If you’ve never had problems being around cats, it can be surprising to suddenly experience allergic reactions. You might wonder: “Can you develop a cat allergy if you’ve never been allergic before?” The short answer is yes—it’s possible to develop a cat allergy later in life. In this blog, we explain why this can happen and what you can do about it.
What Is a Cat Allergy?
A cat allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to allergens produced by cats. The most common allergen is the protein Fel d 1, found in a cat’s saliva, skin, and urine. These allergens can spread through the air or settle on surfaces, triggering allergic reactions such as sneezing, red eyes, itching, or breathing difficulties.
Why Can You Develop a Cat Allergy?
Even if you’ve never been allergic before, allergies can develop over time. This happens because your immune system can change throughout your life. Factors such as prolonged exposure to allergens, changes in your living environment, hormonal fluctuations, or infections can make you more sensitive to cat allergens.
Genetics also play a role. If allergies run in your family, you’re more likely to develop a cat allergy later in life, even if you had no symptoms as a child.
Symptoms of a Cat Allergy
A cat allergy can manifest in various ways, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing and a blocked or runny nose
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Skin rashes or itching after touching a cat
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness, especially in people with asthma
If you notice these symptoms when you’re around cats, it’s possible you’ve developed a cat allergy.
How Can You Be Sure You’re Allergic to Cats?
It can be difficult to confirm a cat allergy because symptoms often resemble those of a common cold or other allergies, like hay fever. Fortunately, you can easily test this at home with The Tester’s Cat Allergy Test. This test detects the presence of specific IgE antibodies in your blood that react to cat allergens. Within 10 minutes, you’ll know whether you’re allergic and can take action to manage or prevent symptoms.
What to Do If You Develop a Cat Allergy
If a test confirms that you’re allergic to cats, here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:
- Avoid direct contact with cats: While it may be difficult, this is the most effective way to reduce your symptoms.
- Keep your home clean: Regularly vacuum, use a HEPA filter, and wash your hands after any potential contact with cat allergens.
- Use medication: Antihistamines and other treatments can help relieve your symptoms. Consult your doctor for the best solution.
- Consider immunotherapy: Allergy immunotherapy may help reduce allergic reactions over time in some cases.
Conclusion
Yes, it’s possible to develop a cat allergy even if you’ve never been allergic before. This can be due to changes in your immune system or prolonged exposure to allergens. If you suspect you’re allergic, order The Tester’s Cat Allergy Test. This test gives you an answer within 10 minutes, so you can take quick action to improve your quality of life.
