Many people with cat allergies can own cats and manage low-level symptoms like mild stuffiness and watery eyes.
However, others may experience more severe, unmanageable symptoms, and they probably shouldnt own a cat.
People regularly exposed to cats tend to have more chronicthough sometimes mildersymptoms.
Ana Rocio Garcia Franco / Getty Images
However, small children cant communicate clearly, so it may be harder to know what is going on.
You might notice a child rubbing their nose often, and their eyes might look puffy.
Hives appear reddish in people with fairer skin.
Cat allergies may exacerbate eczema, though this is not proven.
However, triggers such as cat dander mightworsenallergy symptoms.
However, in rare cases, they can occur alongside anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction).
Cats produce several different allergens, and some people react to one or more of them.
Male and unneutered cats may produce more of this allergen than female or male neutered cats.
In general, allergic diseases tend to run in families, partially due to genetic factors.
So, youre at higher risk of a cat allergy if someone in your family has allergies.
You might want to get a referral to an allergist (allergy specialist) for more detailedallergy testing.
They will test for your response to common allergens like animal dander, mold, dust, and pollen.
Then, the skin is slightly “pricked” or scrapped so the allergen can enter.
Fifteen minutes later, the provider checks your skin for signs of an allergic response.
The other testing option is a “specific IgE test” for cat allergy.
The provider will take a blood sample to a lab for analysis.
Your allergist can tell you if you are likely allergic to cats based on the results.
How to Control Your Symptoms
Plain nasal salt rinses can help clear away mucus.
Work with a healthcare provider to determine the best medication combination for you.
People with allergic asthma or atopic dermatitis related to allergies may need other options.
Are Allergy Shots Right for You?
In most people, symptoms decrease or resolve completely after their course of allergy shots, sometimes permanently.
If a friend or relative has a cat, avoid spending time at their house.
When traveling, choose lodging that is always pet-free.
However, symptoms might not decrease for several months.
If you have multiple cats, keeping just one might help you reduce symptoms.
Limit how much you touch your cat, and wash your hands afterward if you do.
By taking additional steps tolower pet allergens, you may be able to reduce your symptoms.
An allergist can diagnose a cat allergy with a blood or skin prick test.
Over-the-counter medications can help reduce symptoms, but they are imperfect and dont treat the root cause.
For a more long-term solution, some people with more severe symptoms might consider a course of allergy shots.
Davila I, Dominguez-Ortega J, Navarro-Pulido A, et al.Consensus document on dog and cat allergy.Allergy.
2018;73(6):1206-1222. doi:10.1111/all.13391
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pet allergy.
2020;102(6):355-362.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Eczema.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergic asthma.
2015;35(1):19-44. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.014
