4 Myths about cat allergies busted
If you have a cat at home then it’s very common to see cat hair all over the house. It is one of those things that you will have to learn to love about your feline friend. The shedding may not be much of a bother to you but will be a great source of frustration and annoyance when you have certain friends or family members visiting you.
Some people may playdown their allergies while certain others will be very verbal in expressing their opinion of your cat that is causing them unpleasant sensations like coughing, sneezing itching and hives.
You may start wondering whether to believe such drastic claims made by your friend. To help you figure this here are few things to help you understand more about cat allergies.
Myth 1 – People are allergic to cat hair
For people allergic to cats, just the sight of their hair spread everywhere will have them reaching out to tissues and eyedrops. A shedding cat can help to flare up allergies, but it is not the hair that causes problem but the dander or dead skin cells which clings to the hair that makes people to have the sniffles and sneeze.
Apart from the dander bringing on the allergies, people who are allergic to cat will also be allergic to the protein Fel D1 produced in the cat’s urine and saliva. Each cat produces the Fel D1 protein differently. The female cats produce lesser protein than the males and light- coloured cats produce lesser allergy provoking protein than the dark coloured cats.
Long haired cats do not cause more allergy than short haired cats. In fact, they may disperse very few allergens as it stays in their hair more than the short haired ones.
Myth 2 – Cat allergies will get cured with constant exposure
Subjecting a person who has an allergy to constant exposure to cats when you are under the impression that their will get used to the cat gradually is just a myth. In most cases, the allergy may only stay the same or get worse with continuous exposure.
People with cat allergies may have severe reactions to one particular cat and may show mild symptoms when they are exposed to another. This is because the severity of the allergy depends on the level of protein produced by the cat.
Myth 3 – There are allergen free cats
There are hypoallergenic cats. But you must keep in mind that no cat is free from allergy producing proteins. If you or any other family have an allergy to cats then bringing home a hypoallergenic cat is a safe option. Even then these breeds can make you cough, sneeze and wheeze. So, it is a good idea to take advice from your doctor to help you manage the symptoms of allergy and to keep your place allergen free.
Myth 4 – You will be safe from cat allergies when outside of the home
A person who is allergic to cats can just casually walk into a house that does not have cats but still feel the symptoms of allergy. This is because cat allergens are unfortunately, very sticky. It is more likely to travel through clothing and other common surfaces. A person may have dander in their clothing and give a friendly hug to a person allergic to cats. So, a person who has an allergy to cats must always be prepared and learn to manage their symptoms.
