Is Cat Hair Harmful?

Facts about cat hair

• If you have cats, you will also have to deal with cat hair (unless you have a Sphinx, which is a hairless breed). Other than being a nuisance, cat hair in and of itself is not harmful to human health. If you have cat allergies, you might have reactions to cat dander or cat saliva but not to the hair itself. However, the more hair, the more dander, so a large amount of hair will appear to cause a greater allergic reaction.

Causes of cat allergies

• It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population has pet allergies, and cats are among the most common culprits. Cat allergies are almost two times as common as dog allergies. The allergy is provoked by proteins in the cat's dander (dried flakes of skin), saliva or urine.

  People with cat allergies have immune systems that mistake these proteins for pathogens that are trying to harm the body. This causes the immune system to overreact, which creates the symptom of allergy.

  Also be aware that if you are having allergic reactions around your cat, it might not be caused by the cat itself but by the pollen, mold, fleas or other allergens that the cat carries in its fur.

Symptoms of cat allergies

• The major symptoms of cat allergies can include coughing, wheezing, hives/rash, itchy or red eyes, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and wheezing or asthma-like symptoms. Often a person with cat allergies will constantly feel like they have a cold or are "coming down with something."

Confirming and treating a cat allergy

• It is always a good idea to visit a doctor to make a firm confirmation that it is the cat and not another stimulus that is causing your symptoms. Your doctor can run a skin or blood test that will help determine what you are allergic to. Sometimes allergy tests are not accurate, so the doctor might also suggest an environmental change (such as removing the cat from the house for a certain period of time) to help make a firm diagnosis.

  Once an allergy has been confirmed, there are many ways to help alleviate the symptoms. Most cat lovers don't want to get rid of their furry friend, but luckily their are other options. Cat allergies can usually be controlled by antihistamines, decongestants or other standard allergy drugs such as prescription steroids and nasal sprays. Allergy shots are also an option, but they can take years before you feel any relief.

Dealing with cat hair

• Other than allergies, the single biggest problem with cat hair is its ability to attach itself to clothing, furniture, walls and just about everything else in sight. There are several ways to help cut down on the amount of hair around.

  The first step should be to make sure that your cat is well groomed. Regular bathing, brushing and combing will remove old hair, mats and dander. It will help keep your environment cleaner and help you furry friend not have to deal with so many nasty hairballs. A brush, comb, mat remover or grooming glove are good tools to use.

  Many find it helpful to treat furniture with a fabric protector that helps repels hair. Clothing is best kept in plastic dry cleaner bags, and a lint roller should be kept on hand for hair emergencies.

  With the proper maintenance of cat and home, hair can be kept under control, and both cat and owner can remain on good terms.