Is it possible to suddenly become allergic to cats

Symptoms of cat allergies include: Sneezing Congestion Runny nose Itchy, red skin Itchy, red eyes Cough Facial pressure And in the most severe cases: Difficulty breathing Chest pain Wheezing Of course these are the same symptoms you may have for many types of allergies, so don't automatically assume the cat is to blame.

Related Questions. Read More. Back to All Cat Questions. Have More Questions? Contact Us. How Can We Help? Pet Retention Resources. Skip to content. Are You Allergic to Your Pet? The result? Countless pet parents in unhappy, unhealthy situations—and their beloved pets are the cause!

Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose; sneezing; coughing; scratchy or sore throat; itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing.

Recent studies have come to conflicting conclusions. On the other hand, a study found that babies who live with cats, especially during the first year of life, develop antibodies to the pet and were less likely to acquire an allergy later.

A study found that cats and dogs may provide a benefit by exposing babies to certain healthy bacteria early in life. Your doctor will be able to answer questions you may have about your baby and your cat. For children who are allergic, removing fabric toys and stuffed animals and replacing them with plastic or washable ones may help relieve symptoms.

Avoidance is best to prevent the allergies in the first place. Consider these strategies for reducing your symptoms. If you have a severe cat allergy, talk to your doctor about immunotherapy for a long-term treatment solution. What happens if you have severe allergies, but don't want to give up your childhood dream of owning a kitty cat?

Here's one woman's experience. You may experience seasonal allergies in late winter or spring or even in late summer and fall. If you experience seasonal allergies, these essential…. You can contract cat scratch fever from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. Learn about symptoms in cats and humans, and get facts on…. Dogs allergies can cause severe symptoms, including swelling and itching around the nose and eyes, a rash on the face and neck, and coughing. Animal bites on your hand and fingers are common, especially from pets like dogs and cats.

Though these injuries are typically not life-threatening…. Neti pots have been used for many years as a remedy for allergies and other conditions. Learn what the benefits are and how to practice nasal…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Cat Allergies.

Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Living with cat allergies Nearly a third of Americans with allergies are allergic to cats and dogs. Read on to learn about the signs of cat allergies and what you can do to prevent them. Pictures of allergic rashes. How cat allergies are diagnosed. How to treat cat allergies. Cat allergies in infants. Reducing cat allergies. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Elaine K.

Luo, M. Essential Oils for Allergies.