Being allergic to cats is quite common, with sufferers experiencing a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin, or asthma symptoms when they have been around cats. Coping with an allergy to cats can be tricky, with many owners opting to give up their cat for this very reason. 

However, many sufferers can live harmoniously with their cat by adopting certain strategies to help manage their symptoms. If you’ve been experiencing allergy symptoms and think your cat may be the trigger, here are some tips to help keep you and your cat together without your allergy getting in the way. 

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What causes cat allergy?

Many believe cat hair or dander (skin flakes that have been shed) are responsible for cat allergies. Technically though, it isn’t the cat hair that is causing the problem. It’s the cat’s saliva on the cat hair, transferred by grooming, that triggers the allergic reaction. A cat’s saliva and sebaceous glands (found in the skin) contain a protein called Fel d 1. Not all cats are heavy shedders of Fel d 1, but all cats produce it, so unfortunately there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat, even the hairless ones. It’s thought that intact males produce more Fel d 1 than females and males that have been neutered.  

Fel d 1 easily becomes airborne. It has a very small and sticky structure that can easily get deep down into the lungs to cause problems and can exacerbate asthma in sensitised individuals. As it is so sticky, it attaches itself to your clothes and gets into places around the home, including behind radiators and skirting boards. It can last for many months before breaking down, which makes it a real nuisance allergen to get rid of. 

Am I allergic to my cat?

You may suspect you have an allergy to cats if you experience symptoms when you have been around them, such as:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy skin, rash, or eczema
  • Watering eyes
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing and breathing difficulties

You can be tested for allergies by your doctor with a skin or blood test. If you’d like to talk through your symptoms and find out where your nearest NHS allergy clinic is, you can call Allergy UK’s Helpline on 01322 619898.

How can I manage my cat allergy?

Unfortunately, there is no single treatment that will resolve the symptoms of allergy altogether. Instead, symptoms must be managed daily, by reducing exposure to the source of the allergy and controlling symptoms with medications. 

Many people are allergic to multiple allergens, including dust mites, moulds, and pollens. In people with multiple allergies, reducing the total “allergen load” (the amount of allergens to which the person with allergy is exposed) if possible, is the best approach to relieving symptoms. 

There is currently no evidence to support the idea that cat allergy sufferers build up a tolerance to cats over time. 

But there are some ways you can reduce your symptoms:

  • Talk to your GP about antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and other medications to help alleviate your symptoms.
  • Wash your hands after stroking your cat and avoid letting them lick your skin or clothes. 
  • Regularly wash their bedding, toys, and litter tray. 
  • Ventilate your home – open windows and consider using an air purifier.
  • Groom your cat outside and wipe them with a damp cloth to help remove allergens.
  • Vacuum regularly and consider using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. 
  • Avoid letting your cat into your bedroom. 

A new diet has been developed by Purina that is designed to reduce the levels of Fel d 1 a cat produces in their saliva. It’s called Pro Plan LiveClear, and you can read more about it here.

Should I keep my cat?

Speak to your GP to find out whether your symptoms are definitely caused by your cat before making any decisions to rehome them. But if you know your cat is causing your allergy, should you give them up? There is no single correct answer to this question. 

You’ll need to decide whether you’ve tried all you can to manage your symptoms, and whether the severity of your allergic reaction means you need to rehome your cat.

If you do make the difficult decision to pursue rehoming, you can contact a cat rehoming charity. There are over 1,000 cat rescue groups in the UK, many run by volunteers fostering cats in their own home. Most organisations, be they large or small, currently have long waiting lists and many cats to care for so please be patient as they may not be able to help straight away.  

There are several charities to contact who can help your cat to find a new home, including:

With severe cat allergies, the only solution may be to avoid having a cat in the house at all. For most people though, a combination of different strategies to try to reduce the amount of allergen in the environment will help to control the symptoms of cat allergy to an acceptable level, allowing you and your cat to enjoy your life together.