Cat allergy: how to recognize it, what to do and whether you can live with it

When purring becomes a cause of tears

For many people, a cat is not just a pet, but a real member of the family. But sometimes, after talking to a furry friend, a runny nose, watery eyes, itching, or even a suffocation attack begins. It turns out that these are not emotions - these are cat allergy, one of the most common forms of household allergies in the world.

«"Animal allergies are not to fur, as most patients think, but to proteins found in cats' saliva, urine, and dander,", — explains allergist-immunologist Maryna Petrovna.

What causes cat allergies?

The main allergen is protein Fel d 1, which is produced by the sebaceous glands of the cat's skin and gets on the fur during licking. The protein is very small, easily transported by air, and settles on furniture, clothes, and walls - so even the absence of an animal in the room does not guarantee a clean environment.

Symptoms of cat allergy

• frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, watery rhinitis

• itching or redness of the eyes

• dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing

• skin manifestations: urticaria, itching, eczema

• general fatigue, headache after contact with a cat

Symptoms may appear immediately or accumulate gradually. Sometimes allergies appear after prolonged contact with an animal - this is especially common in adults.

Who is at risk?

• children with atopic predisposition

• people with seasonal or household allergies

• patients with bronchial asthma

• those who already have allergies to other animals (dogs, rodents)

Diagnosis: how to know for sure if it's an allergy

To confirm an allergy, you should undergo laboratory or skin testing:

• Blood test for specific IgE to Fel d 1 and Fel d 4

• Multiplex allergy panels (e.g. ALEX2) — determine the presence of allergies to animal components

• Skin prick tests with standard cat allergens

Doctor's quote:
«"It is important not to confuse a cat allergy with a reaction to dust or mold. Often all these factors are combined, and only a test gives an accurate answer,", — notes allergist Svitlana Melnychuk.

What to do if an allergy is detected

1. Limit contact with the allergen

• avoid contact with animals, especially indoors

• do not let the cat into the bedroom, especially on the bed

• regularly ventilate the apartment, use an air purifier with HEPA filters

• daily wet cleaning

• washing clothes after visiting places where there are cats

2. Drug therapy

• antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine)

• nasal sprays with corticosteroids

• bronchodilators or inhalers (for asthma)

• mast cell membrane stabilizers (ketotifen)

3. ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy)

This is the only treatment method that affects the cause of the allergy. The drug with the allergen extract is administered subcutaneously or under the tongue in courses. After 3–5 years, the sensitivity to the allergen significantly decreases or disappears.

Can you get a cat if you have allergies?

If the allergy is mild and controlled, some people can have a cat as long as they follow strict hygiene rules. There are breeds that produce less allergen Fel d 1, for example:

• Siberian cat

• Balinese

• Oriental Shorthair

• Devon Rex

• Cornish Rex

But it is important: no breed is completely hypoallergenic.

Cat allergy is not a sentence, but a signal to take action. Timely diagnosis, competent household management, and treatment will help avoid complications and maintain harmony in a home with a purring friend.