Everything You Need To Know About Cat Allergies In Humans

Life with cat allergies can raise a lot of questions. Cat allergy can be the answer to your never-ending cold symptoms or breathing problems. Scroll down to find the answers of all the major questions related to cat allergies in humans.

1. Causes

Genetics has a role in the development of allergies, meaning that one is more likely to experience them if they have family members who are also allergic. The immune system makes antibodies to fight off substances that might hurt the body, like bacteria and viruses. In a person who has allergies, the immune system mistakes an allergen for something harmful and starts making antibodies to fight it.This is what causes allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, skin rashes, and asthma. In the case of cat allergies, allergens can come from your cat’s dander (dead skin), fur, saliva and even their urine.

2. Symptoms

Common signs of a cat allergy usually follow shortly after coming in contact with cat dander, saliva, or urine. The allergen causes swelling and itching of the membranes around the eyes and nose, usually leading to eye inflammation and a stuffy nose. People also develop a rash on the face, neck, or upper chest in response to the allergen. Fatigue is another common symptom of cat allergies. Apart from that difficulty in breathing, coughing, and wheezing can be alarming signs of cat allergy.

3. Diagnosis

There are two ways to test for any allergy, including cats:

1. Skin prick test: This test is performed while pricking the skin’s surface and extracting a tiny amount of the allergen. One is likely to be tested for several allergens at the same time. If in about 15 to 20 minutes, the skin prick site becomes red or swollen, it is a positive result confirming cat allergy.

2. Blood test: Another way to identify cat allergy is by doing a blood test. In this blood will be drawn either at the doctor’s office or a laboratory and then sent for testing. The blood is then examined for antibodies to common allergens, such as cat dander. The results take longer, but there is no risk of an allergic reaction during a blood test.