why are people allergic to cats?

Question

i want to know what makes people allergic to cats, because i really want one, but my mom's allergic to cats!

Answer 1

Well, it's really quite complicated, but here's a really short version. There are trillions of things in your body called antibodies. These antibodies ward off all types of bacteria, viruses and the like. One type of antibody is called IGE. Well, your mom's IGE antibodies attach to what is called a mast cell, which is filled with hystamine, when it comes in contact with cat dander that has been inhaled. It then bursts and the hystamine is what causes her symptoms.

Now, there's no "cure" for pet allergies, but there are some medications to help prevent the mast cell from releasing hystamine. One such drug is called Zyrtec, and it works quite well, but it does cause some dizziness (personal experience). But scientists are researching parasites to try and figure out a way to shut off allergies completely.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

It can be the hair of the cat, or the dander. Some people will react to certain cats more severely than to others. Some people will see the allergy lessen the longer they are around the cat too.

At a clinic I worked at many years ago, we had a cat that lived at the clinic and I could not touch her or my face would swell, other cats I don't have a problem with at all.

I think a lot of times people use the excuse of being allergic as a way of saying they don't want a cat without actually having to say it out right. There is always allergy medication.

Answer 3

The way a cat hair is it has a lot more barbs on it (tiny) that catches a lot of stuff (pollen, dust, etc.) sometimes, that's what the person's allergic to. The barbs also catch the cat's dander and some people are allergic to that. Dogs have a smoother hairs so they're less likely to pick up the pollens and dust that people are allergic to, but some are still allergic to the dog dander.

Answer 4

The vast majority of those allergic to cats are allergic to the dander their skin produces. Fur is visible and makes your nose itch, but people's hair isn't that different from the animal fur. Keeping the cat's skin healthy can mean the difference in an allergy or no. You can buy skin conditioners, or just give your cat a little bit of bacon grease or something similar every once and awhile too.

Answer 5

Cats have both fur and dander. One or both of these can be misinterpreted by people allergic to cat fur and/or dander as a foreign entity invasion, so to speak. The immune system kicks in and the results can range from redness to welts..to sneezing...to even life threatening conditions. Allergies can be developed against almost anything, including certain foods. Why are some people susceptible to allergies...I leave this part to others to answer.

Answer 6

Usually people are allergic to cat dander and the fur. By brushing it's fur everyday will help keep the dander down. Certain medications can be given to help your mother not to be so allergic to cat's dander. Talk to her about it first and go on what she agrees too.

Good luck to you and your cat and I hope everything works out okay for everyone involved!

Answer 7

People have an allergic reaction to cat dander (stuff the cat sheds all over). As long as you're living with your mom you'll have to respect her allergies. When you get your own place you can get a cat.

Answer 8

The allergy is due to the dander (cat dandruff). But I know a lot of people who are "allergic" because they don't like cats. If you wanted one I would ask you mum to get a test and see of she is or still is allergic. People can grow out of it.

Answer 9

It's usually the dander that causes allergies rather than the hair. I find that if you have a pet in your house for a couple of months, you stop being allergic to it. That's how I am with my cats.

Answer 10

My mom, sister, and cousin are all allergic to cats - all of them have cats. My mom outfitted up an immunity - she toughed it out with out hypersensitivity pills and went from her face swelling as a lot as easily no reaction in about a three hundred and sixty 5 days. My sister makes use of an off-style of Benadryl, because the genuine stuff makes her drowsy. She would not have a lot of a reaction except the itchy, watery eyes now, yet she's been using hypersensitivity meds for the previous 3 years she's had her cat. and that i do not imagine my cousin takes something anymore. easily one of my friends is likewise allergic, that is not extreme, she in basic terms receives itchy eyes, so she in basic terms takes Claritin beforehand she comes over. in basic terms discover out what works excellent for you.. or whomever has the hypersensitivity. (: