Can You All of a Sudden Become Allergic To Cats?

Yes, it is possible to all of a sudden become allergic to cats. Various types of allergies, including allergies to cats, can develop at any time throughout your life. The good news is that, in most cases, you and your doctor should be able to come up with treatment options that allow you to continue living with your cats without dealing with constant discomfort.

How do I know I’m allergic? 

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. The best thing to do if you start to experience these or other symptoms is to make an appointment with an allergist. They will perform tests to definitively determine if you’re suffering from a cat allergy.

Do cat allergies mean I have to rehome my cat? 

In most cases, it will not. Many people who have pet allergies live with a cat…or multiple cats. Of course, that’s not a good idea for those with life-threatening symptoms, but such severe allergies are rare.

In most cases, you will be able to manage your symptoms with over-the-counter medicines or with prescription medications. You can also reduce exposure to dander by bathing your cat weekly, vacuuming daily with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, and installing an air filter on your HVAC system. Check out these tips to reduce allergies to pets for more information.