Living with a cat allergy.

Cats are so cute and cuddly, making them an excellent pet for millions of people. Some people can handle a cat with no problem while other people simply walk into a room where a cat is located and immediately experience the symptoms of a cat allergy. While the dead skin, also called the dander is what causes an allergic reaction, different cats can have different effects on sensitive people.

If you already own a cat or are thinking about buying one, discovering you have a cat allergy can be devastating. The symptoms associated with a cat allergy include runny nose, itchy and tearing eyes, swollen eyelids, rash, and headache. In most cases, people who are allergic to cats only experience the minor, annoying symptoms. Other more uncommon symptoms include a popping of the ears and the need to clear the throat.

However, there are cases when more serious reactions occur. For example, a person with asthma could easily have an asthma attack triggered from being around a cat. When the sensation of a tight chest, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath are experienced, the cat allergy is serious and could be very dangerous. In this situation, it is important to seek medical attention.

Again, some people with a cat allergy can walk into a room and immediately begin to have symptoms but usually, the problem becomes worse during grooming, dusting, vacuuming, or cleaning the cat litter box. In addition, if the cat sleeps on the bed or pillows, then it is quite possible for the reaction to be worse at night or in the morning.

While many people with cats automatically blame the cat for any allergy problems, in truth it may not be the cat at all. For this reason, if you think you might have a cat allergy, get tested. A qualified allergist can perform a skin test and know very quickly if the cat is in fact the problem. Sometimes, something as simple as using a different type of cat litter can make a huge difference. Even giving the cat a weekly bath can greatly improve any cat allergy symptoms.

The allergen found in the cat’s sebum is a type of protein known as Fel d1. The sebum is actually from the sebaceous gland, found under the skin and near the base of the tail. Most experts believe that when a cat’s skin is clean and healthy, the allergens are less effective. What happens is that the sebum will become dry and flakey, getting into clothing, carpeting, or on furniture. Since these particles are so small, they can be moved around the house or from person-to-person with ease. Therefore, vacuuming and dusting on a regular bases and using an air purifier would certainly improve life for the person living with a cat allergy.