Cat Allergy Causes, Symptoms, Testing and Treatments

Cat allergy is the most common pet allergy. The cat "allergen" is produced and found mainly in cat saliva and skin flakes. As part of their grooming process, cats deposit the allergen on their fur when licking themselves. The cat allergen binds itself to hairs, dust particles and around the home. The allergens become airborne as microscopic particles which when inhaled can produce allergic symptoms.

The cat "allergen" can remain within soft furnishings, such as sofas, carpet...s, rugs, bed mattresses even after the cat has been removed from the home. Cat allergens can persist within the furnishings up to 5 years.

Cat allergy symptoms may consists of

- Sneezing

- Runny nose or blocked nose

- Wheezing upon entering a room with a cat present

- Watery and itchey eyes

- Red swollen rash

- Exacerbation of atopic eczema.

At Allergy First Clinic Gold Coast, Allergy First Clinic Brisbane, and Allergy First Clinic Sunshine Coast we provide the Skin Prick Test for cat allergy (Aeroallergen panel)