Cat allergy

What is cat allergy?

In cat allergy, the immune system reacts to proteins from cats. The most important allergen is called Fel d 1 and is mainly produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin and in saliva. When the cat grooms itself, the allergen ends up in its fur and then spreads with dander and dust.

Fel d 1 is small and sticky. It stays in the air for a long time, sticks to clothing and is carried into schools, workplaces and public transport. That is why you can get symptoms even without having a cat yourself.

Symptoms

• Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red and swollen eyes
• Coughing, wheezing and asthma
• Hives or itching where the cat has licked or scratched

Symptoms can appear within minutes in a home with a cat, but they can also develop gradually in people who spend a lot of time with cat owners.

Are there allergy-free cats?

No. All cats produce Fel d 1, even breeds marketed as hypoallergenic. The amount varies between individual cats, and uncastrated males often produce more than females. Some people with cat allergy have fewer symptoms with certain cats, but this cannot be reliably predicted.

Cross-reactivity

Albumin, a protein found in blood and dander, is similar in many animals. Some people with cat allergy therefore also react to dogs and other furry animals. In rare cases, cat albumin can also cause reactions to pork.

How to get tested

Cat (allergen code e1) is included in our Cat and dog allergy and Airborne allergy tests and in Allergy Test Plus. The test shows whether you have IgE antibodies to cat.

Frequently asked questions

Can you become allergic to cats as an adult?

Yes. Cat allergy can develop at any age, even in people who have previously had cats without any problems.

Does bathing the cat help?

The amount of allergen in the fur drops temporarily, but it is back within a couple of days. This is usually not enough to reduce symptoms noticeably.