Cat allergy in humans is an allergic reaction to one or more allergens
produced by cats. The most common of these allergens are the glycoprotein Fel
d 1, secreted by the cat's sebaceous glands and Fel d 4, which is expressed
in saliva. An allergic reaction is a histamine reaction that is usually
characterized by coughing, wheezing, chest tightening, itching, nasal
congestion, rash, watering eyes, sneezing, chapped lips, and similar
symptoms. Cat allergens
Five cat allergens have been described in medical literature. The two major
allergens are Fel d 1 and Fel d 4. The minor allergens include Fel d 2, Fel d
3, and cat IgA. Fel d 4 is the product of the cat major
urinary protein gene. It is primarily expressed in the submandibular salivary
gland and is deposited onto dander as the cat grooms itself. A study found
that 63% of cat allergic people have antibodies against Fel d 4.
Symptoms Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cats
include swollen, red, itchy, and watery eyes; nasal congestion, itchy nose,
sneezing, chronic sore throat or itchy throat, coughing, wheezing, asthma, hay
fever, hives or rash on the face or chest, or itchy skin. If a cat has
scratched, licked, or bitten someone who is allergic to cats, redness and
sometimes even swelling of the affected area will occur. Symptoms are often
confused with a common cold. Coping with allergies
= Lower exposure= Allergens are airborne and survive for
months or even years by themselves, hence removing anything that can trap
and hold the allergens and cleaning regularly and thoroughly with HEPA
filters and electrostatic air purifier systems reduces risk. Frequent hand
washing, especially after handling the cat, and washing hands prior to touching
eyes, nose, or mouth, and limiting the cat's access to certain rooms, such as
the bedroom or other rooms where much time is spent, may also reduce allergic
reactions. = Medications=
Cat allergies can often be controlled with over the counter or prescription
medications. Antihistamines and decongestants may provide allergy
relief. = Allergy shots=
Some allergy sufferers find relief in allergen immunotherapy, a periodic
injection therapy designed to stimulate the body's natural immune responses to
the cat allergens. = Synthetic epitope vaccine=
The Synthetic epitope vaccine is an in-development vaccine to provide a long
term vaccine for allergies. = Cat bathing=
Regularly bathing the cat may remove significant amounts of allergens from
the fur. Furthermore, regularly brushing the cat will reduce the amount of loose
fur in the air. Feeding the cat a high quality diet with plenty of omega-3
fatty acids will help keep the coat healthy and minimize dander.
Hypoallergenic cats A hypoallergenic cat is a cat that is
less likely to provoke, or produce an allergic reaction in humans. Although
the topic is controversial, owners' experience and recent clinical studies
suggest that Siberian cats, Devon Rex and Cornish Rex cats, Abyssinian cats,
Balinese cats, and several other breeds, especially females, are likely to have
low levels of Fel d 1, the main allergenic protein.
From among the above cats noted, the most popular cat breeds to be renowned
for their hypoallergenic quality is the Siberian and Balinese cat breed. These
cats have been noted to produce much lesser amounts of the protein allergens
in comparison to regular domestic household cats, and other cat breeds.
Cats that have some Balinese cat lineage or ancestry might have a probability of
producing few amounts of the protein allergens, some cat breeds that might
have some Balinese cat lineage include the Oriental Shorthair, Oriental
Longhair, and some Siamese cats. The common theory among these two
hypoallergenic, medium to long-haired cat breeds is that their long-haired
gene is associated with producing lesser amounts of the allergens. This may be
the case as the Balinese cat, a medium to long-haired cat breed; also referred
to as the Long-haired Siamese cat is regarded as hypoallergenic, where as the
Siamese cat, a short-haired cat breed is not. Some Siamese cats might possess
hypoallergenic qualities if they have proven Balinese cat ancestry, they are
often referred to as short-haired Balinese cats. This might provide some
evidence that the long-haired genes or traits within this cat breed have
resulted in a cat that can genetically produce less amounts of the cat
allergens. In 2006, the Allerca company announced
the successful breeding of a line of hypoallergenic cats. However, no
peer-reviewed studies have been done to confirm their claims and many scientists
and consumers are skeptical of the company's assertions. The company has
announced that on January 1, 2010 they will cease their breeding activities.
Another company, Felix Pets, also claims to be developing a breed of
hypoallergenic cat. Cat gender and color
Female cats produce a lower level of allergens than males, and neutered males
produce a lower level of allergens than unaltered males. In 2000, researchers at
the Long Island College Hospital found that cat owners with dark-colored cats
were more likely to report allergy symptoms than those with light-colored
cats. A later study by the Wellington Asthma Research Group found that fur
color had no effect on how much allergen a cat produced.
See also List of allergies
References External links
Allergen-free cats – a breed apart? - article from New Scientist.
Cat Choo - News on immunisation Coping with Allergies - Pet Allergy
Information