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Cat Allergies in Children

According to WebMD.com, approximately 10 percent of the United States population has pet allergies. Cats are among the most common offenders, affecting twice as many people as dogs. Children often suffer from cat allergies, as well as adults.

  1. Identification

    • Most children who suffer from cat allergies are not reacting to the cat's fur, but to cat dander, saliva and urine. Children with allergies have an immune system that overreacts to exposure to these substances.

    Symptoms

    • Children who have cat allergies suffer from symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, red eyes, itchy eyes, stuffy nose and redness of the skin when scratched by a cat. Children with more severe allergies can develop serious symptoms such as hives, redness, coughing and wheezing. Children who have cat allergies often show symptoms within minutes of exposure or over the course of several hours.

    Diagnosis And Treatment

    • Diagnosing cat allergies in children is done through allergy testing. Doctors can perform a blood test or a skin scratch test to identify substances the child is reacting to. Treatments for children with cat allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. Mild symptoms in children are treated with antihistamines, limiting exposure to the cat and bathing the cat regularly. Severe allergic reactions in children may require allergy shots on a monthly basis, to reduce the severity of symptoms.

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