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Signs & Symptoms of Cat Allergies in Young Children

Of all animals, cats cause the most allergies, and young children don't always know how to tell you how they feel when they experience allergies. Learning common symptoms of cat allergy can help you recognize them in your child and find solutions, so you don't have to make that heart-wrenching choice between keeping your child and keeping your cat.

  1. Minor Signs

    • Symptoms of cat allergies are similar to symptoms of the common cold. If your child is sneezing, coughing or has a stuffy nose, he may be suffering from cat allergies.

    Serious Signs

    • Serious signs--which more clearly indicate allergies--are skin rash, burning eyes and respiratory problems indicated by panting or wheezing.

    Critical Symptoms and Signs

    • In rare cases, your child's allergies may cause her to undergo anaphylaxis. If your child experiences severe shortness of breath, rubs her chest and says it feels tight, or experiences facial swelling, take her to the emergency room immediately.

    Misconceptions

    • Because cat allergens are so sticky, they attach to a person's hair or clothing and may be transported to the child's school, meaning your child may suffer from cat allergies even if you don't have a cat.

    Treatment

    • Keep your cat out of your child's bedroom and, if possible, out of the house. Ask your doctor if allergy shots are right for your child.

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