| Next to dogs, cats are the most common family pet. | | | | furniture. The protein particles which cause the cat |
| Cats are great family pets that offer comfort, | | | | allergies can remain in the air for long periods of time, |
| warmth, companionship and unfortunately for some | | | | and those who are sensitive are more likely to have |
| people allergic reactions. Because of cat allergies, | | | | a rapid reaction when going into a room where a cat |
| many of those who would otherwise love to have a | | | | has been or is. |
| cat cannot do so. Cat allergies can range from mild to | | | | Can the allergen be filtered out of the air? |
| severe, so it is important to take special care when | | | | Opening a window or using an exhaust fan often |
| being around these precious felines. | | | | helps to reduce the allergens present in the air. |
| Up to 40% of people who suffer from asthma have | | | | Another option is to use pleated air filters for your |
| cat allergies and are much more sensitive to these | | | | heating ventilation air conditioning system (HVAC). |
| creatures than they are to dogs. | | | | The paper pleated filters trap more of the protein |
| What triggers an allergic reaction to cats? | | | | allergen and filter it out of the air. It helps, to reduce |
| A protein that is found in the cat skin and saliva is | | | | the amount of allergen protein, but does not |
| the problematic element for those with this affliction. | | | | completely eliminate it. |
| When a cat licks his fur in order to clean himself, then | | | | What are the symptoms of a cat allergy? |
| he is depositing this protein onto his fur, thereby | | | | - Watery eyes |
| causing the reaction in sensitive individuals. | | | | - Itchy eyes |
| Aren't people allergic to cat hair? | | | | - Wheezing and sneezing |
| The cat hair itself is not causing the reaction, but the | | | | - Chronic asthma |
| protein that is present in the dander and saliva. When | | | | - Hives |
| the allergens become airborne, then the symptoms | | | | - Atopic eczema |
| begin. | | | | - A tightening in your throat - anaphylactic shock. |
| While no cats are known to be specifically | | | | Which is life threatening. |
| hypoallergenic, male cats cause more allergic reactions | | | | Once you have determined that you are allergic to |
| than female because of the testosterone increase in | | | | cats it is best to avoid contact with them. As well as |
| the cat's glands, which in turn increases the protein. | | | | avoiding homes that have cats inside. Consult with |
| The cat allergen is found mainly in homes where cats | | | | your allergy doctor to determine what medications |
| live, yet has been found in offices and other places | | | | you can use to minimize your allergy reaction to cats. |
| where animals are not allowed. The protein is quite | | | | It is advised to avoid cats as much as you can in |
| sticky and can be carried on people's clothing and | | | | order to maintain health and not trigger a reaction. |