How do I get tested for cat allergies?

Question

I think I might be allergic to cats. I went to my aunt's house for Thanksgiving and about 20 min. into the visit, I had an itchy nose and slight breathing problems (benedryl took care of it). This not the first incident. It's happened before and it started a few years ago (my mom is allergic to cats). I cannot be in a house with a cat or otherwise I start feeling yucky :(

I know the standard test is that they use a skin test for it, however, do blood tests also test for cat allergies, too?

Answer 1

You need to call your doc and ask for a referral to an allergist. The allergist will test you for all sorts of allergies at the same time. They usually use the skin test not blood test to test for allergies.

Answer 2

I've had the blood test as well as the skin test done. The blood test for me was not as accurate. I was not aware of how allergic I was to one particular thing. A few years after I had the blood test, I did the skin test. The allergist tested me for 20 different things, each round of shots having a higher intensity than the previous round. I was not only tested for cats and dogs, but other outdoor allergens. The results are immediate, and there is no denying what you're allergic to.

My advice would be to go with the skin test. Because of my own personal results, I do have to take allergy shots once a week. My allergist has been very informative with me about how to manage my allergies, especially around cats because I have two of them. One other thing....be careful if you pet cats, and then do something else with your hands, such as touching your face, rubbing your eyes, etc. This just makes you feel worse.

Answer 3

I don't think they have blood tests-- they might it's been a loooong time since I had the allergy tests tho..

Sounds like you're allergic to cats. I get all the things you described along with runny, watery and itchy eyes.

Answer 4

blood allergen testing has become very popular..and cat dander..which is what people are usually allergic to can be tested...it can also test the severity of your allergy..they definitely do have blood tests for allergies..i work in a lab that tests them every day..they are very accurate..much safer and more accurate than the old skin test

Answer 5

I don't believe there is a blood test, but you can have your doctor give you tests that come from blood to test if you have an allergy to them. Okay, makes no sense but what I mean is they will draw blood and check to see if you are a positive. Then they can give you rounds of shots for like 3 months to make you immune to them. They don't hurt and it is worth it!

Answer 6

you can do allergy test (inhalation panel) cat dander is included in that or specific IgE to cat dander. blood sample is taken for either of the test. and you can get the result of the test same day or day after.

Answer 7

Has you heard of pet dander it is a dust particle which looks
like tiny specks they can cause< sneezing,shows irratated &
watery eyes , some weezing, heavy nazal congeston please
check those air filters as needed ! see a family doctor at
http://www.familymedicalclinic.com for pet allergie test only

Answer 8

if it was me, and i do not like doctors, i would buy a cat
but they have tests for all allergies medically, go talk to your doctor. or your cat, if you are like me

Answer 9

go to an allergy doctor, if you can't find one in your area your reg dr will find one for you

Answer 10

go to an allergest