Cat Allergy

Are your children starting to hint that they want a cat for a pet? Before you give in, there are things you need to know and consider. For instance, owning a pet entails costs. And should you do get a pet cat, who is going to take care of it on a regular basis? Your children may tell you that they will take good care of the new cat, but the responsibility of taking care of an animal will inevitably fall on your shoulders. And lastly, you need to know that cat can cause allergies.

You may think that allergies only involve runny noses and itchiness, but allergies can be much more serious, life-threatening even. Serious and more sever allergy reactions are known in medical terms as anaphylaxis. Based on several studies, allergens cause anaphylactic reactions in some individuals. These reactions often result to trips to the emergency when. When treatment is not administered quickly enough, an anaphylactic reaction can be fatal.

It is very common for American families to keep a pet dog or cat. However, before getting that new cat, take steps towards ensuring that bringing in a new cat into your home is safe for you and your family. Allergies are quite common in the United States, and pet dander is one of the more common allergens or allergy triggers. The best thing to do is for you and the members of your family to get tested for cat or feline allergy. This will ensure that it is safe for you and your family to keep a pet cat in your home.

Just what is it in cats that make some people allergic to them? Cats have Fel d 1, a glycoprotein that is produced by the sebaceous glands. This glycoprotein is present in the fur, urine, saliva, salivary glands, mucus, hair roots and serum. The skin and saliva are the main sources of glycoprotein.

Because cat allergen is about ten times much smaller than dust or pollen, it is not visible to the naked eye and is quite impossible to avoid. In addition, cat allergen can remain present in the air for several months. This is why some people experience allergic reactions months after a cat has been around them.

Individuals who have cat allergy will have symptoms that include:

* eyes that are red, itchy, watery or swollen

* constant sneezing

* itchy and runny nose

* frequent colds and coughs

* itchy or plugged ears

* scratchy or itchy throat

* bronchitis

* skin irritation