another common complication of cat allergies. Thats because the allergens can cause inflammation in the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
4. Skin Conditions
Exposure to cat allergens can also lead to skin conditions like eczema and hives. In fact, one study found that people with cat allergies are twice as likely to develop eczema as people without allergies.
5. Anaphylaxis
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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.
Allergies On Cats With Asthma
Cats can develop asthma, just as humans can. A cat that has been diagnosed with asthma is more at risk when they develop environmental allergies. Strong medications may be advised to ensure that your cats airways remain open enough for them to breathe. Do not smoke around cats with asthma as that could potentially damage their lungs to unrepairable ways.
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What Can I Do With My Cat To Manage Allergy Symptoms
Aside from keeping your house clean and free of allergens, there are several things to be mindful of as you interact with your cat. These include:
- avoid being licked by your cat this will spread allergens to you and could make symptoms worse
- gently clean your cat with a damp cloth
- always groom your cat outside
- after giving them a stroke, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly
- feed your cat PURINA Pro Plan LiveClear to help reduce allergens in your home – more details below!
How Does Pet Allergy Occur
Pet allergens are most concentrated in homes with pets. But they are also found in buildings and public spaces without pets.
The main source of dog allergen is saliva, either directly from licking or from being transferred to their dander or hair. Cat allergens mainly come from glands in their skin and are spread through licking and grooming.
Pet allergens are sticky and can remain for months or years after a pet has gone. They can become airborne and attach to clothes and hair.
People can become sensitive to, or have an allergic reaction to, cats or dogs without ever having owned a pet.
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Testing For Environmental Allergies
One of the main ways to diagnose environmental allergies in cats is through a blood test called the radioallergosorbent test . This test measures levels of IgE, a specific type of immunoglobin in your cats immune system.
Through the RAST testing, your vet may be able to determine whether your cat has allergies and what types of things it might be allergic to. The blood test usually takes around a week to get completes results but is generally accurate. Additionally, the pet will not need to be shaved and can remain on anti-itch medications or supplements to treat symptoms.
Unfortunately, blood tests are not usually reliable when it comes to food allergy testing, so other methods may be required if food allergies are suspected.
Another method of testing for environmental allergies is the intradermal skin test, or skin prick. During this test, an area of your cats fur will need to be shaved to allow for injections and examination of the skin.
Specific allergens are injected in very small amounts under your cats skin. After the injections, your vet will examine each injection to see which produced a localized allergic response . Your pets skin will not react to substances that it is not allergic to.
Skin testing is another good way to determine the severity of particular allergies. The benefit of this test is that results appear immediately. Unfortunately, your pet will need to stop taking anti-itch medications, which may be uncomfortable for it.
Intradermal Skin Testing In Cats
If the elimination trial is not effective or it is suspected that the allergen is not food related, intradermal testing may be in order. This common test is considered the most accurate since there are few false positives, except for dust mites. Unfortunately, this test requires someone with expertise to interpret the results accurately. Also, prior to performing the test, all treatments for allergies must be discontinued for weeks to months.
In order to perform the intradermal skin test, a patch of hair is shaved and small markings placed on the skin in a specific pattern. At each pen mark, a specific substance is injected. Twenty-four to 48 hours later, the skin is examined and signs of allergy are determined. Though not 100 percent sensitive, most allergies can be determined by this test.
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