Allergens

• According to Allergy.org.nz, an allergen is "a material that is capable of provoking an allergic reaction, such as pollen grains, dust mites or foods." Contrary to popular belief, cat allergies are not caused by cat hair but by a protein which is found in their dander (dry flakes of skin on a cat's coat) and saliva. The proteins become airborne and are inhaled into the nose and lungs.
  
  

Onset of Allergy Symptoms

• The symptoms of a cat allergy can appear within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on many cats are present and how much of the allergen is in the vicinity.
  
  

Symptoms of a Cat Allergy

• Symptoms of a cat allergy generally include a runny, itchy nose; sore, watery, swollen eyes; sneezing; wheezing or trouble breathing; a sore, scratchy throat; coughing; eczema (a red, itchy rash on the skin); welts and sometimes nausea. Occasionally, someone with a cat allergy may feel nauseous.
  
  

Anaphylactic Shock

• In rare cases, a person may have a very severe allergy known as anaphylactic shock, which MedicineNet.com defines as "widespread and very serious allergic reaction. Symptoms include dizziness, loss of consciousness, labored breathing, swelling of the tongue and breathing tubes, blueness of the skin, low blood pressure, heart failure, and death." Immediate emergency treatment is necessary to treat this condition.
  
  

"Hypoallergenic" Cat Breeds

• Certain cat breeds are considered hypoallergenic, such as the "hairless" Sphynx. The Sphynx produces dander, but as they are petted, the dander is pressed down and does not fly about freely as it does with other cats.
  
  The Rex breed has very short, fine coats which do not hold as much dander as other longhaired cats.
  
  Siberian cats have long coats but are believed to produce very little of the "Fel d1" allergen. Another theory as to why Siberians produce less allergen is because of their tight, thick undercoat and oily topcoat, which purportedly keeps the skin well-hydrated, producing less dander.
  
  

Minimizing Cat Allergies

• The best way to avoid cat allergies and minimize your symptoms is to simply keep your distance. Don't pet, hug or kiss a cat. If someone enters your home who owns a cat, beware of touching their clothing, purse or anything else they carry with them. If you know ahead of time that you are going to have a cat owner staying with you, make sure you have been taking any allergy medication a few weeks or days in advance in preparation. If you must stay with someone who owns a cat, it might be a good idea to request that the cat be kept out of the room you will be staying in.