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Kids & Cat Allergies

Animal allergies tend to run in families. A child is most likely to have an allergic reaction to a cat if he has asthma or if another family member is allergic. If your child has a cat allergy, there are steps you can take to control the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms can be controlled in a manner that allows you to keep your beloved family pet.

  1. Cat Allergies

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, pet allergies are caused by a reaction of the immune system to an allergen. With cats, the allergen is a protein found in the cat's saliva, urine, hair or skin cells. Cat allergies can be mild to severe. For some patients, the cat allergy can cause asthma-related symptoms that include restricted airways, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing.

      The Mayo Clinic notes there is evidence to suggest early exposure to cats in childhood may decrease the risk for developing an allergy. The Humane Society states that cats tend to cause more allergic reactions than dogs.

    Diagnosis

    • Identifying allergy related symptoms is the first step in diagnosing a cat allergy in your child. Common symptoms include runny nose; nasal congestion; sneezing; itchy nose, eyes, mouth, throat, and/or skin; red or watery eyes; coughing; facial pain or pressure; hives; and blue-colored skin under the eyes. Children often demonstrate allergy symptoms by frequently rubbing their noses.

      A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms last for more than one week. Asthma-related symptoms may require immediate medical attention. If a cat allergy is suspected, allergy tests are performed on the child. AllergicChild.com recommends removing the cat from the home for a week or two as an ineffective method of self-diagnosis. Although the cat is absent, however, cat dander is likely to remain in the home environment.

    Prevention

    • Children with severe cat allergies should avoid exposure to cats. The doctor may prescribe medications or other treatments to help control symptoms. Treatments may include antihistamines, allergy shots, and/or steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays. Your child may outgrow her cat allergy. An allergy specialist can work with you to determine when and if your child should be exposed to cats (and possibly other animals) as she grows older.

    Pet Care

    • There are several steps you can take to lessen the chance of your child having an allergic reaction to the family cat. Groom your cat on a daily basis with a cat comb to remove loose hair. Cats are not fond of baths, but bathing is essential. Bathe your cat on a weekly basis using a shampoo that is specially formulated for felines. The Humane Society says regular shampooing can reduce allergy-causing dander by 84 percent.

    Home Solutions

    • Protect your child from allergy-causing cat dander by creating "pet-free" zones in your home. Keep your cat from entering the child's bedroom and play areas. Vacuum and dust frequently. Clean blinds and curtains on a regular basis. Wash cloth-covered items and bed linens, including pillows and furniture coverings. Place HEPA air cleaners in one or more areas of the home to remove dangerous allergens from the air.

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