Airborne allergies can cause an array of symptoms that be a minor annoyance or cause pervasive discomfort, but cat allergies can also trigger chronic asthma, notes the Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA). Cat allergies (and other types of allergies) occur when the body's immune system misidentifies otherwise harmless proteins as dangerous intruders and responds by creating antibodies, which in turn trigger the release of histamines that are responsible for your itchy nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes and wheezy breath. Cat allergies are the autoimmune system's reaction to the Fel d 1 protein found in your furry friend's dander, saliva and urine. But symptoms of cat allergies might also be a reaction to your allergy to other things, such as dust mites, mold and pollens that find their way into your home.
Step 1
Test how the presence of your cat affects your health. You may choose to remove your pet from the home for at least two months to see if your symptoms subside. However, the Mayo Clinic notes that allergens remain in the environment absent a pet for a significant period of time. A thorough pet allergen removal may include replacing upholstered furniture, bedding and carpeting, and washing of all hard surfaces, including ceilings and walls. The caveat to this method of distinguishing cat allergies from other allergies is that you may have also cleaned and vacuumed away the true culprits---such as dust mites---in the process.
Step 2
Consult with a health care provider who specializes in treating allergies and asthma. Your doctor will take your medical history, inquire about your signs and symptoms and perform a physical exam. The Mayo Clinic notes that a doctor can often narrow down the cause of allergies based on a patient's comments that they experience more severe symptoms when in direct contact with cats or when their cat sleeps with them at night.
Step 3
Undergo allergy testing. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that allergy testing is the best way to determine what you are allergic to---and what you're not. Allergy testing can be performed through a relatively noninvasive skin prick test, in which a small amount of allergen is introduced under the skin. If you're allergic to cats, the skin will swell and redden, usually within 15 minutes. When skin testing is deemed unsafe or impractical, blood testing can also determine allergies, although you'll have to wait longer to receive test results.
Step 4
Work with your doctor to establish a plan of action if you have cat allergies. The AAFA notes that those with cat allergies may feel relief if they simply avoid contact with cats and avoid visiting the homes of people who have them. If you wish to keep your pet, the Mayo Clinic advises taking strategic measures to ensure an allergen-free home, such as bathing your cat routinely, replacing carpeted areas with hard flooring, using HEPA filters and air purifiers, and limiting your cat's access to certain areas in your home.
Tips and Warnings
- The AAFA notes that between 15 and 30 percent of people with allergies are allergic to cats and dogs; however, cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies.
