Cat • Felis catus \’kat\
Animals
Conditions: Allergic rhinitis; allergic asthma; contact dermatitis.
Symptoms: Itchy, stuffy, or runny nose; post-nasal drip; sneezing; itchy, red or watery eyes; asthmatic symptoms; skin rash; hives.
Environmental factors: Dander can collect on furniture, bedding, carpet, as well as human skin and clothing; due to its thin sticky layout, it is easily transported and found in classrooms, homes, etc.
Cats produce a protein called Fel D1 which is found in the cat’s glands underneath the skin as well as the saliva and urine. This protein is attached to the cat dander, which becomes airborne which causes allergic reactions.
Cross-reactivity: Big cats, i.e. tigers, lions, and ocelot.
References
- “Pet Allergy: Are You Allergic to Dogs or Cats?” AAFA. http://www.aafa.org/page/pet-dog-cat-allergies.aspx
- “Cat.”Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cat
- “Cat Allergies.”WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/allergies/cat-allergies
- “Pet Allergies.” ACAAI Public Website. http://acaai.org/allergies/types/pet-allergy
Did You Know?
A truly non-allergic or “hypoallergenic” cat does not exist.
