Cats are a popular pet. They are great indoor pets for those living in the city as well as those living in the suburbs or on the farm. But those with allergies to cats are not able to enjoy them. About 10% of those living in the US have pet allergies and cats are the most common culprits, almost twice as likely as dog allergies.
But it isn\’t the hair or fur that\’s the issue for people who are allergic but rather the saliva, urine and dander. If you are sneezing, sniffling or have never ending cold symptoms you just might be allergic to the cute little kitten you just gave to your daughter for Christmas. (1)
These are tiny little protein molecules that cause a great big allergic reaction in the body. The allergic response in the body is caused from the hyperactivity in the immune system that recognizes these protein molecules as invaders. Immune system fighters, Immunoglobulin E, attack these molecules, injuring mast cells in the meantime. When the mast cells are injured they release histamine which causes the allergic response in the body.
Because many people believe that the allergens are from the hair or fur they also believe that the hairless variety of cats are hypo-allergenic. However, because the proteins are a result of saliva, urine or dander (skin flakes) it doesn\’t matter how much hair a cat has or doesn\’t have they will trigger allergic reactions in those who are hypersensitive.
The symptoms of cat allergies are coughing, wheezing, hives, red and itchy eyes, runny and stuffy nose and sneezing. These symptoms can develop in just a few minutes or take several hours to first appear. However, although these symptoms may obviously seem to come from a cat, it isn\’t always the case. So, it is important to use blood testing or allergy testing to determine if it is the cat. After all, you wouldn\’t want to blame Mr. Whiskers when it\’s not his fault.
In some cases allergy testing is not conclusive so the physician may want you to begin by exposing yourself to a cat several times and then try living with one for a few months to see how it affects your allergy symptoms.
There are a couple of things you can do to reduce your risk for experiencing allergy symptoms and therefore improve your chances of keeping the cat in your house. Don\’t allow the cat sleep on your bed. In fact, keep your bedroom door shut and don\’t allow the cat in there at all. You spend eight hours a day, on average, in this room, breathing this air and rolling around in the sheets. This is prime time for exposure to allergens or a great way to get away from them.
Wash your bedding in 140 degree hot water at least twice monthly because the cat will either get in the room or you\’ll bring the dander and saliva with you when you go to bed. This washing eliminates dust mites and cat allergens. Use a HEPA filter in rooms where your cat frequents to remove as much allergens from the air as possible. These require filter replacements but they do the job better than other filters.
Wash your hands after petting your cat and don\’t rub your eyes or you\’ll introduce the allergens directly into your system. You can also try washing the cat to help remove the amount of allergens released by dander but the research on this technique is conflicting. The best advise is to test this in your own home with your own cat. If it helps to decrease your symptoms you\’ve found another way of reducing your allergy symptoms.
If you follow these steps and are conscientious about to way in which you handle your cat you should be able to decrease your symptoms enough that you won\’t have to get rid of the baby.
(1) University of Nottingham: Cell Component Involved in Triggering at Cat Allergy Identified
RESOURCES
Annals of Allergy, Ashtma and Immunology: Cat Allergy
Cat Care Society: Allergies
ASPCA: Allergies