Pet allergies 3
What do I do if I find out I’m allergic to my house cat?
One in five adults is sensitive to allergens produced by felines. How can you avoid compromising the relationship if the cat already lives in the house? From nutrition to stress reduction, here are the possible strategies.
At least one cat lives in more than 7 million homes in Italy and over 90% of owners consider their feline a member of the family. But the data also says that one in five adults worldwide is sensitive to cat allergens and is thus forced to limit interactions with the cat with all that this entails. According to a recent survey by Purina conducted on 5,000 cat owners in Europe, and presented in recent days during a webinar focused specifically on allergies, more than 8 out of 10 decide, when they discover they are facing a problem of this kind, to reduce their interaction with the cat or limit the freedom zone to a part of the house or a room.
Disorders
When the cat-human relationship is hindered by an allergy, it is possible to identify common elements in the attitudes of their owners. «It starts with reducing the space given to the activity that the cat carries out — explains Dr. Clara Palestrini, a veterinarian expert in animal behavior — or leaving it alone for a greater number of hours. In this way, however, changes occur that are experienced in a stressful way for the cat that could highlight fearful or anxious attitudes such as urine marking or other types of disorders». The separation generates stress not only for the animal but also for the owner. «A series of benefits that derive from a relationship with the cat are lost, not only enjoying its company but also the production of oxytocin that contact (even sometimes only visual) with the animal generates, leading to a smaller reduction in stress and anxiety — emphasizes Dr. Elisa Silvia Colombo, psychologist and psychotherapist —. The presence of a cat in the house is also helpful for children. Being able to take care of an animal means developing a sense of responsibility and improves self-esteem. All effects that could be lost with allergies.”
Cleaning
Another common behavior to limit the annoying effects of allergies is the constant cleaning of the house or the animal. «It is a normal reaction — adds Colombo —. If we are sick we react to eliminate the problem. On the other hand, producing these behaviors continuously can lead to obsessive behavior, a mania, which can be disconnected from the original reason. Having to continually engage in these activities also becomes a source of stress». «Some cats love to be handled and brushed but others do not — points out Palestrini —. Not to mention bathing or being taken to the groomer. The carrier, the car journey, the handling of strangers, could further increase the cat’s agitation».
False myths
A false myth is that the cause of the allergy is the cat’s hair. «Cat allergies — underlines Dr. Colombo — are not due to the hair but to a series of proteins. There are 8 feline allergens but the most important is Fel d 1: a protein with functions that are still unknown and that is responsible for more than 95% of allergic reactions. It is produced by various glands of the animal and is transmitted through saliva and distributed throughout the coat. Another false myth is to think that there are hypoallergenic cats: “They all produce these proteins in varying quantities. There is no cat that does not produce them.” Cleaning reduces the concentration of the allergen in the house with less serious consequences, but the allergen reproduces quickly and it is impossible to eliminate it completely because it is dispersed in the environment by fur and dust particles. It has a particular predilection for adhering to clothes and hair. “It is defined as a ubiquitous allergen because it is present everywhere, even in homes where there has never been a cat given the ease with which it can be easily transported by the wind.”
The precautions
How can the problem be solved or alleviated? Purina, which promoted the focus in which the data were presented, has produced a specific line of food that reduces the allergen Fel d1, thanks to a specific protein derived from eggs that neutralizes it during chewing. Recent vaccines for allergic owners have been found to be highly effective, eliminating or significantly reducing the problem by acting on the protein that acts as an allergen. But many interventions can be implemented to reduce the cat’s stress, when the first distancing takes place, acting directly on the organization of family life. “It could be useful to enrich its habitat with vertical scratching posts or raised rest areas with cushions to create a safe place,” explains Palestrini. “The amount of space a cat has also depends on its ability to access the outside not only to perform physiological functions but also to walk and hunt. Environmental enrichment, the relationship with the owner and proper nutrition are useful aspects to overcome this type of problem.” Several studies indicate that in 5 to 10% of cases, allergies can even lead to the choice of abandoning or giving up your cat, a decision that is not only not easy to make but also brings with it psychological consequences. “There is the pain of the breakup, the sense of guilt because you feel responsible, the fear of the judgment of the people and associations to whom you entrust it – highlights Dr. Colombo -. When the renunciation occurs, the owners who had a deeper bond go through a mourning process for the definitive separation”. In short, a problem that should never be underestimated.
The diagnosis of cat allergy is based on a consistent medical
history and physical examination and is confirmed
by a positive skin test or serum IgE
result.Molecular diagnosis is often necessary and advisable, especially in polysensitized patients (Feld1 research). A correct diagnosis is essential for the management of short- and long-term symptoms. There are many measures aimed at reducing allergenic exposure.
Although the most advisable measure would be to completely avoid the animal, this is often
impossible (not to mention the emotional impact), since there are animal allergens in environments where animals are not present. Specific immunotherapy is emerging as a
potential alternative as the literature consulted has shown both clinical and laboratory improvements.