“I found that I'm allergic to cats. Is it a lifelong allergy?”

If skin testing is positive for cats, allergy shots may help.

Dear cat sufferer,

Unfortunately, you are not alone - cat allergies are very common. Not everyone has respiratory symptoms - since you did, I would suggest caution with future exposures. While the sensitization and severity of reactions may vary from pet to pet it is likely this will be a long standing issue. Allergen immunotherapy - either shots or sublingual - is a very effective way of treating this and over time will slow you the ability to be around pets with minimal or no symptoms. Until then make sure you carry allergy medication and your inhaler with you to help when symptomatic.
Good luck.

Cat allergy is common and is primarily directed at the animal’s saliva. Cats groom their entire fur coats constantly and cover the fur with the saliva. Histamine reactions occur when we reencounter an allergen (tree pollen suddenly reappears in the spring) or if there is a sudden increase in allergen levels (cut the grass and blast mold into the air). Chronic
exposures lead to less obvious inflammatory reactions, although these reactions can be more serious and insidious, as they can drive chronic asthma and/or sinus problems. Individuals living with a cat all of the time (chronic exposures) often are unaware of the inflammatory reaction, as it is not dramatic like the histamine reaction. These people often
think they have “outgrown” their allergy, but they have not. You will probably not outgrow the allergy. Effective desensitization is available from qualified board certified allergy/immunologists.

Hi, the history that you have described certainly suggests a cat allergy. Some people can outgrow this allergy, but it could take as long as 20-40 years to do so! There is hope, however, as allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) has been shown to be helpful for animal lovers sensitive to cat, horse, and/or dog. I would recommend consulting an allergist for further information and treatment options if simply avoiding cats is not a good option for you.

Cat allergy can be lifelong, If you want to confirm this see an allergy specialist and get skin tested to cat. There are treatments for cat allergy including allergy medications to control the symptoms. Long term, allergy immunotherapy ( allergy shots) can reduce the symptoms you have associated with cats and other allergens.

Cat allergy can be a lifetime problem. Testing will confirm the allergy. Cat allergy can be treated with medications before or after exposure. You should have them with you at all times. This should include an albuterol inhaler and antihistamine. You need instructions and a prescription for the inhaler. I suggest you see an Allergist.