Cat allergy

Cat allergy is an immune response to proteins produced by cats, especially Fel d 1 in saliva and skin secretions. These proteins spread on dander and can trigger symptoms when inhaled or touched.

Fel d 1: Fel d 1 is a protein produced mainly by cats’ salivary and sebaceous glands and is their major allergen. It is the principal cat protein behind most allergic reactions.
Allergy testing: Allergy testing uses skin or blood tests to assess immune sensitization to specific allergens. Testing can determine whether cat proteins are associated with symptoms.
Cat-induced asthma: Cat-induced asthma is asthma symptoms triggered or worsened by exposure to cat allergens. It is a lower-airway response that may accompany or occur separately from nasal symptoms.
Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva caused by allergen exposure. Cat allergens can cause itchy, red, or watery eyes.
Immunoglobulin E: Immunoglobulin E is an antibody class that helps trigger allergic reactions and defense against some parasites. Cat allergy commonly involves IgE antibodies recognizing cat proteins.
Skin prick test: A skin prick test introduces small amounts of suspected allergens into the skin to check for a reaction. It is a common way to test for sensitization to cat allergens.
Nonallergic rhinitis: Nonallergic rhinitis is nasal inflammation and congestion caused by triggers other than allergen-specific immune responses. Similar nasal symptoms can occur without an allergic response to cats.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease involving variable airway inflammation and narrowing. Cat allergy can trigger asthma symptoms or worsen existing asthma.
Mast cell: A mast cell is an immune cell that releases histamine and other mediators during allergic reactions. IgE-bound mast cells release mediators after encountering cat allergens.
Specific IgE: Specific IgE is an antibody measured in blood that recognizes a particular allergen. A blood test can measure IgE directed against cat proteins.

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