How Do I Know If I Have Cat Allergy
Cat allergy symptoms are very similar to those of hay fever and other common allergic reactions.
Cat allergy symptoms include:
- Inflamed or watery eyes.
- Itchy eyes, nose, or roof of the mouth.
There’s a chance you might also feel a tightness in your chest, experience shortness of breath, and could develop hives. Hives occur when your skin reacts to an allergen and becomes itchy with a raised rash.
If you suspect a cat allergy, you should take note of any symptoms and seek a diagnosis from your doctor, who can refer you to an allergy specialist.
Govind adds that, if you get really bad symptoms like wheezing, or you are struggling to breathe, you should treat these symptoms as a medical emergency and call 999.
Current Cat Allergy Treatments
If avoiding cats isnt possible, or you just really, really want a cat despite an allergy, Blaiss recommends at a minimum to never allow the cat inside your bedroom, where you spend about eight hours a day.
Products such as antihistamines, nasal steroids and asthma medications can provide some relief. But medications treat symptoms, not the cat allergy itself. To do that, you need immunotherapy, which is given as shots in an allergists office.
Immunotherapy retrains the immune system to tolerate more cat protein without reacting. Typically, patients go to an allergists office for weekly injections with small amounts of cat protein during a buildup phase that lasts for several months. Thats followed by monthly maintenance injections for three to five years.
Research shows that cat immunotherapy can reduce symptoms in many people, and that the results last. But some people react to the injections, while others quit because of the inconvenience of as many as 80 injections in all.
A lot of people quit before three years. There really is a need to get the duration of it down, says Dr. Harold Nelson, an allergist at National Jewish Health in Denver.
Are Some Pets More Allergenic Or Problematic Than Others
Although it would seem like some breeds or species of animals would be more problematic than others, there is no scientific evidence to prove that. Even though some say that short-haired animals are less allergenic than their long-haired counterparts, this simply isnt true since its not the fur but the dander that causes the reactions. Even a hairless dog is an allergic dog. Keeping your pet well groomed and washed can help prevent dander shedding, but that wont entirely eliminate the risk of allergic reaction.
One reason people believe cats are more of a problem is because their dander is harder to avoid. Cat dander is smaller and more sticky than dog dander. This allows it travel further through the air and stay on surfaces longer.
Some parents opt for small pets like hamsters or other rodents for their allergic children, but even these animals can lead to allergies when children come in contact with their droppings or other body fluids. Think about their environment: when theyre in their cages they cannot avoid their droppings. This gets in their fur and then can cause reactions when your child handles them.
Birds are a somewhat different story. Although extremely rare, bird droppings can cause a chronic lung reaction known as bird-fanciers lung. Symptoms include progressive shortness of breath, fatigue and scarring of lung tissues. More commonly, we often treat patients who are allergic to the feathers for the bird.
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What Is Food Allergy And How Is It Treated
Food allergies in cats are caused by an immune reaction to a food or food additive. The allergy most frequently develops in response to the protein component of the food for example, beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Vegetable proteins such as those found in corn or wheat, as well as food additives and preservatives, may cause food allergies in some cases. Food allergy may produce any of the clinical signs previously discussed, including itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress.
Food allergy testing is recommended when the clinical signs have been present for several months, when the cat has a poor response to steroids, or when a very young cat itches without other apparent causes of allergy. Testing is conducted by feeding an elimination or hypoallergenic diet. This means a diet in which the ingredients have not previously been fed to the cat . Because it takes at least eight weeks for all other food products to be removed from the body, the cat must eat the special diet exclusively for a minimum of eight to twelve weeks. If a positive response occurs, you will be instructed on how to proceed.
If the diet is not fed exclusively, it will not be a meaningful test. This means absolutely no treats, other foods, people foods, or flavored medications during this period. This cannot be overemphasized. Even accidentally providing a tiny amount of the offending protein can result in invalidating the test.
Most Common Cat Allergens
Flea saliva is by far the most common cat allergen.
Cats can also have hypersensitivity reactions to mosquito and other insect bites, but this is less common than flea bite hypersensitivity.
The next most common allergy is environmental allergies.
In dogs, this is generally termed atopy or atopic dermatitis, but in cats its usually called non-food, non-flea hypersensitivity dermatitis.
This is an allergen to things in the environment- pollen, cleaning products, weeds, trees, dust mites, dander, and cigarette smoke are all possible allergens your cat might have a hypersensitivity reaction to.
Food allergies make up about 1-5% of skin disease cases in cats.
Food allergies are built up over time- a cat can have eaten chicken-based food his whole life and still develop an allergy to chicken!
The most common food allergies in cats are beef, chicken and fish- all of which are common in feline diets.
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What Is Inhalant Allergy Or Atopy
Inhalant allergy or atopy is not well understood in cats. In dogs and humans, atopic dermatitis generally refers to allergic reactions to environmental allergens such as pollens, grasses, molds, mildew, and house dust mites).
“Most cats that have an inhalant allergy are allergic to several allergens.”
Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens. However, others are with us all the time, such as molds, mildew, and house dust mites. When humans inhale these allergens, we express the allergy as a respiratory problem. In humans, atopy is also sometimes called ‘hay fever’. The cat’s primary reaction to atopy is severe, generalized itching.
Most cats that have an inhalant allergy are allergic to several allergens. If the number of allergens is small and they are seasonal, itching may last for just a few weeks at a time during one or two periods of the year. If the number of allergens is large or they are present year-round, the cat may itch constantly.
Visit Your Local Animal Shelter
Once you feel that your allergies are under control, consider adoption. Here’s how to navigate a trip to your local animal shelter or a cat adoption event.
- Dress in comfortable, casual clothes.
- Remember to take any allergy medications beforehand.
- Prepare to spend an hour or so at the shelter or event.
- Take a few cats, one at a time, into a private room, if available, and spend some time with each one.
It’s often been said that cats usually chose their humans, so let a cat’s actions guide you in your choice. You may need to visit the shelter several times before you find the cat that fits your lifestyle.
Make sure your home is completely prepared for a new pet. Once you have made your choice, talk to the personnel, tell them about your allergies, and ask if the cat may be returned, as a last resort, if your allergies are aggravated once you bring the pet home. As a last tip, try to restrict your new cat from going into your bedroom so you can sleep free of even the faintest of allergy symptoms.
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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!
What You Can Do:
1. Create an area in your home that is “allergy free”, preferably a bedroom or other room where pets are expressly forbidden and denied access. Keep the air clean in this room using a HEPA air cleaner.
2. Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of the home, and avoid furnishings where dust and dander can more easily accumulate, such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors. Clean these areas frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander and prevent accumulation of these allergens. Frequently wash couch covers, pillows, curtains, area rugs and pet beds.
3. Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can greatly reduce the level of allergy-causing dander . Cats can get used to being bathed, but it’s critical to only use products labeled for them kittens may need a shampoo safe for kittens. Check with your veterinarian’s staff or a good book on pet care for directions about safe bathing, It is also a good idea to use a shampoo recommended by your veterinarian or other animal care professional.
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What Are Common Animal Or Pet Allergy Symptoms
Cat, dog, and other animal allergens can land on the membranes that line the eyes and nose. You can also breathe in pet allergens into your airways. Animal allergy symptoms can include:
- Swelling and itching of the eyes and nose
- Other: sleep disruption, fatigue, itchiness of roof of mouth and throat, irritability
It is common to get itchy eyes after petting an animal and then touching your eyes. A pet scratch or lick on your skin can cause the area to become red and itchy. You may get hives. Pet allergy can trigger an asthma attack if you also have asthma.
People with pet allergies have different levels of sensitivity to pet allergens. Some people have very minor symptoms, while other people have severe symptoms. If allergen levels are low, symptoms may not appear until after several days of contact with the pet.
Animal allergens can get into the air. Many airborne allergens are small enough to get into your lungs. For some people, this exposure can make it very hard to breathe. An asthma episode can begin within 15 to 30 minutes of inhaling allergens. Learn more about allergic asthma.
Allergy Testing To Determine Pet Allergies
The way allergists determine what your child is allergic to is commonly through a skin prick or skin scratch test, also known as allergy testing. Although it looks like it hurts, in reality it only involves small indentations or pricks on the upper layer of the skin. The allergist places a drop of an allergen extract at each scratch location. These extracts include animal dander, mites, pollens, and plant and food extracts. If your child is allergic to any of the extracts, the small bumps like mosquito bites will immediately appear in the test spots. These bumps are a mild immunologic reaction to the allergen extract and are indicative of allergies.
Once all of the testing is done, the only definitive way to know for certain if the family pet is an issue is to remove the pet from your home and do a deep cleaning . Although direct exposure to your pet may be over, it can take up to six months for the allergen levels in your house to fall enough to stop the reactions.
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Rid Your Home Of Other Allergens
If you’re considering bringing a new pet into your home, first rid your home of as many other allergens as possible, including mites, dust, and mold. Most airborne allergens cling to soft material such as curtains and drapes, upholstery, and floor coverings. Here are common ways to clear your home of allergens:
- Substitute blinds for window coverings. If you rent, and can’t get permission to switch them, keep the curtains washed and frequently vacuum the drapes.
- If possible, replace overstuffed upholstered furniture with leather.
- Eliminate decorative scented candles, potpourri, and plug-in air fresheners, all of which can exacerbate allergy symptoms.
- Consider replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with wood or tile floors. Otherwise, thoroughly vacuum carpeting regularly.
How Long Do Pet Allergy Symptoms Last
Pet allergies are frustrating for animal lovers and everyone else who ends up in contact with animals. Symptoms of pet allergies can affect everyday life as pets shed fur and skin. If an animal has fur, they can cause a pet allergy, but cats and dogs are the most common animals to cause allergies. Avoiding animals may not be possible or desired. Let’s take a look at pet allergies and what you can do to combat the symptoms.
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Learn More With Wyndly
If youre tired of suffering from cat allergies, its time to find a solution that works. At Wyndly, our allergy doctors offer support, care, and guidance to help you achieve an allergy-free life. Find out what they can do for you by scheduling your consultation. Book today and get a free at-home allergy test and personalized treatment plan!
What Are Allergies In Cats
Food allergies are built up over time- a cat can have eaten chicken-based food his whole life and still develop an allergy to chicken!
Allergies are an abnormal immune response to a harmless stimulus. When your cats body contacts an allergen through their skin or after breathing it in, a chain reaction starts thats out of proportion to the danger your cat is ina hypersensitivity reaction.
Immune system sentinel cells release cell signals that cause itching, swelling, and redness.
Cats are not usually born with allergies- they develop as your cat ages. Cats are usually diagnosed between six months and three years, but as diagnosis is often difficult, cats have been diagnosed as old as 14 years!
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What Causes A Cat Allergy
A cat allergy develops when your immune system overreacts to a protein in cat dander, urine, or saliva. This protein is what allergists call sticky. It clings to things like hair, carpets, furniture, and clothing. And because cats spend so much time cleaning themselves, its not hard for traces of cat saliva to end up spread throughout a home.
When your immune system responds to the harmless cat protein, it acts as though its dangerous. The body induces an immune response in an attempt to get rid of the allergen, which leads to a range of allergy symptoms.
How To Live With Allergies And Pets
Millions of people enjoy sharing their homes and their lives with pets, even those who are allergic to animals. Unfortunately, some people believe that once they are diagnosed with a pet allergy, they have no choice but to remove their pets from their family.
Thankfully, there are many solutions that can be explored that would allow an allergy sufferer to keep their beloved pets while successfully managing their allergies. You’d be surprised to know how many people with allergies that aren’t life-threatening are able to live happily with their pets.
In many cases, the benefits of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks of pet allergies.
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How Do You Cure Cat Allergies Permanently
it depends on the individuals cat allergies and the severity of the allergy. Some interventions that may help to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of a cat allergy include:
1. Exposure to the allergen. This may involve exposing the cat to the allergen in a controlled setting, such as at a allergists office or in a closed environment.
2. Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves using a specific type of antibody to help the body build immunity to the allergen.
Immunotherapy may be offered as a standalone treatment or in combination with other interventions, such as exposure to the allergen.
3. Allergy shots. Allergy shots are injections that contain the allergen and are given to the cat over time.
Allergy shots have been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of a cat allergy, but they are not always necessary and may not be the best option for every cat.
4. Medications. Medications may be prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of a cat allergy, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.
5. Surgery. Surgery may be necessary in some cases to remove the cause of the cat allergy.
This may include surgery to the respiratory system, the skin, or the intestines.
Myth #: You Are Safe From Cat Allergies When Outside Of The Home
Have you ever gone to a friends house for a party and upon entering the front door, your eyes started watering, and you needed your inhaler? Assuming they have a cat, you asked about it as politely as you could, but were surprised when they said, no.Cat allergens are sticky, which means that they have a tendency to travel on clothing and other surfaces. If you had an allergic reaction in a cat-free environment, its likely that you came in contact with someone who had cat dander on his or her clothing. Again, it all comes down to you knowing the severity of your allergy and how to manage the symptoms theres no need to bow out of your favorite social activities.
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