People can also become allergic to exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies.
Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted. Once the diagnosis of a pet allergy is made, a physician will often recommend eliminating the companion animal from the surroundings.
Absolutely necessary? Not always. Many people choose to endure symptoms rather than get rid of their pet. Your immune system makes antibodies to fight off substances that might hurt your body, like bacteria and viruses.
In a person who has allergies, the immune system mistakes an allergen for something harmful and starts making antibodies to fight it. This is what causes allergy symptoms such as itching , runny nose , skin rashes , and asthma. Breathing in pet dander or coming into contact with these allergens can cause an allergic reaction.
Pet allergen particles can be carried on clothes, circulate in the air, settle in furniture and bedding, and stay behind in the environment carried on dust particles. Cat allergies may not appear for several days if your sensitivity or allergen levels are low. Common signs of a cat allergy usually follow shortly after you come in contact with cat dander, saliva, or urine.
The cat allergen that over 90 percent of people with cat allergies react to comes from cat saliva and skin. The allergen can cause swelling and itching of the membranes around your eyes and nose , usually leading to eye inflammation and a stuffy nose. Some people may develop a rash on their face, neck, or upper chest in response to the allergen. Fatigue is common in untreated allergies, as is an ongoing cough due to postnasal drip. But symptoms such as fevers , chills , nausea , or vomiting should be considered related to an illness rather than allergies.
If you are cat allergic and cat allergens get into your lungs, the allergens can combine with antibodies and cause symptoms. These can include difficulty breathing , coughing , and wheezing. Cat allergies can cause an acute asthma attack and can be a trigger for chronic asthma. Up to 30 percent of people with asthma can have a severe attack upon coming into contact with a cat. You should talk to your doctor about a treatment plan if your symptoms become disruptive or uncomfortable.
There are two ways to test for any allergy, including to cats: skin testing and blood tests. There are two types of skin allergy tests. A skin prick test and an intradermal skin test. Both tests give fast results and tend to cost less than blood tests. Certain medications can interfere with skin testing, so talk to your doctor about which test is best for you.
Skin testing is usually done by an allergist due to the possibility of severe reactions during testing. Your doctor may number each prick to identify the allergen. In about 15 to 20 minutes, the skin prick site may become red or swollen.
This reaction confirms an allergy to that substance. A positive cat allergy will usually cause a red, itchy bump to the cat allergen. These unpleasant effects generally go away 30 minutes after the test. Possible allergens may be injected under the skin of the forearm or arm. Red, itchy bumps will appear with a positive reaction. An intradermal test is considered more sensitive for detecting an allergy than a skin prick test, meaning it can be better at showing a positive result when an allergy exists.
But it can also have more false positives than the skin prick test. That means it creates a skin reaction when there is no allergy. Although not guaranteed, some of these remedies might ease your symptoms. First, try leaving one room, like your bedroom, allergen free. Don't let the cat in that room and use hypoallergenic bedding. This gives you a "safe space" free of triggers. Next, you'll want to go the extra mile in keeping your home clean. Steam clean upholstery and wash shades, sheets, and blankets frequently.
Dust often and vacuum with a HEPA filter. An air purifier with a HEPA filter might help as well. You could also try spraying your home with an anti-allergen spray. Clean the litter box several times a week and use low-dust litter. Wash your hands after petting your cat. If you pet your cat then rub your eyes or touch your face, it might make your allergies worse.
Try to keep your cat extra clean too. This could include using vet-recommended wipes that cut down on dander or bathing your cat with an anti-allergen shampoo. Some cats are more likely to get used to bathing if you start when they're kittens or if you use warm but not hot water. Brushing can also help. You may need to try a couple brushes until you find one your cat likes.
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