How Can You Tell If You Are Really Allergic to Cats?

Allergies are an irritation to the body - I would say you are probably allergic. It is the dander and or saliva you are allergic to most likely. My man uses Claratin OTC when we know we are going to a "cat" house. He also takes a shower, changes clothes immediately when he gets home. I suggest you go to the doc and have allergy tests run - there are shots you can get if you are so inclined.

Well, since I was a kid, I was allergic to cats.
If I touched cats and then my eyes would itch, so then when I rubbed my eyes, my eyes would get TOTALLY swollen to the point it swelled shut.
And my nose ran too.

So yah, I think you are allergic to cats.

But as I got older, I just learned NOT to touch my face at all... if I touched a cat. And to wash my hands IMMEDIATELY afterward, and to change my clothes etc. I even had cats as pets, when I was in college. But at that point, I took Claritin, as needed.

I don't care whether I am allergic to the dander or saliva or whatever... I just know I am allergic to cats. Or sensitive to it. Period.
It makes me sneeze, causes a runny nose and eyes, and if I rub my eyes after touching a cat, my eyes swell up.
I am the one that told my Doctors, that I am allergic to cats. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. And by then I knew how severe or not, it was. Because I reacted that way to cats, since I was a kid.

And, I have Asthma.

I've been tested but I knew before that because it triggers my asthma. In some houses, I can walk into and know they have a cat before I even see signs of it.

Based on your symptoms, it sounds like you are allergic.

My over the counter allergy medicine of choice is zyrtec. But my issues are so bad that I have to take extra medicines, have my inhaler ready, and be prepared to leave 10-15 minutes after arriving if the allergen level is high at the destination. For me, avoidance is really the best way to go.

I have other observations and suggestions that do not involve medicines, however, they only help the situation not fix it. I've found that places with hardwood floors are easier on my cat allergies than carpet. If you are visiting a person that has cats and they are willing to sweep or vacuum before you arrive, they should do it hours before you arrive so the dust settles. If the weather is nice, leave windows open and try to sit near one so you can get some fresh air and less of the room filled allergen air. Avoid sitting on cloth sofas or chairs where the cat dander may be hidden.

In my experience, the cats always know which people are allergic and seek them out. :-)

For a more permanent solution, you can try allergy shots. Check with an allergist about effectiveness. I think it may be different for adults than children. Also, allergy shots are a long term investment. You start going multiple times a week and work toward once a month, then less frequent from there. Some people may never be able to fully stop getting the allergy shots.

sure sounds as if you are. if that's not enough for you, why not go get tested?
khairete
S.

the part of the cat that people are allergic to is the saliva. My dd broke out into major hives when a cat licked her. The dander is basically dried up saliva that turns into small particles and gets into the air.

The only way to know for sure is to be tested, or let a cat lick you, but watch out...have some benedryl handy.

Yes, it sounds like you are allergic.
Zyrtec (ceterizine) will probably help, especially if you take it before you come in contact with the cat.
Wash your hands every time you touch a cat, and if you are in a house with indoor cats, take a shower when you get home to feel better faster.

If you have a cat in your home, you may need to start looking for another loving family to take it. At the very least, you need to make sure it stays out of the bedrooms, and vaccuum and dust the room(s) that the cat is in daily.

That definitely is an allergy to cats, probably their dander. I'm the same way. We have an outdoor only cat. I can pet him but must wash my hands as soon as I'm done. If it touch my eyes it's over! At our friends house, who have 3 indoor cats, I cannot sit on the couches. I'm ok as long as I just sit at the kitchen table. You can get blood work done to see how allergic. I don't know how bad mine is but our son is a 4, 6 being the hightest rating of an allergy.

I hope its not a kitty in your house, that makes it hard. My hubby wanted our outdoor cat to become an indoor cat but I can't do it. Good luck.

It sounds like you are. Everyone's symptoms are different and can worsen over time. My husband is like you with the overt symptoms. Mine are different in that I outwardly appear fine but my ears fill with fluid and it keeps going from there. While Benadryl and Claritin like antihistamines can help lessen the effects, you may want to desensitize yourself with allergy shots but it takes time.

My DH is allergic to cats--itchy eyes & running nose and sometimes congestion. He takes Claritin, and it helps alot.

My 3yo son is also allergic, and gets congested and sometimes actually gets hives (even if he doesn't touch or pet the cat or sit/lay where the cat lays). For him, we use benadryl or children's Zyrtec (per his allergist & pediatrician).

Sounds like you are. I had an allergy test done to confirm. My symptoms are way worse than yours. My nose gets runny, my eyes water, skin itches and lungs close.