Cat allergy

There is no doubt that cats are adorable, but they are also a major source of indoor allergy after house dust mites. Cat allergies are becoming increasingly common worldwide.¹

People who are allergic to cats react to a protein found in the cats’ saliva. When cats clean themselves, their fur becomes sticky due to their saliva. Their fur sticks to fabrics and furnishings and can be carried to other places on clothing.

Cat allergens (substances that cause allergic reaction) are widespread because their fur is lightweight and easily airborne.

The main symptoms you will experience with cat allergy is related to hay fever although some people may also experience skin symptoms. If an adult or child starts sneezing or wheezing whenever they come into contact with a cat, the possibility is that they have a cat allergy. Because most allergies begin in childhood, it is best to consult a doctor before exploring how to reduce your exposure to cat fur. Your doctor might refer you to an allergy specialist for a skin-prick test for confirmation. The typical allergy hay fever symptoms to look out for are:

• Watery, runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Often having to clear the throat
• Blocked nose so you have to breathe through the mouth; snoring
• Sneezing a lot, especially in the morning
• Nosebleeds
• Headaches because of pressure from inside the nose
• Frequent earaches, fullness in the ear, ear infections or hearing loss
• Nasal voice because of blocked nasal passages
• Dark circles under the eyes

The best way to deal with a cat allergy is to try and avoid cats. However, this may not be easy. Once your diagnosis is confirmed as cat allergy, you may have to consider removing the cat from the house.

If you do not want to give up your beloved cat, here are some strategies that may help keep symptoms at bay:

• Keep the cat away from your bedroom and confine it to a few rooms. Keep in mind that keeping the cat in a single room will not limit allergens to that room.
• When you pet, hug, or kiss the cat, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Continuous use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners in a bedroom or living room can help decrease allergen levels over time.
• Allergen levels can be reduced by using a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum on a regular basis.

Furthermore, cat allergy treatments differ depending on the symptoms.

Although medications do not cure allergies, they can reduce symptoms. Those can include antihistamine tablets, antihistamine syrups, intranasal corticosteroid or antihistamine nasal sprays or fixed-dose combination intranasal antihistamine and corticosteroid sprays and antihistamine eye drops. The doctor may also recommend other therapies like saline washes or sprays and others.

Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is an effective allergy treatment option that involves injecting increasing doses of an allergen to gradually build tolerance.

*It is recommended that you seek treatment under the supervision of a Healthcare Professional.