What is cat allergy and symptoms?

Question

can it ever be deadly?

my skin itches and gets red after a while when i hold my kittens or be around them and i also feel like i cant breath and there's pressure to my heart... do these mean i have cat allergy and this is just basic now but can it get worse and more serious, even cause death?

Answer 1

Cat allergies... you will need to see an allergist if you have a cat or are frequently exposed to cats. I recommend seeing an allergist because even if you aren't around cats, you'll be restricting homes you can visit for no good reason (unless you don't have health insurance... that's a good reason).

I have serious allergies (cat, dog, pollen, trees, grass, and dust) so I am somewhat an authority. Allergic reactions in general (including those to cats) include the following - from bothersome to severe...

- itchy eyes, sinuses, ears, and skin
- mucous in the eyes, mouth, and sinuses
- sneezing to chronic sneezing
- post nasal drip/sore throat
- hives (itchy bumps/rash)
- breathing difficulties
- athsma (I distinguish the two because one can be annoying, the other can be alarming)
- anaphalaxis (swelling of the throat)
- death from the latter if not caught in time

My mother had anaphalaxis to our cat, Gizmo, and fortunately she only spent two weeks in the hospital. It took a while to get that bad because we had him for a while... he was a good cat. My cat allergies didn't hit until about 2 years ago. I had to go to the doctor and was tested (it's more bothersome than extremely painful and it is quick), ergo the above allergies.

I go in for weekly allergy shots which have been helpful. Allergy shots boost your immune system by introducing the allergens into you system at a low dosage. This causes the immune system to learn to fight the allergens better. As you progress, they increase the dosages. It has been totally worth my while to do this. A good allergist will re-test you about a 1/3 of the way through the treatments to make sure you're responding properly and not wasting your time and $.

Take good care,
Sense

Answer 2

I developed allergies after having my cat for a few months...stuff nose and itchy eyes. I usually have them first thing in the morning....I use nose sprays and eye drops when I get up and I am fine for the rest of the day... depending on your health, it might turn into something serious, so talk to your doc next time you see him/her. Also, groom your cat daily and it helps relieve symptoms A LOT. I used those static pet gloves to brush her whole body daily to collect dander and hair. It helps keeping her clean and making you feel better. Cats really enjoy that extra attention and grooming =D

Answer 3

Sounds like it. I think you should go to a doctor that specializes in allergies. My daughter is allergic to cats and a few other things. She gets shots for it once a week. You need to find out if cats are the only thing you're allergic to.

Answer 4

Yea you probably having a allergic reaction to the cat. You can see your doctor about getting an allergy medicine to help stop the reaction. It is probably best to just stay away from those cute little kittens though.

Answer 5

It sounds like you are allergic to cat dander (skin flakes), or are aggravating an asthma condition with exposure to cats.

Depending on the severity of your condition, fatality can result from arrested breathing, tachycardia, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. If you are allergic and immunocompromised, pneumonia is a possible result with continued exposure. Although this is rare, I have seen it happen.

Try the suggestions in the links below to minimize exposure and severity:

Answer 6

Meowing and coughing up hairballs.
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