How to Not Be Allergic to Cats

Nearly twice as many people suffer from cat allergies as dog allergies. And it’s a shame because having a feline friend, or visiting one at someone’s home, can be great. That is until your allergies symptoms kick in, and your itchy eyes and runny nose ruin your good time.

What Causes Cat Allergies?

Cat allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to the Fel d 1 protein found in cat dander, saliva, and urine. While this protein is harmless, the body sees it as a threat and ignites an immune response when exposed to the allergen. This response leads to the release of histamine, which results in your cat allergy symptoms.

Cat saliva is considered sticky and clings to objects in the environment. And because cats are so fond of cleaning themselves, it attaches to their hair and spreads throughout their living space. For those allergic to cats, this means the protein can linger for months, even when there’s not a cat present, and continue to cause allergy symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Cat Allergies?

Cat allergy symptoms are similar to those caused by other environmental allergens. Some of the most common include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Hives or skin rash

Cat allergies can also cause difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. And for those with asthma and cat allergies, being around a feline increases the risk of triggering an asthma attack.

How Do You Know if You Have an Allergy to Cats?

Many people suspect they have an allergy to cats when they experience allergy symptoms when they pet, interact, or share space with a cat. But to know for sure, you should undergo an allergy test.

At Wyndly, our at-home allergy test kit allows you to test for allergies from the comfort of home without going to the doctor’s office. Instead, we send your test kit to you. Just follow the easy-to-understand instructions, which require only one finger prick, and return the test in the provided packaging. Once your results are in, one of our allergy doctors meets with you to discuss your test results and a personalized treatment plan!

Can You Build Immunity to Cat Allergies?

Over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce your allergy symptoms. These medications address your symptoms instead of the root cause of your allergies and only offer short-term relief. Yet, with immunotherapy, you can get long-lasting symptom reduction.

Immunotherapy exposes your immune system to small doses of cat allergens. The amount is so minute that your immune system doesn’t respond. Over time and after repeated exposure, your body becomes desensitized and stops reacting when you come into contact with a cat.

Can You Get Used to Cat Allergies?

Many patients ask, “Can't I just live with my cat? Won't my immune system become tolerant because I’m being exposed?” Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Because the amount of cat dander you’re exposed to when a cat is in your environment varies. Oftentimes, the levels of allergens are high enough to cause your immune system to react. And if it’s responding to the allergen, it’s not becoming tolerant.

With immunotherapy, you start with a trace amount, and the body doesn’t react. Gradually, your dose increases, building up your immune system until the body becomes desensitized.

Take Our Allergy Assessment

If you want long-term allergy relief from your cat allergies, choose Wyndly. Our allergy doctors will create your personalized treatment plan to help you live free from cat allergies. Take our quick online assessment today to see if Wyndly is right for you!