How sensitized you are to pets such as your cats can vary from childhood to adulthood. It is important to get checked at your doctor if any symptoms show up after getting a cat.
If you share your life with a cat, you’ve probably wondered, does living with a pet make you more likely to develop allergies?
This question comes up all the time in allergy clinics. Some people say growing up with pets protects kids from allergies later in life. Others say it makes allergies worse. So, what does science really say?
A large study looked into this by comparing nearly 3,000 people of different ages to see whether owning a cat or dog was linked to becoming allergic to them. The results might surprise you and they can help you make informed decisions about your cat household, especially if you or your children have allergy concerns.
The findings in children and adults
For kids, owning a cat didn’t seem to increase the chances of becoming allergic.
Among children in the study, there was no clear connection between living with cats and having sensitization towards them. This finding supports the idea that having pets around early in life might not automatically raise the risk of sensitization, and in some cases, might even help build tolerance.
For adults, the story was different, especially for cats.
Among adults, owning a cat was linked to a higher chance of developing sensitivity to cat allergens. Even after researchers looked at other factors (like age, gender, and family history), this link stayed strong.
This means that living with a cat as an adult might make you more likely to become allergic to cats over time.
Cat ownership and atopic dermatitis
The study also found that adults who owned cats were more likely to have atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is an itchy skin condition often linked to allergies. Among adults in this study, cat ownership was the only factor that seemed to increase the chance of having this skin issue.
For children, however, owning a pet didn’t seem to make any difference in whether they developed atopic dermatitis or other allergic conditions.
Owning a cat doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop allergies, but it may increase the risk, especially if you’re an adult.
If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, or already live with one, it’s helpful to know that prolonged exposure to cat allergens can sometimes lead to sensitization later in life.
But this doesn’t mean you have to part ways with your beloved pet. Many cat parents manage their allergies successfully with the right tools and habits.
Simple steps to lower your allergy risks
If you’re worried about becoming sensitized or have mild symptoms, here are some gentle, practical ways to help. First, use a good air cleaner. A filter air purifier can capture cat dander in the air. Secondly, keep surfaces clean. Regular vacuuming and washing bedding helps reduce allergens. Thirdly, create cat-free zones. For example, keep your bedroom pet-free so you can sleep more comfortably. Fourthly, wash hands after petting. This sounds simple, but it helps avoid transferring allergens to your face. Lastly, talk to your doctor: If you already have allergies or asthma, ask about treatment options.
You do not need to do everything at once.
Start with small steps to see what works for you, your cat, and your household. Observe how you feel over time, and adjust accordingly as needed.
At Moricat, we know that caring for your cat should feel joyful and safe. By staying informed and making thoughtful choices, you can keep loving your cat, and keep your health in balance too.
Reference:
Won, J. Y., Kwon, J.-W., Hong, S.-N., & Lee, W. H. (2021). Age Differences in Pet Sensitization by Pet Ownership. Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology, 14(2), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2020.00675
Mayo Clinic. (2024, May 15). Atopic dermatitis (eczema): Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273#:~:text=Atopic%20dermatitis%20(eczema)%20is%20a,irritating%20but%20it's%20not%20contagious.
Mayo Clinic. (2024, May 15). Atopic dermatitis (eczema): Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279
Mayo Clinic. (2021, August 4). Pet allergy: Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352198
Writen by: T.T.
