Cat allergies are complex, but science is helping us understand that not everyone reacts to the same part of the cat allergen. Additionally, reducing Fel d 1 at the source such as the cat itself, may be one of the most effective solutions in the future.
Cat allergies are a frustrating problem for many people. Whether you’re sneezing every time your cat walks in the room or struggling with itchy eyes during a visit to a friend’s house, the culprit is often the same: a powerful protein produced by cats known as Fel d 1. But science is catching up, offering both new ways to understand cat allergies and even a surprising solution that involves vaccinating the cat instead of the human.
Two recent studies have some surprising news about cat allergies—including one that might help you breathe easier by treating your cat instead of you. In this post, we’ll explore what these two studies found and how they can help you manage (or even reduce) your allergic reactions to cats. Moricat believes empowered cat parents should know the latest science so cats can stay home where they belong.
Fel d 1 is the main allergen produced by cats. It's found in their saliva, skin, and fur, and spreads easily through dander and hair. When people with cat allergies breathe it in, their immune system reacts as if it were a harmful substance causing symptoms like:
Sneezing
Stuffy or runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Coughing or asthma flare-ups
But not all allergic reactions to cats are the same, and that’s what the second study by Ermis and colleagues helps clarify.
Ermis and their colleagues studied sensitization patterns in people allergic to cats. That means they looked at which specific parts of the cat allergen proteins people reacted to. While Fel d 1 is the most common trigger (seen in over 90% of allergic individuals), other proteins like Fel d 2 and Fel d 4 can also play a role in allergic responses.
Why does this matter?
It helps explain why some people have mild symptoms and others have more serious or complex allergic reactions. It also shows that not everyone allergic to cats is reacting to the exact same thing. This could help doctors come up with better, more personalized ways to treat allergies.
Right now, allergy tests often focus on cat dander as a whole, but this research shows that breaking it down into individual allergens (especially Fel d 1) can give a clearer picture of what’s going on and may lead to better, more targeted therapies.
Now for the really exciting part. The study by Thoms and colleagues tested a novel idea: What if we vaccinate the cat to reduce its allergen production, rather than treating the human with medications?
That’s exactly what researchers did. They developed a vaccine for cats that trains their immune system to produce antibodies against Fel d 1, essentially telling the cat’s body to neutralize its own allergens.
In the study, allergic cat owners reported a clear improvement in their allergy symptoms after their cats were vaccinated. The cats were healthy, and their production of Fel d 1 dropped significantly. Most importantly, their humans could breathe easier.
This could be a game-changer, especially for people who are allergic to their own beloved pets but don’t want to give them up. The research is still in early stages and more studies are needed before the vaccine becomes widely available, but the results are promising.
While these studies point to exciting future treatments, here’s what you can do right now to manage cat allergies:
Ask your allergist about molecular allergy testing to find out exactly which cat proteins you’re allergic to. This can help personalize your treatment.
Allergy shots or tablets can help your immune system become less sensitive over time, especially if you’re mostly allergic to Fel d 1.
Use HEPA air purifiers to reduce allergen levels at home. Keep cats out of bedrooms to reduce symptoms. Clean often, especially fabric surfaces and wash your hands after petting your cat.
Ask your vet if they’re aware of emerging treatments, like Fel d 1-reducing diets or upcoming vaccines.
References
Özuygur Ermis, S. S., Norouzi, A., Borres, M. P., Basna, R., Ekerljung, L., Malmhäll, C., Goksör, E., Wennergren, G., Rådinger, M., Lötvall, J., Kankaanranta, H., & Nwaru, B. I. (2023). Sensitization patterns to cat molecular allergens in subjects with allergic sensitization to cat dander. Clinical and Translational Allergy, 13(8), e12294-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12294
Thoms, F., Haas, S., Erhart, A., Nett, C. S., Rüfenacht, S., Graf, N., Strods, A., Patil, G., Leenadevi, T., Fontaine, M. C., Toon, L. A., Jennings, G. T., Senti, G., Kündig, T. M., & Bachmann, M. F. (2020). Immunization of Cats against Fel d 1 Results in Reduced Allergic Symptoms of Owners. Viruses, 12(3), 288. https://doi.org/10.3390/v12030288
Written by: T.T.
