If you’ve lived with a cat in the past without developing allergic symptoms, it’s possible to develop cat allergies later in life.You can suddenly develop a cat allergy when you’re exposed to a new cat later. Exposure to a new cat could trigger a response from your immune system and develop into an allergy.

People with an allergy to dogs may take medications to help manage their allergic reactions. A person can choose from several available options depending on the symptoms and their severity.An allergic reaction occurs when a person’s immune system reacts hypersensitively to specific proteins called allergens. In response to these foreign substances, the body produces antibodies that release chemicals such as histamines. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.

You may have heard that some dog breeds trigger allergy symptoms while others don't, or that short-haired dogs are safe while long-haired dogs prone to shedding are not. But on the whole, experts say that isn't the case. In fact, two dogs of the same breed can each give off very different levels of allergen.It's not the dog's hair or fur that's the real problem. Instead, people are usually allergic to the dander -- flakes of dead skin -- as well as the saliva and urine. So, no matter how long or short the hair, any dog can potentially cause an allergic reaction.You might wonder why dog dander has such an effect on you. People with allergies have oversensitive immune systems. Their bodies overreact to harmless substances -- like dog dander -- and attack it as they would bacteria or viruses. The sneezing and watery eyes are just the side effects of the body's attempt to destroy or flush out the allergen. 

By Brianna Bell | Updated on Nov. 3, 2022Medically reviewed by Karen Berger, Pharm.D. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInCopy URL to clipboardPicture this: You see a sign for free kittens—their wide-eyed, fluffy faces are just too sweet and adorable to resist. Or, there’s a friendly stray dog that looks hungry hanging around your backyard. Soon you’ve got a new pet in your home, and it doesn’t take long for the sneezing and itchy, watery eyes to start. You’re allergic to your new cat or dog, and you’re not sure if there’s anything you can do about it.

It’s likely that you own a pet or know someone — such as a friend, coworker, or neighbor — who does. If you’re allergic to pets, it can be very difficult to avoid what causes your allergies. Pet hair itself doesn’t directly cause allergies, but it often carries the substances that do. This includes dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and pet urine. Plus, pet hair often carries allergens from the environment, including mold, pollen, and dust. In addition to directly touching a pet — most commonly cats and dogs — you may come into contact with pet hair that’s shed on clothing and other surfaces.Common allergic reactions from pets can include symptoms of allergic rhinitis — sneezing and runny or itchy nose — and allergic conjunctivitis, or itchy, red, and watery eyes. In many cases, over the counter (OTC) allergy medications can help prevent and manage these symptoms. But not all OTC allergy medications are created equally, so it’s important to keep a few tips in mind.

Your doctor may suspect a pet allergy based on symptoms, an examination of your nose, and your answers to his or her questions. He or she may use a lighted instrument to look at the condition of the lining of your nose. If you have a pet allergy, the lining of the nasal passage may be swollen or appear pale or bluish.

Dr. Millie Rosales, a Miami-based veterinary dermatologist who specializes in skin and ear problems in dogs and cats, has some answers for you. Her Instagram account, aptly named @gotitchypet, has lots of close-ups of inflamed paws and ears and snouts, but also witty Reels about flea prevention and the proper use of medication.In vet school, Dr. Rosales felt restricted by the general curriculum. “I felt like I could take my knowledge only so far. If a case got complicated, I had to send it out to a specialist. I felt like I needed more,” she says. “I realized I always liked dermatology and I feel like I’m really good at one thing.” We asked Dr. Rosales for her opinion on a few popular allergy treatments for dogs. Just like she does on the ’gram, she has strong opinions and isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Until our pets can tell us what’s bothering them, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

As for why some pets may bother you more than others, it’s because certain proteins last longer than others. “Cat protein can last up to four months in your home environment,” Dr. Hong explains, “while dog dander lingers for shorter periods of time.”That doesn’t mean a dog won’t make you sneeze and wheeze because these proteins can still linger around your home. “They get attached to couches, any sort of cloth surfaces like rugs and carpets, and other upholstery, and they stay and linger there,” she adds.Dr. Hong notes that it’s also important to know that there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog or cat. “Even hairless cats aren’t 100% hypoallergenic. Even if they don’t shed fur and spread dander everywhere, they’re still shedding the protein we’re allergic to.” 

A cat allergy can cause symptoms like itching, red eyes, runny nose, and asthma, among others. You may be able to treat your allergy with medication and by reducing your exposure to the allergen.Nearly a third of Americans with allergies are allergic to cats and dogs. And twice as many people have cat allergies than dog allergies.Pinpointing the cause of your allergies can be difficult when an animal lives in your home. That’s because homes contain other allergens, such as dust mites, which could cause similar symptoms. It’s important to see an allergist to confirm a pet allergy.It can be hard to admit that the cat you love is causing health issues. Many people choose to endure symptoms rather than get rid of their pet. If you’re determined to live with Fluffy, you can take steps to minimize the symptoms of your allergy.Read on to learn about the signs of cat allergies and what you can do to prevent them.

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