Your Guide to Dealing with Cat Allergies
Since the pandemic, more Arab families have been adopting and raising cats. Cats are cute, domestic creatures that adults and children love. However, these creatures may cause allergies in some people whose bodies react to specific proteins in cats. Read on to learn all about cat allergies and how to deal with them.
What is a cat allergy?
It is an abnormal immune system reaction to cat saliva and skin allergens. Allergens are usually transmitted through the respiratory system, and the most susceptible people are those with other allergies, such as skin eczema, food allergies, etc. When the immune system reacts, the body shows several symptoms that vary in severity.
Causes of cat allergies
As with various other allergies, genetics plays an important role and may be one of the reasons why some people are allergic to cats. The immune system produces antibodies to fight off things that might be harmful to the body, such as viruses and bacteria. But in people with allergies, the immune system thinks allergens threaten the body and produces antibodies to fight them. This causes symptoms of cat allergies such as itching, runny nose, skin rash, and asthma. Cat allergens are found in dead skin, cat hair, saliva, and urine. Allergy symptoms appear as soon as these allergens are inhaled, which can sometimes stick to clothes, and the symptoms accompany the affected person even if he stays away from the cat.
Symptoms
Cat allergy symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the severity of the person's allergy and the extent of their exposure to the allergens in the cat. Symptoms may begin immediately upon exposure to these allergens, or the reaction may be delayed. The most common symptoms are
- Sneezing.
- Itchy and runny nose.
- Nose and throat congestion.
- Cough.
- Itchy and red eyes.
- Difficulty breathing in people with asthma.
How do I know if I am allergic to cats?
There are two main ways to confirm a cat allergy:
- Skin test: The vet uses a needle containing small amounts of cat allergens on the outer layer of the skin, monitors the reaction, and treats it appropriately. The reaction, which appears red and swelling at the puncture site, usually goes away after thirty minutes at most.
- Blood test: Not everyone can undergo a skin test, which is the best option to detect cat allergies. This test detects the presence of antibodies that cause the reaction and symptoms of the allergy and accurately diagnoses cat allergies.
Tips for Dealing with cat allergies
- Wash hands after touching cats.
- Brush the cat's hair outside so it does not fall out and get stuck on carpets and furniture.
- Do not allow cats to sleep on furniture and beds.
- Sweep the floors regularly to remove cat hair.
- Use antihistamine medications and nasal sprays prescribed by the doctor.
Treatment
It is essential to see an allergist to get the appropriate treatment, which may be one of these options:
- In the case of cat allergy with mild to moderate symptoms, immunotherapy may effectively reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms but not completely cure the condition.
- Allergy medications such as antihistamines.
- Nasal sprays to relieve congestion.
- Saline nasal drops are effective and safe for relieving cat allergy symptoms.
To sum up,
Cats are friendly and entertaining creatures, and having a pet instills compassion in children and teaches them responsibility. If you develop a cat allergy, you don't necessarily have to get rid of the cat. If the allergy symptoms are mild or moderate, you can live with it by following some easy measures. Some medicinal and home remedies effectively relieve the symptoms.
