Cat Allergy and Hives

Cats are loved as house pets by many people. Unfortunately, about one-fourth of the people suffer from cat allergy which in return could lead to hives and skin rashes. Hence it is important to be aware of cat allergy symptoms, its causes and how to treat cat allergy and hives.

Cat allergy is caused by a protein which is often found in cat's dandruff and saliva. When a cat licks its skin and fur, it spreads some of this protein from its saliva to the fur and this become air borne dust particles. A human who is susceptible to cat allergy when inhales this allergen may trigger allergic reactions.

Symptoms of cat allergy:

Some of the most common symptoms of cat allergy are given below. The symptoms appear from 15 min to 1 hr after exposure to the allergen.

• Most common and detectable symptoms include wheezing and Red and itchy hives
• Hives which is characterized by red itchy welts or rashes and can develop when a person touches the fur of a cat or when the cat licks or scratches a person
• Some of the other symptoms include, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, nasal congestion, itchy nose.

Some people can also get an asthma attack when exposed to the cat allergen. Some people may also contract hay fever.

Prevention of cat allergy and hives:

The best way to prevent cat allergy and hives caused due to cat allergy is to limit exposure to cats. However, if you cannot part with your cat, then try to abide by the following instructions.

• Brush your cat regularly to remove cat dander. If you are allergic to cat dandruff, then it is advisable for you to ask someone to do it.
• Give a bath to your cat one a week.
• Keep the cat fur free from fleas and mites, thereby, cats won't scratch and thus reduce cats allergen in the air.
• Wear a dust mask when changing cat litter or house cleaning.
• Ventilate the rooms to lessen cat allergens and dust in the air.
• Use air humidifiers to reduce humidity in the house.
• Clean carpets, sofas, curtains and upholstery with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
• Install High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in the house.

Treatment of cat allergy and hives:

• There are several oral antihistamines that are available in the market that can relieve discomfort and reduce hives on the body caused by cat allergy.
• Also one can use topical analgesics or steroid creams to help reduce hives – its redness and swelling.
• Anti-itch lotions can be used to reduce itching of hives caused due to cat allergy.

Cat allergy is a common problem and hence it is better to be aware of how to avoid allergic reactions to cat allergen. The above mentioned pointers will surely help you to steer clear from cat allergy and hives caused due to cat allergy.