Cats are the most popular pets in this country. Almost 15 million velvet paws currently live in German households. But when a family member, friend or guest is allergic to cats, the mood quickly becomes clouded and the perplexity is often great. And there are important questions in the room: What needs to be done? Does the house tiger have to be given away or can a cat allergy be treated?
What triggers the cat
allergy?
In order to respond appropriately to a cat allergy, the
first thing to know is what causes it. Because it is often assumed that it is a
cat hair allergy. So that the animal hair is the cause of red eyes and a runny
nose . But this is not correct: Cat allergic persons do not react to the hair,
but to certain proteins that are found in the saliva, urine or tear fluid of
cats, among other things . These proteins get on the animal hair, for example
when the cat licks its fur. The hair, in turn, is distributed in the room.
Experts call the cat's skin allergen Fel d 1.
The fur is not the trigger of the allergy , but rather the
carrier of the allergens - the components that trigger the allergic reaction.
Another means of transport is, for example, dust, to which the cat allergens
can also adhere. Correctly, a cat allergy should be described as an allergy to
cat epithelial cells. Means: An allergy to certain tissues and cells in the
cat.
For this reason, hairless cats, which are considered more
allergy-friendly, are not an alternative. Although the animals lack fur, they
still release allergens. According to the European Foundation for Allergy
Research, cats allergic to cats tend to react to all breeds.
When does a cat allergy show
up?
Cat allergens can irritate the mucous membranes and
respiratory tract in humans. In cat allergy sufferers, this usually happens
immediately after contact with an animal. However, particularly sensitive
allergy sufferers do not even have to have been in the same room with the
animal: Since cat hair and dust also adhere to clothing, cat owners spread
allergens unnoticed in public spaces, for example on buses and trains, in the
office or at school. Very sensitive allergy sufferers already react to these
small amounts.
Cat allergy: symptoms
The typical first signs of a cat allergy are watery, red,
itchy eyes , sneezing fits and a runny nose . These symptoms can easily be
mistaken for a cold . A potentially more consequential fallacy, because an
untreated cat allergy can long term allergic asthma lead .
The skin can also be allergic when it comes into contact
with a cat. It comes to eczema and itchy rash , some with hives. In severely
allergic people, asthma attacks with shortness of breath , coughing and
shortness of breath can occur.
Cat allergy: allergy test
If you suspect you may be allergic to cats, you should see a
health professional. Because he can carry out an allergy test that brings
certainty. If you're wondering which doctor will do these tests, the first
thing you can do is check with your GP. Some general practitioners carry out
allergy tests themselves. And if this is not the case, they will refer you to a
specialist: if you are allergic to cats, this is usually an allergist .
An allergy test should always be carried out under medical
supervision in order to be taken care of in an emergency. Because it can lead
to so-called anaphylactic reactions: Strong allergic reactions that can be
life-threatening and must be treated immediately.
There are several ways to determine a cat allergy using an
allergy test, such as the antibody test or the provocation test . Most often,
however, the so-called prick test is used: The doctor drips various extracts
with allergens onto the forearm. Then the skin under the drop is pierced
lightly with a needle. This makes it easier for the allergens to get under the
skin. After about 15-20 minutes you will see which extracts you are allergic
to. The skin reddens in the appropriate place and swells slightly. If this
happens where the cat allergens have been applied, you are likely allergic to
cats - and you can discuss how to proceed with your doctor.