Yes, cats can definitely make you itchy, typically due to an allergic reaction to proteins in their dander (skin flakes), saliva, or urine, which can cause hives, eczema, or general itchy skin, even from a scratch or lick. While most people think it's the fur, the real culprits are microscopic allergens that get trapped in fur and spread around, triggering itchy symptoms in sensitive individuals, often appearing as hives or worsening eczema.
This is what causes allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, skin rashes, and asthma. In the case of cat allergies, allergens can come from your cat's dander (dead skin), fur, saliva, and even their urine. Breathing in pet dander or coming into contact with these allergens can cause an allergic reaction.
Skin symptoms
Direct contact with an allergy-causing pet may trigger allergic dermatitis, causing symptoms, such as: Raised, discolored patches of skin called hives. Eczema. Itchy skin.
Also called allergic dermatitis, allergies caused by cats can also trigger skin symptoms. You may have hives, eczema, or itchy skin. Kids who are allergic to cats have similar symptoms as adults, including: Itchy eyes.
Cat Allergy Symptoms
Even if your cat is the cause of your allergy, that doesn't have to mean the end of your loving bond. If you can invest time and effort to find ways to manage your allergy, your pet can stay at home with you.
Your GP or health professional may refer you for testing to confirm whether or not you have an allergy to cats. This can be done by a blood test and/or skin prick testing. In some cases, referral to an allergy specialist may be needed.
An infection by the mange mite Sarcoptes scabiei, scabies is another zoonotic external parasite of the skin of cats. While not as common as flea infestations, these mites can be passed from infected cats to people, where they burrow into the skin and cause itchy, raised lesions.
Antihistamines reduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction. They help relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose. Prescription antihistamines in a nasal spray include azelastine and olopatadine (Patanase).
Yes, you can suddenly become allergic to cats - even if you were never before! It's a common misconception that allergies only develop in childhood. In reality, your immune system is always evolving.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
A cat scratch or lick on your skin can cause the area to become red and itchy, possibly causing hives (a rash with raised red patches). Cat allergies can also trigger an asthma attack if you have asthma.
While living an indoor lifestyle is certainly safer overall than living outdoors, and indoor living contributes to a longer life expectancy, important infectious diseases can find indoor cats. The feline distemper complex is composed of feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calici virus, and feline panleukopenia virus.
If you get scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the area with soap and water. Look for signs of infection over the next 2 weeks. Call your doctor if you have symptoms. In most cases, you can manage your symptoms at home with pain relievers or warm compresses.
Pet Dander Can Trigger Eczema Flares
“Cats and dogs tend to be the most likely to trigger eczema flares due to dander, saliva, and other allergens they carry,” says Peter Lio, M.D., a pediatric dermatologist who specializes in eczema at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, IL.
All cat dander is not created equal.
Cat allergens are “stickier” than just about any other type of allergen. And as felines go, male cats produce more of the allergen protein that humans react to (Fel d1) than female cats do.
Although cat allergy symptoms may never go away completely, they are manageable. Remember this basic fact about cat allergens. They need to be airborne and you need to breathe them in for you to have an allergic reaction to them. Cat allergen is very small so it remains suspended in the air longer.
Yes it's possible. I have mild allergies to cats also. I take an allergy pill daily, have a couple of good air purifiers in the home (one in the bedroom, one in the main area we spend time in), and keep up with cleaning floors and surfaces to p/u loose fur. Washing bedding/towels regularly also.
Brushing your cat regularly and giving them the occasional hypoallergenic bath can help get rid of allergens and soothe their itchy skin. It's a simple way to keep your cat's coat in good shape and help reduce the scratching.
Symptoms: Most people infected with Toxoplasma gondii will have no symptoms, but some will have flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or muscle aches that last a few days to several weeks.
The most common symptoms of a cat allergy include1:
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. Most infections occur after scratches from domestic or feral cats, especially kittens. CSD occurs wherever cats and fleas are found.
It depends on how severe your pet allergies are. If you have severe pet allergies, symptoms may appear within 30 minutes of encountering allergens. If you have mild pet allergies, symptoms may appear a few hours to a few days after encountering allergens.
Take control of pet allergens with air purifiers
Air purifiers can capture allergens before they have a chance to accumulate on surfaces. They remove pet dander and other allergens from the air, reducing your exposure to these triggers and preventing the spread of allergens throughout your home.
Some will naturally develop a tolerance over time. However, most people won't develop an immunity on their own. Allergy treatments such as immunotherapy can retrain their immune system to tolerate cat dander.