Cat allergy: how it manifests itself and what to do to relieve symptoms

Sneezing, stuffy nose, conjunctivitis, sometimes even asthma. These are the symptoms of cat allergy. The advice of Professor Gianenrico Senna, President of the Italian Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, to counteract them and enjoy the love of your pet.

Cat allergy is very frequent and can occur both in children and adults. As with allergies in general, the main indication is to remove the allergen to obtain benefits for your health. But in the case of an allergy to one’s pet, this measure can be much more difficult to adopt. Many people choose to endure the symptoms rather than get rid of their pets. But what measures to take to minimize the unwanted effects and enjoy the love of your four-legged friend?

Cat allergy: the symptoms

“Cat allergy is manifested by rhinitis and frequent sneezing. If exposure is prolonged, a runny nose may be added as an additional symptom. Moreover, since the cat allergen is very small, it is easy to reach the respiratory tract. It has a diameter of less than five µg (smaller than that of pollen and grasses) and, by penetrating the bronchi, it can also cause asthma. Its allergens are present in saliva and sebaceous glands, and when licking, it often ends up on the hair. Therefore, if after stroking it, you inadvertently touch your eyes, you can also get conjunctivitis”, says Professor Gianenrico Senna, President of SIAAIC, Italian Society of Allergology, Asthma and Clinical Immunology.

It can emerge or disappear over the years.

According to Census data, there are 7.5 million domestic cats in Italy. It is estimated that one in 5 adults suffers from cat allergy. “It is a problem that can appear in pediatric age as well as in adulthood, usually when you take the animal at home with you. Less frequent, but not impossible, instead, in old age, since the immune system is less active. The allergy, as well as can arise over the years, in some cases can also disappear. If the persistence in the cat’s environment is not high but constant, it can recreate a tolerance in some cases. As a sort of natural vaccine”, continues the expert.

Vaccine and new perspectives for treatment

“Improperly, it is called vaccine; in reality, it is an immunotherapy that is administered sublingually, in tablets or drops. The goal is to accustom the immune system, gradually, to tolerate the allergen, in this case, the cat.

Very interesting is the study carried out by the research group of Imperial College London, headed by Professor Stephen Durham. They are testing a monoclonal antibody to block the effect of the cat’s main allergen, Fel d 1,” Professor Senna explains. It could be a big step for allergic to cats but don’t want to give up their love.