Cats are cute, but allergies are not. Lots of people worry about being allergic to cats. It can be a deal breaker if they want a cat as a pet.
Are you worried about being allergic to Siamese cats?
You can use an allergen test kit, undergo a skin patch test, or visit an allergist for testing. You can also spend some time with a Siamese cat and observe if you have any allergic reactions.
What Is The Fastest Way To Know If You’re Allergic To Cats?
The fastest way is to visit an allergist for an allergy test. The allergist will perform a skin prick or blood test to check for specific allergies. This test will give results within a few hours.
How To Do A Cat Allergy Test At Home?
1. Use an allergen test kit.
You can use an allergen test kit at home if you have a cat allergy. Allergen test kits are easy to use. Some kits test for many allergens, while others only try for a few.
You can buy an allergy test kit online or at the pharmacy. It’s important you choose a reliable brand. Ask the pharmacy staff for more information about the test kit. They’ll help you out.
Follow all the instructions that come with it. The test kit has a collection tool (a strip of paper or swab).
You must collect a cat’s fur, dander, or saliva. You can collect the sample from where the cat likes to rest or sleep. You can also collect the sample from the cat’s bedding. You can also brush the cat to collect some fur. Then, put the sample on a test strip or in a little bottle.
Follow the next steps carefully provided in the kit to test for specific allergens. The test kit will show you which allergens you are sensitive to.
2. Have a healthcare professional assist you with a skin patch test.
Another option for doing a cat allergy test at home is to conduct a skin patch test. Consult a healthcare provider before trying the skin patch test at home.
Doing this test on your own can have potential risks. It’s best to do the test at home, supervised by a healthcare professional, to ensure your safety.
You will need to collect a small amount of a cat’s fur or saliva for the test. You can brush the Siamese cat or swab his mouth with cotton.
Dilute the sample and apply a small quantity on your forearm. Cover the area with a bandage.
Wait for a few hours and check for signs of allergic reaction occasionally. Redness, itching, or swelling could mean you are allergic to cats. Talk to your doctor if you experience cat allergy symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Cat Allergy?
Some people with cat allergies may experience mild symptoms. Others may experience severe reactions.
The severity of symptoms of a cat allergy can differ and may not be the same for everyone.
Here are the symptoms associated with cat allergy under mild and severe categories:
1. Mild Symptoms:
Mild cat allergy symptoms go away within a few hours or days. However, the symptoms may return if exposed to the allergen again. Also, these mild symptoms could worsen and become severe if left untreated.
2. Severe Symptoms:
Consult your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Severe symptoms need urgent medical attention. These symptoms take longer to go away. They could be dangerous in some cases.
How Long Do Cat Allergy Symptoms Last?
Cat allergy symptoms can last a few hours to several days after being near or petting a cat.
ACAAI noted the symptoms could last longer if cat allergens are still in the environment.
There are two types of allergic reactions. These are:
1. Immediate Allergic Reactions
Immediate allergic reactions occur when an antibody, IgE, triggers histamine release. Histamine causes inflammation in different parts of the body, particularly the face. This results in itching, hives, and sneezing. It can also lead to difficulty breathing in severe cases.
2. Delayed Allergic Reactions
Delayed allergic reactions occur due to an immune system response involving T cells. This is why we also call them cell-mediated reactions. These reactions can take several hours or even days to develop. They manifest as symptoms like digestive issues, skin rash, fatigue, or fever.
Can You Live With A Siamese Cat If You’re Allergic?
You can live with a Siamese cat even if you’re allergic, but you must take extra precautions.
Here are some things you can do:
These things can help you, but they might not wholly stop you from having an allergic reaction. The best thing to do is talk to an allergist and your doctor.
Discuss your case with them to get the best advice for managing your symptoms. They can help you develop a plan that works for you, considering the severity of your allergies.
Can You Suddenly Become Allergic To Cats?
You can suddenly become allergic to cats, even if you have had no issues being around them for years.
Allergies happen when the body reacts to a particular substance, like cat dander. The proteins in a cat’s dander, saliva, or urine cause allergies.
Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about any possible cat allergies. Do not ignore the symptoms. The doctor can help determine if you are allergic to cats. An allergist can also recommend the best treatment for you.
Do you want to learn more about Siamese cats? Can they make you sick or not? Check out this previous blog I wrote. I answered some important questions about the topic.
We gathered all the health tips tailored toward maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide