What causes cat allergy in humans? Symptoms and treatment

What causes cat allergy in humans?

Cat allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs as a result of contact with cats. Cat dander, saliva and skin rash can cause allergic reactions in humans. Cat allergy develops against cat proteins, which are perceived as a foreign substance by the person's immune system. These proteins can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive areas of people such as skin, nose, eyes, lungs and sinuses as a result of contact with cats' fur and saliva.

Causes of cat allergy may include genetic predisposition, immune system problems, age, gender and environmental factors. Cat allergy can also occur in people after a certain age or when exposure to cats is prolonged. People with cat allergies may need to minimize contact with cats or avoid them altogether. Cats can be brushed or bathed regularly to reduce allergic reaction. Additionally, antihistamine medications or an allergy vaccine can be used to reduce the allergic reaction.

Cat allergy symptoms

Cat allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs due to hypersensitivity or sensitivity to cat hair, saliva or urine. It manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Red, itchy and watery eyes
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Itching or irritation in the throat
• Skin rash or rash

How can you tell if you have a cat allergy?

First of all, if you experience the above symptoms when you are in the same environment with a cat, you may suspect that you have a cat allergy. However, you need to consult an allergist for a definitive diagnosis. The doctor can diagnose whether you have a cat allergy with the necessary tests after a physical examination.

Cat allergy test

The tests applied to diagnose cat allergy are as follows:

• Skin Prick test: In this test performed to measure your sensitivity to the cat protein fel d1, which causes allergic reactions, a small amount of allergen is applied to your skin surface and the diagnosis is made according to the reaction on your skin within 15-20 minutes.
• Blood test: Blood test is performed to measure antibodies that cause allergic reactions. In this test, your blood is tested for the presence of antibodies against allergens.

How long does it take for cat allergy to become apparent?

Cat allergy symptoms may appear in some people immediately after contact with a cat or inhaling cat hair or cat urine, and in some people within a few hours or a few days. In some cases, if the person is constantly exposed to cat allergens, the symptoms may become chronic.

Can people with allergies have cats at home?

The choice of people with cat allergies to keep cats at home depends on the severity of the person's allergy and symptoms. People who experience serious allergic reactions when in the same environment with a cat cannot have a cat at home. However, if your allergy is mild or moderate, you can live with a cat with simple precautions you can take at home and treatment methods that can alleviate your symptoms. If you have a cat allergy, be sure to consult an allergist before making a decision and get tested to measure the level of your allergy.

Cat allergy treatment

Is there a solution for cat allergy?

Although cat allergy cannot be completely treated, there are many methods to control and alleviate its symptoms. You can learn about the treatment methods below.

Which medicine is used for cat allergy?

Medications used to relieve cat allergy symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the allergy and the type of symptoms. Antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, desloratadine, etc.) can be used to treat symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Additionally, decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.) are preferred to relieve nasal congestion. In patients with more severe symptoms, corticosteroids (prednisone, etc.) may be prescribed. These medications can help relieve symptoms by reducing allergic inflammation.

All these medications must be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Cat allergy vaccine (immunotherapy)

Cat allergy vaccine is a treatment method also known as immunotherapy. It is a customized vaccine that is effective against allergens such as cat saliva, dander and urine. In this method, small amounts of allergen are injected into the patient's body, aiming to reduce the immune system's response to allergens. It is a long-term but effective treatment. Throughout the treatment, the patient should work closely with his doctor and should not neglect regular check-ups.

What can be done at home for cat allergy?

People with cat allergy can reduce allergic symptoms by taking various measures at home, such as the following.

• Comb or brush your cat's fur regularly to reduce the amount of hair you are exposed to at home. This way it will spill less. Also, try to prevent your cat from climbing on your bed or furniture.
• Clean your house frequently. Clean carpets, furniture and curtains using a vacuum cleaner with an electrostatic filter. Additionally, you can use an air purifier with a special filter to reduce allergic reactions.
• Prepare a separate bed for your cat and try to get him used to sleeping there.
• Cats do not like to be washed much, but you can bathe him not too often.
• If you have been exposed to your cat's fur or saliva, wash your hands and do not rub your face and eyes.

These measures may reduce cat allergy symptoms but do not completely eliminate them. If your symptoms are severe, it may be difficult for you to live with your cat.

Does cat allergy go away over time?

Unfortunately, cat allergy does not go away on its own over time. However, the severity of symptoms may decrease over time. Sometimes allergic reactions may decrease or disappear over the years. However, this is a rare situation.

Hypoallergenic cats

Hypoallergenic cat breeds produce less Fel D1 protein and therefore cause fewer allergic reactions. If you are a cat lover with cat allergies, you may want to consider adopting one of these breeds. But these cats can also cause symptoms. For example, people with very severe allergies may not be able to live with hypoallergenic cats.

Hypoallergenic cat breeds

• Sphynx: Sphynxes are one of the most popular hypoallergenic cat breeds because they have no hair. However, its skin may cause allergic reactions.
• Devon Rex: This breed has big ears and big eyes, has thin and curly hair, and sheds little. It is also known to have less Fel D 1 protein.
• Cornish Rex: It is a cat breed with large ears and thin, wavy hair, like the Devon Rex, and produces less Fel d 1 protein.
• Siberian: It is a cat breed that grows in cold climates and has dense hair. Their soft, thick and waterproof feathers provide excellent protection against the cold. Siberian cats may be a good option for some people due to their hypoallergenic properties.
• Balinese: It is a cat breed obtained by crossing the Siamese cat with species such as the Japanese Bobtail or the American Shorthair. Their fur is long, thin, silky and smooth, and they shed less than other cats. It is also known to have a lower amount of Fel d 1 protein.

The hypoallergenic effect of the above-mentioned species may vary from person to person. Therefore, before adopting a hypoallergenic cat, you should talk to a veterinarian or allergist to determine how severe your allergic reactions are.