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Cat allergy symptoms afflict as many as 16% of the population. Not only do the allergic reactions trouble those who own a cat, but some have such severe reactions it puts some real restrictions on their life.
Not being able to visit a home where a cat resides, or even being so sensitive that standing next to someone who may have a few cat hairs on their clothes may be enough to start a cascade of reactions.
What are some of the most common symptoms?
Sneezing.
Burning eyes.
Raspy throat.
Sore throat.
Clogged Ears
Ringing in the ears
Wheezing, Constricted Chest
Red and itchy eyes.
Coughing.
Stuffy nose.
Itchy skin.
Skin rashes or even welts on the skin.
Some of these symptoms resemble a cold. Frequently
the symptoms come and go, often being worse during
times of stress. Sometimes the skin rash can respond
to topical treatments, other times it does not.
Sometimes what seem to be a lingering cold is indeed
a reaction to the cat, and sometimes what is thought
to be a cat allergy is bronchitis…
Another reason cat allergies can be challenging to diagnose is that sometimes the reaction is delayed.
If you own a cat, or are around them frequently and have frequent low grade symptoms as those above, it is possible that you are having allergic reactions.
One of the most common misconceptions is that it is the cat hair, or cat dander that causes the allergic reactions.
The cause of the reactions is a protein found in the cat’s saliva and skin, protein Fel d1. By cleaning themselves, the cats will spread the protein into their fur.
The protein is extremely small, and extremely difficult to eliminate from a house once cats have been present.
The protein has even been found on Antarctica, where there are no cats present.
If you decide to seek medical treatment, be alert to the fact that way too often the medical community will advice you to get rid of the cat.
Indeed, that is, sadly, a very common advice, even before it is known for certain that the cat is causing the allergic reactions.
For many, the option of relinquishing their cat is not an option at all.
So, then, what are your options?
Frequently someone will test positive for cat allergies but be completely asymptomatic.
In the same way that someone has obvious cat allergy symptoms yet the medical test comes out negative.
Along with the medical tests, the best method is to remove yourself from the presence of cats to see if the symptoms disappear or are lessened.
Going away on vacation can be a good time to pay attention to the severity of your symptoms.
Another test, or semi test, as it is less accurate, is to not allow the cat(s) access to your bedroom.
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If, by your own observations, it does seem like you are allergic to the cat the next step is to take some course of action.
Allergy Treatment Options
Medical Testing -Not Always Accurate
Today we have treatments available that can permanently eliminate your allergy.
