Cat-Induced Asthma

Cats can cause an allergic reaction in some people that they come into contact with. For people who have allergy-induced asthma, that allergic reaction can be deadly.

Numbers

• Fifteen percent to 30 percent of people with allergies are allergic to cats and dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergies to cats are twice as common as allergies to dogs.

Causes

• An allergic reaction to a cat is caused by proteins in a pet's dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. These items can be in homes where the pets live, and they also can be carried by people into places where pets do not live.

Symptoms

• Exposure to a cat can cause a stuffy nose and inflamed eyes. If allergens are inhaled by a person who has allergy-induced asthma, that person might start coughing and wheezing and can have shortness of breath within 15 to 30 minutes.

Severity

• Cats can trigger a severe asthma attack in 20 percent to 30 percent of asthma sufferers, according to the Asthma and Allergy foundation. Sometimes a severe attack cannot be treated by rescue inhalers and medication, and it might require a hospital visit or stay.

Treatment

• Cat-induced asthma can be treated on the spot with a rescue inhaler. Asthma sufferers who come in frequent contact with a cat can take special asthma/allergy medication such as Singulair, and they might use special inhalers before being exposed to cats.