Signs And Symptoms Of Cat Allergies
According to Bryan Martin, an osteopathic doctor and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology , cat allergy symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on an individuals sensitivity and the level of exposure to allergens. Those variables may also influence how quickly symptoms develop after exposure. Highly sensitive people can develop symptoms within minutes of touching a cat or entering a feline-occupied house.
Like most allergies, cat allergies manifest in different ways for different people, Barrack said. For some, an allergy to cat dander can cause itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion and coughing, while it may cause shortness of breath , a skin rash or hives in others.
Make Changes To Your Cat
- Feeding your cat a high quality diet can help reduce your allergies because it will keep his coat and skin healthy, thereby minimizing dander and shedding.
- Brush your kitty regularly to get rid of old protein-laden fur. Better yet, acclimatize her to the occasional bath.
- Switching to a low-dust litter may help both the allergy sufferer and the cat. There are lots of dust-free litter choices on todays market experiment with a few to see how your cat likes them, and how your respiratory system responds. It may take time, but you should eventually find something that works for both you and your cat.
How Cat Allergies Develop
If you do suffer from cat allergies, you’re far from alone. In fact, people are twice as likely to be allergic to cats than they are to dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. But how do people develop cat allergies in the first place?
Your immune system works every day to find and destroy foreign substances . Some people’s immune systems are more sensitive than others. The immune systems of cat allergy sufferers react to what are essentially harmless microscopic proteins that have been released by your cat in her dander , saliva and urine.
Many people believe pet hair is to blame, but pet hair alone is not an allergen. Hair can, however, collect pet dander and allow it to be distributed willy-nilly throughout your house when your cat sheds. It can collect on furniture, bedding and carpets, and can even last a long time simply suspended in the air.
Some people are lucky enough that they eventually develop an immunity to cat allergies. While this is certainly possible, allergic reactions may also worsen with more exposure. It’s also possible that someone who has never suffered an allergy to cats before can develop one. If you suddenly find yourself sneezing, wheezing or sniffling when you are around your cat, you might want to ask your doctor to test you for an allergy.
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Allergic Rhinitis And Animals
There are a variety of different things that can cause allergic rhinitis including pollen and dust. However, in this blog our allergy advisor Louise Baillie discusses what impact animals have on this condition and why. There are also some details about what you can do if animals are exacerbating your allergic rhinitis symptoms, as well as information on what treatments are available.;
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You Feel Exhausted All The Time
When you think of allergies, you probably think of sneezing, wheezing, and rashes. Those are very common symptoms, but they aren’t the only ones! Cat allergies can also cause fatigue, leaving you feeling exhausted all the time. In fact, Healthline reports that experts give this type of fatigue a specific name â âbrain fogââ and itâs all to do with the inflammation.
âPeople with allergies experience inflammation,â ays from the Cleveland Clinic. âThat inflammation leads to a congested nose, disrupted sleep patterns and not getting good rest.â Itâs an easy symptom to overlook, as fatigue can have a variety of causes, but if it’s combined with some of the below symptoms, it could be a sign of allergies.
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How Can I Solve The Problem
If you think your pet may be experiencing an allergic reaction, whether its to another pet in the house or any other substance, call your Western Orange County vet. Tests can be performed to confirm the presence of allergies. From there, allergy medications may be prescribed. Your veterinarian may also offer advice on using air purifiers and bathing your pet with medicated shampoo to lessen the exposure to allergens. Dont worrythere are many options available to you!
To learn more, contact your Western Orange County vet clinic today.;
Your Eyes Are Red & Itchy
Watery eyes are a common symptom of pet allergies, as are red, dry, itchy eyes. A lot of people think this is just a result of general allergies from being outside and being exposed to pollen, but that itchy feeling in your eyes can also happen after you’re around your cat, especially if you pet them or hold them and then touch your eyes.
âWe see a lot of people getting a stuffy nose or red, itchy, watery eyes. And for some people, that can happen from a distance, so if even there’s just a cat in the room, these symptoms can still happen,â says Price. In particular, itâs the cat dander that sets this particular type of allergic reaction off. These are â and brace yourself, because this can sound a little gross â âmicroscopic pieces of dry cat skin that become airborne, landing on bedding, curtains, carpeting, and other surfaces, including humans’ skin and clothing,â per The Spruce Pets. So, not an easy one to avoid.
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How Do You Treat Cat Allergies
- Ask your doctor about antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays to ease your symptoms
- Groom your cat outdoors and wipe them with a damp cloth or cat-safe cleanser to remove allergens
- Avoid letting your cat lick your skin or clothes and always wash your hands after petting your cat
- Regularly wash your cats bedding, toys and litter tray Fel d 1 can be found in their urine too
- Ventilate your home by opening windows for an hour each day, or use an air purifier. Avoid placing cat beds and litter trays close to air vents
- Vacuum regularly using a cleaner with a high efficiency particulate air filter that limits the amount of allergen released back into the air
- Avoid letting your cat into your bedroom, as allergies can become worse at night
- Try feeding your cat Purinas new Pro Plan LiveClear cat food, designed to safely neutralise cat allergens and reduce the levels on their fur
Does A Cat Allergy Mean I’ll Be Allergic To All Cats
If you love cats and have allergies, you might be hoping you can find a cat to which you’re not allergic. So, is that possible? Not technically. Cat allergies are caused by pet dander and saliva, so if you’re allergic to cats, then you’re probably allergic to all cats.
But there is some good news.
Some breeds of cats produce less dander, which means they may only trigger very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. While no cat is 100% hypoallergenic, the following breeds are among those that make a good choice for people with allergies.*
- Sphynx
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Can My Cat Be Allergic To Another Cat
There are plenty of things that a cat can be allergic to ingredients in her food, dust, dirt, pollen, mold, and more. But have you ever wondered if your cat can be allergic to another cat in your home? Learn more here from a veterinarian Savannah, GA.
Can Cats Be Allergic to Each Other?
Yes, cats can, in fact, be allergic to other cats and dogs too. Allergies to other pets arent as common as other types of allergies, but theyre entirely possible. In the same way that the proteins found in pet saliva, urine, and dander are the cause of human allergies to pets, those same substances cause reactions in your cat.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of a pet-to-pet allergic reaction are mostly the same as the symptoms of other types of allergies. These include watery or red eyes, irritated skin, and sneezing.
What Do I Do to Help?
If you see the above symptoms in your cat, set up an appointment with your veterinarian. Whether your cat is reacting to another pet in the home or another allergy-causing substance, youll want to have the matter addressed.
I’m Allergic But I Really Want A Cat
You’re not alone, and the good news is that it’s possible to live with cats in spite of allergies. Unless you have a life-threatening allergy, which is rare, your doctor can help you with a plan to deal with the symptoms while still enjoying the company of your pet.
This is good news not just for pet owners, but also for the cats. According to the ASPCA, about 374,000 cats are returned to shelters each year because the owner has allergies.
If you suspect an allergy to cats, visit your doctor to confirm. If the allergies are mild to moderate, treatment and following these tips to reduce allergens in your home may be able to help your four-legged family members remain in your home.;
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How To Treat Cat Allergies
If you suspect you may have allergies, begin by consulting an allergist. This will enable you to obtain the most appropriate therapy to alleviate the associated symptoms, Barrack said. Dust and pollen;on a cats coat can cause allergies, according to the ACAAI, so receiving an allergy test can help determine whether your cats dander is the culprit or if its something else.
The allergist will likely recommend allergen testing and may pursue symptomatic treatment to reduce discomfort or allergen immunotherapy shots to reduce the severity of reaction upon exposure to cat dander, Barrack said.
Unsolved Mysteries About Being Allergic To Cats
As I mentioned, my husband, Mark, was allergic to cats when we started dating. Whenever he came to my house, he would cough, wheeze and itch if he didnt wash his hands after petting my cats. Fortunately, his allergies disappeared by the time we got engaged.
Thats because of a process called accommodation, in which people with a tolerable allergy level are exposed to an allergen constantly, and their body learns to tolerate it, said Lundberg, the Siberian breeder from Oregon.
But if;you go on vacation for two weeks, you lose it and you have to start over again, he said.
A 2011 study published;in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy showed that children exposed to cats before age 1 have half the risk of developing pet allergies later in life. Thats great news for pet-loving parents. In other cases, people who have never suffered from allergies can develop them later in life, because of hormonal changes or excessive exposure to pollution, pollen, dust mites or mold.
Didnt I say that allergies are mysterious? We might not be able to explain all of them, but we can manage the effect they have on our lives.
Tell us: Are you allergic to cats but live with felines? How do you manage your cat allergies?
Read more about cats and allergies on Catster.com:
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Can You Live With A Cat If You Are Allergic
You can live with a cat if you are allergic, unless you have severe allergies. In fact, thousands of people with allergies do live with their feline friends. Some who only have mild symptoms just put up with the symptoms or treat them with over-the-counter medicine. Those with moderate symptoms often seek help from a doctor who may prescribe prescription medications.
Making Your Home More Inviting For Cat Allergy Sufferers
If you live with a cat, you probably dont suffer from a severe cat allergy, but approximately 30% of Americans are allergic to cats and dogs. Do you like to host events or have visitors from out of town? If your visitors are allergic to cats, it may mess up your plans. Although you may encounter some people who simply wont visit because you have a cat, try not to take it personal .
If you want to make your home more inviting for friends and family with cat allergies, you can designate a few spaces to be cat-free and do frequent cleaning throughout your home.
You may even feel so inclined to stock up on OTC allergy medication or put your cat in a separate room when you have visitors, but dont bend over backward to please your guests; they probably dont expect you to accommodate to their allergies. Besides, if they suffer from severe allergies, your efforts may be pointless.
We know a lot of times your cat or dog may need additional ;support with their seasonal allergies try;Wapiti Labs Mobility or Vital Supplements.
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What Causes Allergies
Pet allergy, like all allergy, is caused by a confused immune system. Its a terrible case of mistaken identity. The body is exposed to harmless bits of proteins from the environment. Instead of recognizing these proteins as innocent, the immune system mistakenly identifies them as germs and creates antibodies to attack them.
Much in the way the body creates antibodies as a result of exposure to disease , it creates antibodies in response to this protein. These are called human immunoglobulin E or IgE for short. With germs, it means the body is ready for war with the next exposure. Unfortunately for the allergic person, the body goes to war with every exposure to harmless proteins.;
In other words, every time you are exposed to the protein, the body thinks it needs to fight a germ.; Thats why allergies can give you the same sniffling, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes that go along with a cold. Allergies also cause inflammation. That inflammation can also lead to eczema, fluid in the inner ear, or even asthma.
What Is Cat Dander
Dander is invisible skin cells that cats naturally shed as a part of the normal growth cycle. Its different from cat dandruff, which is when shed skin cells build up, clump together, and become visible as they fall off.
Unlike hair, you cant see cat danderbut it can accumulate almost everywhere in your home. It can be on your walls, furniture, bedding, and even in the air.;;;
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What Causes A Litter Allergy
An oversensitivity to everyday substances will lead to an immune response. The cats body will try to flush these substances from the body, leading to an allergic reaction.
Most litter allergies are caused by fragrances or scented chemicals that have been added for odor control. Europe PMC stated that perfumes added to gravel in cat toilets could lead to allergic reactions. In extreme cases, asthma can occur.
The European Respiratory Journal also argues that cat litter is a possible trigger for sarcoidosis. This is a disease involving a series of inflammatory cells that form granulomas, which are lumps. For example, silica, a component found in cat litter, can initiate inflammation and cause a reaction.
Scented litter only really benefits humans, so its best to avoid this kind of litter. Scented litter may even encourage your cat to go to the toilet elsewhere, leading to an unwanted cat smell in your home.
Is It Possible To Be Allergic To One Cat And Not Others
Cali, Cleo, Cinderella, and Charlee MarieAlways in my heart, my lovely Cinderella, running free at the Bridge.Always in my heart, my sweet Cali, running free at the Bridge.
Cali, Cleo, Cinderella, and Charlee MarieAlways in my heart, my lovely Cinderella, running free at the Bridge.Always in my heart, my sweet Cali, running free at the Bridge.Susancolor
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Should I Keep My Cat If I’m Allergic To It
There is not a single correct answer to this question. But before you decide whether to keep your cat, you must make sure that it is your cat causing the allergic reaction. You don’t want to go through the stress and upset of rehoming a much loved pet if your allergic reaction is caused by dust mites.
You have to decide whether the severity of your allergic reaction means you need to re-home your cat.
In some cases, the symptom-easing tips included above are enough to make living with a cat sustainable, but other people find that their allergic reaction makes living with a cat unbearable.
Why Cat Litter Allergies Occur
The ingredients in litter can cause allergies in some cats. Clumping litters generally contain silica, which produces silica dust, an irritant known to cause allergies in some humans and animals. Fragrances can also be potentially irritating. While clay litters tend to be the most highly irritating, your cat can be allergic to any number of components in any litter.
The way that your cat uses the litter box contributes to these potential allergies. Cats dig in the box, bury their business, and scratch at the box sides and at the litter. All this activity can stir up dust and irritants, making the issue worse.
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How Can I Prevent Allergies From Cats
There are common strategies to help you reduce allergens from cats, such as the following tips:
- Dont let cats in your bedroom. Its better to keep this space as dander-free as possible.
- Wash your hands after touching cats to make sure you dont transfer allergens onto yourself.
- Remove carpets and clean walls frequently. It is easier to keep wooden or tile flooring dander-free. Regular cleaning of walls will help reduce allergens.
- Cover heating and air vents with a filtering material, such as cheesecloth, so that cat hair doesnt get into the vents.
- Install a whole-house air filter, preferably a high-efficiency particulate absorbing filter.
- Change filters on air conditioning units and furnaces frequently.
- Keep the humidity level in your home at about 40 percent. This makes it difficult for allergens to travel in the air.
- Vacuum weekly with a HEPA filter vacuum.
- Use a face mask while dusting or cleaning to prevent allergens from traveling to your lungs.