Cat owners with cat allergies may experience less allergen symptoms compared to people who do not own cats.
If you’re allergic to cats but still live with one, you might be doing something interesting without even knowing it. You might be training your immune system.
Scientists recently looked at why some people with cat allergies seem to become more tolerant over time. What did they find in this study? They found a special kind of immune response that builds up with repeated exposure to cat allergens, especially the main one: Fel d 1.
Why this matters for cat parents
Many people are allergic to cats, but not everyone reacts the same.
Some people sneeze from a single cat hair. Symptoms of cat allergies can include sneezing, congestion, eye problems such as itchiness, and coughing. Those who are more sensitive may also get symptoms related to their skin such as rashes. Others in contrast, despite being allergic, live with their cats and slowly get fewer symptoms. Researchers wanted to explore this idea and find out what makes that possible.
The study in simple terms
Researchers compared people with cat allergies who own cats to those who don’t.
In simple terms, one of the findings was that people with cat allergies (and who do not own cats) had more of an impact with cat allergens compared to those who frequently were around cats. So what does this mean? Living with a cat, even if you’re allergic, might slowly shift your immune system toward tolerance. Repeated exposure to cat allergens may help “block” the allergic response.
Start small changes and stay observant
Not everyone can or should try this, but if you already live with a cat, know that your body might be adapting. Keep track of how you feel, talk to your doctor, and give your cat an extra cuddle today (with clean hands, of course). Your bond might be helping your immune system, but this is not certain so take precautions. It is important to consult with a doctor about your allergy.
Next steps
If you experience cat allergies such as sneezing, coughing, or eyes that are itchy, first make sure to consult with a doctor for the steps you can take to lower your symptoms. One step you can take today is to get an air cleaner such as HEPA cleaners which can help lower your symptoms. This is useful to plan in rooms that you and your cat are frequently in. Another step you can take is to vacuum surfaces often that accumulate cat hair to reduce the allergen spreading. Take care of your health while also spending time with your cat!
Reference:
American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. (2018, April 23). Pets, Dog and Cat Allergies | Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website. American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/pet-allergies/
Mayo Clinic. (2021, August 4). Pet allergy: Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352198
Renand, A., Archila, L. D., McGinty, J., Wambre, E., Robinson, D., Hales, B. J., Thomas, W. R., & Kwok, W. W. (2015). Chronic cat allergen exposure induces a TH2 cell–dependent IgG4 response related to low sensitization. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 136(6), 1627-1635.e13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2015.07.031
Writen by: T.T.