Allergy to cat is very common and affects more than 15 to 30 percent of Americans, notes the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Contrary to popular belief, people do not get allergies from cat fur. Instead, it's the dander, or scales, that are shed from the cat's skin, along with saliva and urine, that cause allergic reactions in some people. Cat dander is extremely sticky, easily airborne, and collects on the cat's fur and other surfaces around the house, so people with pet allergies may have symptoms long after exposure.
Allergic Rhinitis
People with cat dander allergy may develop allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Symptoms of hay fever include itchy, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and inflamed eyes. Other symptoms may include itchy throat of roof of mouth, postnasal drip, coughing, facial pressure and pain. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually develop soon after a person enters a room with cats or cat dander. People with chronic cat dander allergy may also show signs of allergic shiners, which are swollen, dark circles under the eyes, and an allergic crease, a line on the bridge of the nose formed when the nose is frequently rubbed upwards.
Asthma
Cat dander can exacerbate asthma in 20 to 30 percent of people with asthma, according to the AAFA. Symptoms of asthma typically include wheezing, which is the whistling sound heard when a person exhales. People with severe cat dander allergy may also experience coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure.
Allergic Dermatitis
Direct contact with cat or cat dander may trigger skin allergies such as hives and eczema. Hives are red, itchy, swollen patches of skin, appearing at random places on the body. Eczema is characterized by an intense, itchy rash that usually appears on the face, neck and upper chest, but can also develop in other areas. Continually scratching the rashes may aggravate them into thick, scaly, fluid-filled infections. Physicians may advise patients with chronic or severe cat dander allergy to find new homes for their pets to prevent their allergies from worsening.
