Can babies and children be allergic to cats?

Yes, babies and children can be allergic to cats. A cat allergy in young children occurs when their immune system reacts excessively to allergens in the dander, saliva or urine of cats. This can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, shortness of breath, skin rash or watery eyes.

A cat allergy can be present from an early age or develop over time. It is important to recognise the symptoms in order to take the right measures and protect the child’s health.

What are the causes of cat allergy in babies and children?

A cat allergy develops because the immune system recognises certain proteins (allergens) in cats as harmful. The most important allergens are

• Fel d 1: A protein found in the saliva, dander and sebaceous glands of cats.
• Fel d 4: Protein in cat urine that spreads over surfaces.

These allergens adhere to dust, furniture and clothing and can remain suspended in the air for a long time, which can lead to allergic reactions in children even without direct contact with a cat.

What are the symptoms of a cat allergy in babies and children?

The symptoms of cat allergy in babies and children can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are

Complaints about the respiratory tract :

• Sneezing and blocked or runny nose
• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath or dyspnoea, especially in children with asthma

Eye and skin diseases :

• Red, watery or itchy eyes
• Itching or skin rash, especially on contact with cats
• Eczema or worsening of existing skin problems

More serious reactions :

• Swelling of the eyes or lips
• Severe shortness of breath (possibly an allergic asthma attack)

In babies, the symptoms can also manifest themselves in restless behaviour, inadequate sleep or strong crying for no apparent reason.

How is a cat allergy diagnosed in children?

If a child regularly shows symptoms after contact with cats, it makes sense to carry out an allergy test. There are three methods to diagnose a cat allergy:

• Ahome allergy test – A quick way to check for the presence of allergic antibodies.
• Skin test at the GP or allergist – A small amount of cat allergen is applied to the skin to see if a reaction occurs.
• Blood test – This test measures the presence of IgE antibodies specific to cat allergens.

A cat allergy test carried out at home can provide an initial indication.

Can a cat allergy disappear by itself?

Cat allergy may diminish in some children as they get older, but this is not always the case. Some children develop a tolerance, while others react to cat allergens throughout their lives.

In the case of severe allergic reactions, it is advisable to limit contact with cats as much as possible. In less severe cases, measures such as regular cleaning and air purification can help to reduce exposure to allergens.

What to do if a child is allergic to cats?

If a child is allergic to cats, the following measures can help to reduce the symptoms:

• Avoid direct contact with cats, especially if the symptoms are severe.
• Keep cats out of the nursery to minimise exposure during the night.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove allergens from the air.
• Regular vacuuming and mopping reduces the number of cat dander in the house.
• Wash your hands and clothes after contact with a cat to avoid spreading allergens.

Antihistamines can provide relief for mild symptoms, but severe symptoms require a visit to the doctor or allergist.

Conclusion

Babies and children can have an allergic reaction to cats. Cat allergy is caused by a reaction to allergens in the cat’s dander, saliva or urine. Symptoms range from sneezing and itchy eyes to severe shortness of breath.

A cat allergy test can help to diagnose an allergy, after which measures can be taken to reduce the symptoms. If the reactions are persistent or severe, it is important to consult a doctor for further investigation and advice.

Kattenallergietest

€24.99