Some individuals are highly sensitive to allergens, thus ending up with the symptoms of cat allergy upon exposure. The main cat allergen which is called Fel d1 is present in cat saliva and even dander from the skin, fur and sebaceous glands. The other cat allergens including albumin are present in the blood, urine and saliva.
Is cat allergy common?
It is important to note that cat allergy is quite common. This type of allergy is more common than dog allergy due to the increased potency of cat dander and hair as an allergen and the fact that cats are not regularly bathed.
Issues caused by cat allergy
The cat allergen is generated in large amounts especially by the male non-neutered cats since the allergen is partly under hormonal control.
The dander is usually airborne, adhesive and present in public places even in areas where there are no cats around. This is due to the fact that dander can be easily transported on clothing of individuals who have cats and then shed in public places. Remember that the cat allergen is a component of house dust even in houses where a cat has not lived before.
As for the size of the cat dander, it is extremely small and can be inhaled deep into the lungs. The allergen is a common cause of allergic asthma and those who own cats that are allergic are at risk for developing asthma symptoms.
Management of cat allergy symptoms
Individuals with cat allergy should avoid cats as much as possible. Even with the help of allergy medications to manage the symptoms, there are instances in which they persist especially among those who keep more than one cat inside the house. In such cases, an allergy shot (immunotherapy) is the recommended form of treatment. There are also measures that must be considered to reduce exposure to the cat allergen.
- The cat should be bathed at least once or twice in a week
- The cat should be neutered.
- In case the cat spends some time outdoors, you have to wipe it using a moist towel or cloth daily.
- The cat should not be allowed to stay in the bedroom.
- Look for a HEPA room air cleaner that should be used in the bedroom or in other parts of the house.
- Regular vacuuming is required using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
- If possible, the cat should stay outside or in an area of the house that does not have carpeting.
If the measures stated do not seem to minimize the allergy symptoms, it is recommended to get rid of the cat. This is applicable for those who have uncontrolled asthma. Remember that cat dander is still present for months or even years even after the cat is gone.
You can eliminate the cat dander by cleaning thoroughly such as washing or dry cleaning all curtains and bedding, steam cleaning the carpeting and upholstered furniture, wiping all furniture and hard surfaces, vacuum the hard floors and replace the filters in air conditioners and heater vents.