Cat allergy : symptoms, what to do?
Cat allergy
Cat allergy is a common allergy affecting almost 10% of the population. It is manifested by coughing, watery eyes and sometimes small pimples.
What can you do about it? Take an antihistamine or get rid of your cat? Advice from Dr. Catherine Quequet, an allergist
Photo Buenosia Carol in Pexels
Symptoms
Cat allergy is an immediate allergy: therefore, symptoms come on quickly, within minutes or a few hours after contact with the animal or cat allergens deposited on clothing, for example.
"In fact, symptoms of cat allergy can occur in the absence of a cat in the presence of people who carry cat allergens on their person," explains Dr. Quequet, an allergist.
The symptoms are mainly otolaryngological and respiratory, depending on the sensitivity:
- Rhinitis with sneezing,
- Running nose
- Conjunctivitis,
- an asthma attack,
- Skin symptoms: outbreaks of hives or worsening of atopic eczema.
The cat's breed, as well as its color and length of coat are not decisive.
"On the other hand, non-castrated male cats are more allergenic: their sebaceous and salivary glands secrete more Fel d 1, the main feline allergenic protein due to a higher level of testosterone," says Dr. Quequet. Like all allergies, cat allergy can occur at any age.
However, some people may be allergic to all cats except their own.
Contrary to popular belief, cat allergy is not caused by cat hair.
Causes
Contrary to popular belief, cat allergy is not caused by cat hair but by exposure to cat allergens.
The most common allergen is the Fel d 1 glycoprotein secreted by the salivary and sebaceous glands of the cat. There are other allergens besides this great allergen Fel d1 that explain the cross allergies.
For example Fel d2 which explains the cross allergies with dogs or with food allergies (pork, fish...) The allergic reaction occurs when there is :
- Direct contact with the animal;
- or the indirect contact through the deposition of allergens on the textile supports;
- or intermittent contact, allergens can be brought in by visiting pets. But contact can also occur during stays with people who have pets.
People who have an atopic terrain, i.e. a genetic predisposition to the cumulative development of common allergies, are obviously more likely to be allergic to cats, but in 10% of cases there is no known history.
What to do?
"First, we have to do some tests to make sure it's really a cat allergy," explains Dr. Quequet. If the allergy is proven, there are treatments available:
- Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and eye drops if symptoms are minimal (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, etc.).
- Functional respiratory tests, background treatment and bronchodilator in case of crisis.
If there are large attacks, it is advisable to separate from the cat, however, cat allergens take 6 to 7 months to disappear from the house.
Sublingual desensitization is also possible in adults and children from the age of 5.
Prevention of cat allergy
Dr. Quequet offers some tips on home hygiene:
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter,
- I prefer a vacuum cleaner with a bag and HEPA filter
- I prefer smooth floors (parquet, tiles) to carpets and rugs.
- Prohibits the cat from entering the room and sleeping in the bed,
- Wash the cat but the level of allergy is only reduced for 24 hours.
Is it mandatory to evict the cat?
Eviction of the cat is feared by many allergy masters. However, it is not necessarily necessary as long as it is accepted to take an adapted daily treatment.
In addition, "a study shows that cat owners do not separate themselves from their cats and prefer to take treatments," says Dr. Quequet.
A vaccine against cat allergy
In the summer of 2019, researchers at the University of Zurich (Switzerland) discovered a "vaccine" that can neutralize the Fel d 1 protein that causes allergy symptoms. Vaccine is not a suitable term: this device is intended for cats: they are injected with a product that reduces the level of Fel d 1.
This "vaccine" seems to be problematic because it immunizes the cat against a protein that it produces when it is not sick.
Furthermore, we do not know the role this protein plays precisely for the cat and we do not know, to date, the possible adverse effects on the animal.
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