Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
GESUNDHEIT!
It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the human population may be
allergic to pets. Humans who are allergic to cats can experience a range
of signs, from sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening asthma. Many
cat owners know they are allergic to their pet, but they believe the ben-
efits of cat ownership far outweigh the discomfort of the allergy.
An allergy is a reaction to a substance that is not inherently harm-
ful. In an allergic reaction, this means the immune system makes anti-
bodies and triggers histamine release. This combination produces an
inflammatory reaction.
How Do You Know It's the Cat?
If you experience watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat or congestion every
time you are around a cat, chances are you are allergic to cats. However,
if you have cats and are having an allergic reaction whenever you're
home, it doesn't necessarily mean the cat is the culprit. You may be
allergic to dust or mold or the houseplant on your windowsill. Some
allergists assume that if you have a cat and are experiencing allergic
symptoms, you must be allergic to the cat. But the only way to know
for sure is with allergy testing.
Some people's allergies worsen over time. Others are only sensitive
when exposed to a large dose of an allergen. For example, you might
be able to tolerate living with one cat but have a terrible time when
you go over to a friend's home where there are four cats.
Unfortunately, there are no cures for allergies.Avoiding the allergen
is the best way to prevent problems. However, allergies to things like
dust and trees and grass—which can never be removed from your envi-
ronment—can usually be easily managed. Allergies to cats can often be
managed as well.
Less-Allergenic Cats
Fel-d-1 is the cat allergen that causes most human allergies to cats.This
allergen is found in the skin, oil glands and saliva of cats. Dander is dried
skin that is shed, so Fel-d-1 is spread through dander. All cats lick and
groom themselves, so this allergen can cover their entire body. Since all
cats have skin and saliva, all breeds are potentially allergenic.
