Living with a cat allergy: Tips for cat owners

30th August 2024

Living with a cat allergy: Tips for cat owners

Imagine coming home after a long day, eager to relax with your cat, only to find yourself sneezing with itchy eyes and a runny nose. This is the reality for many cat owners who live with allergies. 

For some, the joy of having a feisty feline seems overshadowed by the discomfort of allergic reactions. However, living with a cat allergy doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up your beloved pet. With the right approach and strategies, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy the companionship of your furry friend.

The first step is to recognise the signs of a cat allergy. You might experience sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or even difficulty breathing when around cats. The best way to confirm if you have a cat allergy is to get tested. 

Once you have a clear diagnosis, you can begin implementing effective strategies to reduce allergen exposure and create allergy-friendly spaces in your home. Here’s everything you need to know about your potential cat allergy.

Cat breeds and allergen levels: Are hypoallergenic cats real?

The concept of hypoallergenic cat breeds is often misunderstood. No cat breed is entirely hypoallergenic, but some breeds produce fewer allergens than others. It’s important to understand what actually causes allergic reactions:

• Fel d 1 Protein:
  • Source of allergens: The primary allergen, Fel d 1, is a protein found in cat saliva, skin, and sebaceous glands. When cats groom themselves, this protein spreads to their fur and skin and eventually becomes airborne as dander.
• Breeds that produce fewer allergens:
  • Siberian: Some studies suggest that Siberian cats produce lower levels of Fel d 1.
  • Balinese: Known for producing fewer allergens compared to other breeds.
  • Oriental Shorthair: These cats shed less fur, potentially reducing allergen spread.
  • Devon Rex and Cornish Rex: With their unique coats, these breeds may produce fewer allergens.

While these breeds may produce fewer allergens, individual reactions can vary. It’s crucial to spend time with a cat before deciding to bring them home to see how you react.

Strategies for reducing allergen exposure in the home

Managing cat allergies starts with reducing the presence of allergens in your home. Here are some effective strategies:

• Hoover regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture dander and hair.
• Wash bedding and soft furnishings: Frequently clean your cat’s bedding, your own bedding, and any other fabric surfaces.
• Dust and wipe surfaces: Regularly dust and wipe down surfaces to remove allergens.
• Use air purifiers: Place air purifiers in key areas to reduce airborne allergens.
• Ventilate your home: Open windows and use exhaust fans to improve air circulation.
• Regularly bathe your cat: Bathing your cat once a week can reduce dander, though it’s essential to use cat-safe products and consult with your vet. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and dander.
• Have cat-free zones: Perhaps you can keep your bedroom a cat-free zone to reduce allergens where you sleep.

• Use allergy-resistant materials around the home: Use washable covers for furniture and cushions so it’s easier to remove and clean as part of your ongoing routine. Consider hard flooring like tile or wood, which is easier to clean than carpet.
• Designated cat areas: Keep litter boxes in well-ventilated, low-traffic areas. Provide comfortable beds for your cat in designated areas to encourage them to stay there.

Take control of your cat allergy

Living with a cat allergy requires careful management, but it doesn’t mean you have to live without your furry friend. Implementing the strategies mentioned above can significantly reduce allergen exposure and improve your quality of life.

If you suspect you have a cat allergy, getting tested is a crucial step. Understanding your allergy status can help you take necessary precautions and avoid severe reactions. Our comprehensive allergy testing kit offers a simple, accurate, and convenient way to determine if cat allergens are affecting your health. Why not register as a new patient or take one of our home allergy tests today? You’re home can stay your safe space.

Do you have a cat allergy? This new vaccine could get rid of your symptoms

23rd October 2019

Do you have a cat allergy? This new vaccine could get rid of your symptoms

Pet allergies are common in the UK. It’s common in those who also have allergic asthma or hay fever. But new research is giving hope to people with a cat allergy. Scientists claim they have developed a vaccine which could get rid of your symptoms altogether. What’s interesting about the vaccine is that it isn’t for people – it’s for the cat.

How does the vaccine work?

The reason some people have allergic reactions to cats is their body is sensitive to a certain protein cats produce naturally. This protein is called Fel d 1. The scientists who developed the vaccine claim it works by encouraging the cat’s immune system to go after this protein – the allergen – to stop it being so prevalent and causing allergic reactions in people. 

This is a clever feat of modern science, where scientists attach a genetically modified version of the protein to a virus-like particle taken from a plant virus. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean it will infect your cat. It’s a plant virus, so it can’t, and it’s just a virus particle as opposed to a full, live virus. 

No more symptoms

If the vaccine is successful, it would essentially create hypoallergenic cats. This is excellent news for those who have missed out on the companionship of a pet due to their allergies. A cat allergy commonly presents symptoms including itchy eyes, swollen eyes, blotchy skin, sneezing, coughing and wheezing, hives and rashes, or a runny and stuffy nose. If the vaccine works, people with allergies can say goodbye to these symptoms and also reduce their risk of developing chronic illnesses like asthma.  

When can you get the vaccine?

However, the vaccine isn’t available just yet. Researchers are still going ahead with registration studies and discussions with European and US regulators before they can bring the vaccine to market. They say it aims to help both people and cats. 

Cat owners could reduce their symptoms while there could also be a drop in the number of cats ending up in shelters or on the streets from owners who didn’t realise they had a cat allergy. Still, the team hopes the vaccine might be available within the next three months. 

If you’re suffering from a pet allergy, or if you’re not quite sure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s time to get in touch with our consultants. At the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, we can find out what’s causing your symptoms with a simple test and give you the right treatments to solve your problems. Book an appointment today.