You can be allergic to one cat and not another. It is possible for one cat to trigger severe symptoms while another may cause a reaction that is barely noticeable. Most cat allergies are caused by pet dander, and some cats produce more than others.
How do you know if you are allergic to cats?
Cat allergy symptoms may include: Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose. Facial pain (from nasal congestion) Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.
What does being allergic to cats mean?
People with cat allergies react to specific substances that cats produce, such as saliva, skin flakes called dander, or urine. The substances that cause these reactions are called allergens. A cat allergy can cause symptoms ranging from mild respiratory problems to a life-threatening syndrome called anaphylaxis.
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.
Why am I only allergic to my cat sometimes?
You can be allergic to one cat and not another. It is possible for one cat to trigger severe symptoms while another may cause a reaction that is barely noticeable. Most cat allergies are caused by pet dander, and some cats produce more than others.
What is the best medicine for cat allergies?
Avoiding the allergen is best, but when that’s not possible, the following treatments may help:
- antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- corticosteroid nasal sprays such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex)
- over-the-counter decongestant sprays.
Can you build immunity to cat allergies?
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.
Can you stop being allergic to cats?
Although cat allergy symptoms may never go away completely, they are manageable. Remember this basic fact about cat allergens. They need to be airborne and you need to breathe them in for you to have an allergic reaction to them. Cat allergen is very small so it remains suspended in the air longer.
What causes cat allergies in humans?
People with cat allergies are really allergic to proteins in the cat’s saliva, urine, and dander (dried flakes of skin). How do these tiny proteins cause such a big allergic reaction in the body? People with allergies have oversensitive immune systems.
What can I do if Im allergic to my cat?
If you do have an allergy, your doctor may prescribe medications or allergy shots. Your allergist will also recommend things you can do at home — like washing your hands frequently, making sure your house is vacuumed and dusted regularly, and getting rid of carpets and drapes that trap dust and pet dander.
Is there a vaccine for cat allergies?
Allergy Vaccine for Cats
HypoPet is working on an experimental vaccine called Fel-CuMV (or HypoCat), which incorporates particles from the cucumber mosaic virus attached to a Fel d 1 protein. The vaccine tricks the cat’s immune system into recognizing the protein as a foreign intruder.
Are male cats more allergenic than females?
Un-neutered male cats usually produce more allergen than females. Proteins in the urine of cats will also trigger allergic reactions. Some animals seem more tolerable than others because they shed fewer allergens.
Which cats are worst for allergies?
In general, longer-haired cats (other than the breeds listed) and heavy-shedders should be off limits to allergy-sufferers. This includes the Persian, the Maine Coon, the British Longhair, and the Norwegian Forest Cat.
How soon do cat allergies show up?
The symptoms of cat allergy usually do not appear immediately. Rhinitis (runny nose and congestion) seldom becomes severe before 15-30 minutes, and asthma symptoms begin after 30 minutes. Symptoms may not occur until there have been several days of cumulative exposure.