Cat Dander Symptoms

The Mayo Clinic defines pet allergies as an immune system reaction to certain animal proteins. Pets release these proteins into the environment in the form of dander (shed skin cells) and saliva. Cats are one of the most common household pets that cause dander allergies, although dogs, horses and rodents may also be culprits. For a cat lover who's allergic to cat dander, this is particularly frustrating, as the body's allergic reaction causes uncomfortable symptoms.

Asthma

• People allergic to cat dander may develop asthma. Dander is released into the air and can remain airborne for a lengthy period of time. An allergic person's body signals an immune response to the cat dander protein and inflames the lung's air passages, resulting in either temporary or chronic asthma. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a tight sensation in the chest, coughing and wheezing.

Congestion

• Nasal passages also swell up when a person allergic to cat dander inhales the protein. Unfortunately, because of the congestion, the allergy sufferer may also experience painful facial pressure and swelling under the eyes. In severe cases where the inflammation is chronic, Mayo Clinic warns that the allergy sufferer may develop sinusitis because bacterium builds up in the obstructed sinus cavities.

Sneezing

• Sneezing is perhaps the most well-known symptom of an allergy. Sneezing is caused by the body's immune response to the cat's dander as it tries to expel the protein from the sinus cavity. An itchy and runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and a tickle in the throat from postnasal drip usually accompany the sneezing. In fact, parents may notice their child rubbing their nose continually in an upward direction when suffering an allergic reaction to cat dander.