Cats are great companions, but for some people their company comes at a cost. Up to 1 in 5 people have an allergic response to cats, and this figure is increasing.
Sergey Belsky/Shutterstock
There are many myths about allergies to cats, but what is fact and what is fiction? And can you still have a cat if you’re allergic?
Myth #1: People are allergic to cat hair
There is an element of truth to this myth. However, rather than the hair itself, substances on the hair are the source of the allergy. Most people allergic to cats react to a protein called Fel d 1. This main cat allergen is produced in the glands of the cat, including the sebaceous (oil-producing skin glands) and salivary glands.
While Fel d1 is the main culprit, domestic cats have eight different potential allergens. The second most common is Fel d 4, also produced in salivary glands.
Another type, Fel d 2, is similar to a protein found in other animals, and the reason a person might be allergic, for example, to both cats and horses. This similarity can also result in a child with milk allergy having an increased risk of being allergic to animals like cats.
When cats groom themselves, they deposit the allergen in their saliva onto their hair. Sebaceous glands are close to the skin and can secrete onto the hair follicles. When you pet a cat’s fur, a reaction is set off, especially if you then rub your nose or eyes.
But you don’t need to pet a cat to have an allergic reaction to them. Simply being around dander can be enough. Dander might sound like a dating app for pets, but it’s actually more akin to animal dandruff, and contains tiny scales from hair or skin. As dander particles are so small, they float in the air and we often breathe them in.
When cats groom themselves, the allergen is transferred from their saliva onto their fur. Eric Han/Unsplash
Myth #2: There are hypoallergenic cats
There is no evidence that specific cat breeds do not cause allergies. However, if some breeds have less hair, or shed less hair, this may reduce exposure to allergens in the environment.
For example, Sphynx cats are hairless, although they still produce Fel d 1. In this way some breeds might be considered “hypoallergenic”, or cause fewer allergic reactions. However, there are no scientific studies to confirm this is the case.
All cats produce Fel d 1, but the levels can differ by as much as 100-fold between individual cats. This may explain why people with cat allergies notice they react more to some cats than others.
Sphynx cats have little to no hair, but they still produce allergens. Jesus Vivas Alacid/Shutterstock
Myth #3: You have to re-home your cat if you have an allergy
If you have a life-threatening allergy to cats, your only alternative might be to find them a new home. However, most people have less severe reactions and can manage symptoms successfully.
Some things you can do to limit reactions include:
always wash your hands and avoid touching your face and eyes after handling your cat
regularly clean surfaces and change litter to reduce dander
wash your cat weekly with a pet-specific shampoo, if your cat likes being bathed
If the cat is amenable to baths, it can be a good method to reduce the level of allergens. Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock
restrict cats’ access to rooms you want to keep allergy-free, such as the bedroom
get a vacuum specifically designed for reducing allergens, such as ones with a HEPA filter
use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
Adopting a cat when allergic
If you’re allergic and want to adopt a cat, make sure to spend some time with them first to assess your reaction. Ideally, pick a cat that doesn’t make you sneeze.
If cats need to be re-homed, this does negatively affect their welfare. A large study of RSPCA shelters in Australia reported allergy as the reason for relinquishment in roughly 3% of cats out of 61,755 total relinquished between 2006 and 2010.
Adopting a cat is a serious commitment. Roberto Huczek/Unsplash
You can also see your doctor about options for managing symptoms such as over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines) and longer term solutions.
For those with allergies who want to have their cat and their ability to breathe too, another option is immunotherapy, although there is limited evidence to support this treatment for cat allergies.
Immunotherapy involves first identifying which specific allergen is causing the reactions, and then systematically delivering increasing levels of this allergen over several months in an effort to retrain the immune system to tolerate the allergen without a reaction. This may be especially beneficial for those with moderate to severe reactions.
Read more: I’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know?
There is evidence exposure to dogs and cats early in life can reduce at least some forms of allergy. Evidence is still conflicting, though, and probably depends on genetics and other environmental factors.
What we do know is that pet cats provide companionship and joy to many, and understanding the causes and treatment of pet allergy can only help both cats and humans.
Susan Hazel is affiliated with the Dog & Cat Management Board of South Australia and RSPCA South Australia.
Julia Henning does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
These 10 houseplants are safe for your pet
Keeping pets safe while adding beauty
UpdatedWhile houseplants have the ability to bring life to a room and purify the air, a drawback is that many houseplants are toxic to animals. Here are 10 plants that add beauty to your home without worry.
First, keep in mind that while many plants are technically safe for cats and dogs, it’s best to eliminate temptation and place all houseplants out of reach. This will prevent possible tummy aches and digestive problems in your pets. If a pet ever does ingest a plant, make sure to watch them closely for signs of a negative reaction. Just because a plant is nontoxic for cats and dogs doesn’t mean ingesting it will make them feel good.
African violet
UpdatedWant pet-safe houseplants with blooms? Look no further than African violet. This versatile, hardworking houseplant is right at home with your pets. It comes in a range of purple hues, and it’s low maintenance and thrives without bright light.
Aluminum plant
UpdatedThe variegated gray-and-green leaves of this plant make it an attractive option for the home. It’s one of many great easy-care houseplants safe for pets.
Christmas cactus
UpdatedUnlike their dangerous holiday counterpart amaryllis, Christmas cacti are not poisonous for pets like cats and dogs. The cactus may cause intestinal discomfort if ingested, but overall it’s a safer choice than many other festive plants.
Friendship plant
UpdatedThis plant is named for the ease with which it can be divided and shared—so if you happen to receive such a gift, rest assured it’s safe for your cats and dogs. But beware, pets may be especially drawn to the fuzzy, crinkly leaves.
Certain kinds of herbs
UpdatedIndoor herb gardens are an easy, fun way to add fresh flavor to your cooking. But not all herbs are created equal when it comes to pet safety. Standards like lavender and oregano are off-limits, but pets are fine around basil, sage and thyme.
Peperomia
UpdatedThis quirky plant has blooms that resemble tubes of lipstick, and is safe for cats and dogs alike. A native of the tropics, it thrives in bright light and loves being outside in the warmer months.
Parlor palm
UpdatedThis is the perfect solution for pet owners looking to add a small tree indoors. Safe for cats and dogs, it’s also great for green-thumb beginners.
Polka dot plant
UpdatedThis plant is perfect for adding a fun splash of pattern to miniature gardens, terrariums, mixed containers and more. Available in colors such as white and pink, it’s as versatile as it is whimsical.
Prayer plant
UpdatedTopping out at 6 to 8 inches, this plant is ideal for small spaces such as bookshelves and end tables. Its red, cream and green leaves curl up at night, giving it its name. What’s more, it’s one of the easiest houseplants you can grow.
Some succulents
UpdatedMany of the most popular succulents — including hens and chicks, echeveria and rosettes — aren’t problematic. However, with so many varieties on the market, it’s best to research each individual plant.