Cat Allergy

[someone825]

We were considering getting a cat for our apartment, but my daughter's boyfriend said that his mom is allergic to cats. He says that my daughter would not be able to go over to his house and he would not be able to visit our apartment.  I've never heard of someone having a reaction when they are not in direct contact with the cat or the environment. His mother has never been over to our house.  Just trying to understand.

[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. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles, which when inhaled into the nose or lungs can produce allergic symptoms. These may also pass on by your daughter’s clothes and hair as microscopic dander.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[bsmsl]

I grew up with cats, but never displayed any allergic reaction to them.  I had allergy testing 2 1/2 years ago which did not show a cat allergy.  I was retested this year (my doctor's policy) and I am now allergic to cats.  I have not lived with a cat in over 25 years.  The doctor explained that I get enough exposure to cat allergen from people I encounter who do have catsto have developed the allergy.

It seems to be worse than other pet allergens for sticking to clothes and transferring from place to place.  

It does sound strange, but it is possible that the cat allergen on your daughter's clothes could be enough to trigger a severe allergic reaction for her boyfriend's mother.  

I hope that helps.

[SassyLassie]

Some folks are so allergic to cats that even the hair that would be on your daughter's clothes could cause a reaction. Even the dander that you can not detect could cause a reaction to others. I know it sounds strange, but allergens can be pretty strong at times, and sadly, cats can be one of them.