Dander refers to the tiny flakes of skin that all animals shed. While both cats and guinea pigs shed skin, the composition and properties of their dander differ.
Cat dander:
* Contains a protein called Fel d 1, which is the primary allergen for most people allergic to cats.
* Is typically oilier than guinea pig dander, making it stickier and harder to remove from surfaces.
* Is often smaller than guinea pig dander, allowing it to become airborne more easily.
Guinea pig dander:
* Contains a protein called Cav 1, which is the primary allergen for people allergic to guinea pigs.
* Is generally drier than cat dander and not as sticky.
* Is often larger than cat dander, making it less likely to become airborne.
Therefore, while both cat and guinea pig dander can cause allergic reactions in some people, they are distinct in their composition and allergenicity.