Allergy to cats

What type of symptoms trigger and what I can do?

One of the most frequent allergies is the allergy to animals, particularly allergy to cats. Around 26% of the European population suffers from this allergy. 

For those living with this allergy, it can be troublesome. But not only that, it can be sad and frustrating to give up sharing their life with their pet.

The protein that generates the allergy to cats is not in the hair, but in the saliva and oil glands, although it accumulates in the hair due to sweat or when the cat licks itself.⁣

Allergic symptoms to cats

The allergic symptoms to this allergy can vary very much. It can present allergic-like nasal and eye symptoms, such as itchy, runny nose and eyes, skin symptoms such as hives and respiratory symptoms such as cough, wheezing or chest tightness.

Remember that it is not necessary for you to be in direct contact with the animal for the allergic response to occur, it is enough that you get in contact with the cat allergen itself.

Molecular Diagnosis

Molecular diagnosis can  provide us information whether someone might be allergic only to cats, but not to dogs. Detecting this allergy and applying preventive measures can help reduce symptoms. 

The general recommendations to reduce exposure to the cat allergen are:

• keep the cat away from the bedroom day and night
• deep cleaning and consider remove carpets
• wash your hands after touching or playing with your cat
• bathe and brush your cat once a week

In some occasions these measures may not be enough and treatment to control the symptoms would be recommended  to help to make life with your pet easier. There are different ways to reduce these allergic symptoms and make coexistence between humans and cats as healthy as possible.