About 30 percent of Americans suffer from allergies to cats, in particular from the allergy-causing proteins or allergens found in dander (dead skin flakes), saliva and urine. Cat fur itself does not cause allergies, so even cats with short hair or hypo-allergenic fur may cause allergies in some people. However, these microscopic cat allergens easily transfer to the fur when the animal grooms itself, and gets spread onto clothes, upholstery, carpets and other furniture around the house. The allergens also remain airborne for months; hence people with cat allergies may have symptoms even when a cat is not in the immediate vicinity.
Asthma Attacks
About 30 percent of people with asthma may experience severe asthma attacks when exposed to cats, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Severe asthma attacks are characterized by audible wheezing sounds when the person exhales, difficulty breathing or gasping for air, severe chest tightness and coughing. People with severe cat allergies may start experiencing symptoms within 15 minutes of exposure, and may require emergency medical attention if the attack worsens.
Nasal Problems
Inhalation of cat allergens often results in sneezing, itchy, runny or stuffy nose, and red, watery eyes. Other symptoms include itchiness on the roof of the mouth or throat, postnasal drip, coughing, and facial pressure or pain on exposure to cats. Permanent cold symptoms may also develop with perennial exposure to cats.
Skin Symptoms
People with cat allergies may develop skin allergies on contact with feline allergens. Symptoms of contact allergies include swollen, red, itchy patches of skin. Other people may develop atopic eczema, characterized by extremely itchy rashes on the face, neck and upper chest. The rashes may worsen over time, and become thick, scaly and filled with infected fluid.
Other Signs
Persistent exposure to cat may cause children with cat allergies to develop an allergic crease, a line formed on the bridge of the nose caused by frequent, upward rubbing to relieve congestion and itchiness. Chronic sinus congestion in people allergic to cats may cause swollen, blue-colored skin to appear under the eyes, called allergic shiners. Frequent nighttime awakenings and sleeplessness due to nasal congestion or chronic asthma may also result from allergic reactions to cats.
