Cat Hair Allergy Symptoms

Contrary to what some people believe, people who are allergic to cats are actually allergic to their dander, not their fur itself. Cat dander is flakes of the cat's dried skin that comes off the animal and sticks to their hair. People who have asthma may have a stronger response to a cat allergy. Some people may not know they are allergic to cats, but getting diagnosed by an allergist will clear that up if there is any worry. Medicine can be taken to alleviate symptoms,but it is not recommended that people with cat allergies own or be around a cat.

  1. Eyes

    • If you have cat allergies, chances are you have itchy, watery eyes. If you come into contact with cat dander, your eyes could swell and become red.

    Skin

    • Cat dander can cause an allergic person to break out into itchy hives or welts. A rash could erupt on your face or body where you came into contact with the dander.

    Cold-likeSymptoms

    • Many symptoms of an allergy attack can mimic cold symptoms, so sometimes it's hard to know if you have an actual allergy. These symptoms can come on immediately after contact with a cat or wait for hours to come on. Symptoms include congestion, sneezing, coughing, runny nose and wheezing. Your nose may itch severely and become red.