Can this be a possible cat allergy?

[k7m1g589]

I am currently 32 weeks pregnant with my first child and have been living with my partners family. His mom rescued a stray cat about 3 months ago even though there was a possibility that the cat could harm me or my baby. Pregnant women aren't suppose to come in contact with cat urine because it can affect an unborn child. Also, being that it was a stray I thought it was completey irresponsible for her to bring it in the house without having seen a vet first. I asked for the cat and the litter box to be left in her room to avoid any risks. I have not come in any contact with the cat at all until last night. Somehow the cat had gotten into my room and was hiding under the bed without my knowledge. After finally realizing the cat had been in the room I picked it up and put it outside of the room. Within minutes my hands and arms began to itch and little pinkish round spots had appeared. It didn't last very long, only a few hours. I still have a few spots that have yet to fade, but thankfully they no longer itch. I didn't want to immediately put the blame on the cat because his family already knows I don't want the cat around, but I sincerely believe the cat may have caused me to break out. Is there any way I can find out if I have an allergy to this cat? My mother is allergic to cats as well, she develops very large lumps when around cats. Are allergies hereditary? Also if I am allergic to this cat and come in contact again and develop more spots can it affect my baby?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Cat allergen, the allergy causing material from cats, is not cat hair, but rather a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats.As you had skin symptoms after coming in contact with the cat,so allergy to cats cannot be ruled out.In the last trimester of pregnancy,cat allergens cannot pose a direct risk to your baby but it may effect fetal well being by causing allergy symptoms like skin symptoms,hives,itching,respiratory symptoms to life threatening anaphylaxis in the mother.

I would suggest that you get rid of the cat as far as possible.If not possible then,use reputable allergy avoidance products throughout your home. Wash your hands after having contact with the cat and keep pets out of the bedroom and avoid using carpeting, draperies and upholstered furniture in your home since allergens will collect there.

If the symptoms persist then antihistaminics and allergy shots may be needed.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.Kind regards.

[Tammy2009]

Allergies have a genetic basis but not always to the same allergen.  Two parents with allergies (50% chance of developing allergies), one parent 30%.

It is possible that it is an allergy, however make sure the cat wasn't bathed with anything, I reacted with hives once to the shampoo I used on a puppy at work.