Beware! of Cats

Cat allergy in humans is an allergic reaction to cat glycoprotein Fel d 1 secreted by the cat's sebaceous glands. Fel d 1 is mostly found in the cat's skin and saliva.

The major dog allergen, called Can f 1, is primarily found in dog saliva. Unlike cat allergen, this is found in the dander from sebaceous glands in the skin. Dog albumin, a protein found in the blood, is also an important allergen, and may cross-react with albumin from other mammals, including cats.

An allergic reaction is a histamine reaction that is usually characterized by coughing, wheezing, chest tightening, itching, nasal congestion, rash, watering eyes, sneezing and similar symptoms. These include red, itchy, watery eyes; nasal congestion; itchy nose; sneezing; difficulty breathing (dyspnea); chronic sore throat and/or scratchy throat; coughing, wheezing, or itchy skin.

It’s been found that between 10-15% of the general population are allergic to cats and dogs. It has been estimated that of the two million people allergic to cats, at least 1/3 of them live with at least one cat in the home, also its seen that many homes where there are no indoor pets will still contain enough allergenic pet proteins to cause allergic reactions.

In some situations, allergies to your pet can be controlled. Be very careful with asthmatic children though, you might need to find your pet a new home rather than risk your child's health and life, depending of the severity of the allergy.

For less serious allergies there are some possible solutions. First and foremost, is keeping your pet clean. No matter what kind of pet, keeping him clean and groomed, and keeping your living quarters clean will help. It may be possible to live with an allergic pet by separating the pet from the allergic person, such as never allowing the pet into the allergic person's bedroom. All hard surfaces in the bedroom should be wiped with a moist cloth to remove the small and sticky animal dander which has likely adhered floors, carpets, walls, furniture, ceiling fans, lamp shades, and even ceilings. In addition, every part of your home, especially the bedroom, should be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum cleaner.