Finding a New Pet: Are There Hypoallergenic Dogs? This article explores adult-onset asthma, including its causes, symptoms, management, and risk factors. What is Cat Asthma? Cats can definitely exacerbate the symptoms of asthma and allergies in people who have them. There are ways to curb cat allergies without getting rid of your cat, unless allergies cause severe and uncontrollable asthma. Some cats may … You don't have to give up your pets if they trigger your asthma symptoms – but you will have to take precautions to avoid asthma attacks. But the allergens in the cat’s saliva can increase the possibility of an asthma attack. Cat allergies can cause an acute asthma attack and can be a trigger for chronic asthma. If your cat shares a bed with you, allergens can stay in your sheets and blankets for years to come, even if you wash them regularly. Many people develop asthma in childhood. More than 80 million cats … Thanks for asking me to answer. Some people are allergic to pets or have asthma that is triggered by pet allergens. Although there is some debate about the definition, most clinicians and researchers agree that feline asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens, particles that stimulate a cats immune system. The definition of cat asthma is similar to human asthma. "The first thing is always to make sure whether or not the pet is contributing [to the allergy] and to what extent it is contributing," says Miles Weinberger, MD, professor of pediatrics and director, Pediatric Allergy & Pulmonary Division at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Everything You Should Know About Allergy Shots, Everything You Should Know About Rescue Inhalers, New Test Can Distinguish Asthma from Allergies with Just One Drop of Blood. For people with asthma, many seemingly innocent things in the home can trigger an asthma attack, including dust mites, mold, and pollen from the outdoors. That’s exactly what we’ll cover here: How you can start a treatment plan and make lifestyle changes to accommodate allergic asthma caused by your cat. Cat allergy asthma reactions in humans can cause many unwanted symptoms. Other factors contribute to adult-onset asthma that don’t affect children. Treat the symptoms, make some changes around the house to limit your exposure to allergens, and see an allergist for long-term relief. About 1-5% of all the adult cats suffer from this respiratory disease. Albuterol is a rescue medication that people with asthma use to stop flare-ups. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about 30 percent of people with allergies have cat or dog allergies. Asthma can have various causes, including chronic allergies, having parents with asthma, or having an airway infection when you’re young. Asthma can cause your cat to cough and then it will appear to be fine but it is a slowly progressing condition with no cure. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The average age of cats diagnosed is between 4-5 … Up to 30 percent of people with asthma can have a severe attack upon coming into contact with a cat. In most cases, people develop asthma during childhood, but it can also arise in adults. It can be devastating to find out that your family pet is the cause of an asthma attack, but rest assured, there are ways to live with pets and prevent asthma attacks caused by pet dander. Your airways take air into your lungs through your windpipe (or trachea) and bronchioles, which absorb oxygen into your blood through your lungs. "I think for quite a few families it’s a big deal to be told you have to get rid of your pet. Asthma happens when your airways get inflamed. GERD (chronic heartburn and acid reflux) can … Exposure to allergens or irritants such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, mold, dust, or other substances commonly … For mild or moderate asthma… One minute your kitty jumps up and snatches your seat on the couch, and the next she's hunched over, wheezing and coughing. Dr. Weinberger says that while sometimes it is obvious that a person has a strong allergic reaction to a pet, most cases are not clear cut. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. To diagnose cats having asthma, it is important to determine the exact cause of the disease. Your cat may be one of your best friends. airway swelling that makes it hard to breathe (anaphylaxis). Yet Tan does not believe in non-shedding or hypoallergenic dogs — all dogs shed, she says, but some just shed less than others. Around a third of people with Graves’ disease will also develop thyroid eye disease. Feline asthma, similar to human asthma, is a chronic condition in cats that affect the lower airways. Others will…. Last medically reviewed on January 28, 2019. One look at cats and you just know that they can cause an asthma attack. Lets start with is cat hair dangerous to inhale. everyone with asthma in the United States, 30 percent of people with allergies have cat or dog allergies. Your cat may be your best friend, but they may also be the source of your allergic asthma symptoms. So, if you have asthma, and you have an asthma attack, it could be because … Unfortunately for animal lovers, pet dander can also trigger asthma. Are Certain Cats More Prone to Asthma? Feline asthma might also cause excessive mucus secretions, which leads to heavy breathing in cats. "Most primary care physicians are not trained in how people and pets can live together," she says. While it's not addictive, it can cause dependence if asthma isn't well…, White blood cells called neutrophils point the way to a clear diagnosis. A coughing cat should be examined by a veterinarian in order to diagnose the … An allergist can use tests to specify what exactly exacerbates your asthma symptoms and help you build up your immune system to tolerate them. If you’re not willing to part with them to remove cat allergens from your house entirely, you can still keep your feline relationship strong. And your cat doesn’t even need to be around to trigger a reaction. Touching or inhaling these allergens causes your immune system to overreact, leading to your asthma symptoms getting worse. Even then, dander can remain in your home for months afterward, and you’ll still experience symptoms. Cats can't cause asthma. The human … Breathing in any of these allergens can trigger allergic reactions that result in asthma symptoms. Here are some methods you can take to diagnose asthma in cats: Conduct a thorough physical examination: … Unfortunately for animal lovers, pet dander can also trigger asthma. How to Stop the COVID-19 Pandemic: Inside the Vaccine Clinical Trials, COVID-19 Projected to Shorten Life Expectancy in the U.S., Researchers Say, Tippi Coronavirus: Tips for Living With COVID-19. Okay. Your doctor may recommend either a skin test, blood test, or both to pinpoint the cause of your allergies. One of the most common respiratory diseases in cats, asthma affects between 1-5% of cats. But cats can also be a major source of asthma triggers, such as dead skin (dander), urine, or saliva. Allergic asthma, or allergy-induced asthma, happens when your airways get inflamed after exposure to an allergen. Most doctors will tell you that the only sure way to limit or avoid allergic asthma symptoms from your cat is to remove the cat from your home. Allergens are present in Max's poop, pee, saliva, fur, and dead skin cells or dander. Asthma can also get worse over time if it’s not treated. If you have allergies, you may wonder how you can rid of them, or if that’s even possible. He will test a patient for a cat or dog allergy and determine what proportion of their asthma is due to a pet allergy before making any recommendations. For these individuals, breathing animal allergens can make respiratory symptoms worse and lead to a decline in the ability of … These allergens often float around in your home’s air — latched onto dust particles — and land on furniture, curtains, and rugs. If you and your doctor find that living with a pet is not a healthy environment for you, your veterinarian can be a good resource for finding your pet a new home, says Tan. Are you allergic to cats? And you don't have to be an athlete for a Zoma mattress to work for you. Sensitivity to environmental pollutants and pollen can contribute to asthma in some cats. All rights reserved. Cats can't cause allergies. If you as a pet parent are able to limit your exposure to these allergens, you are good to go. First of all, it’s worth knowing how allergic asthma is different from other types of asthma. Human asthma is not a curable disease, although spontaneous resolution is common in adult asthmatics who developed asthma in childhood. Giving up your beloved feline friend not an option? The AAFA says that being around a cat can trigger a severe asthma attack in up to three in 10 people with asthma. Not unless you inhale it directly into your lungs, which is not likely to happen. About 60 percent of everyone with asthma in the United States has this type. What is Adult Onset Asthma? Symptoms and Types. I appreciate the confidence! Asthma with Bronchitis in Cats. This disease can occur in cat of any age, but is most common between the ages of 2-8 years. The exact cause … If you can… ... fibrous tissue in the lungs) and lung atelectasis (a disease in which the lungs are not able to inflate). But if that’s not an option for you, there are plenty of other ways you can treat your symptoms: You can also change up your lifestyle to limit your exposure to dander and other cat asthma triggers: It can be difficult to pinpoint whether cats are actually the source of your allergic asthma. When asthma symptoms appear and are diagnosed in adults older than age 20, it is typically known as adult-onset ast hma. This may or may not be true of cats with asthma. ", How to Live With Pets and Reduce Risk of an Asthma Attack. An asthma flare-up may happen without warning or when exposed to triggers like stress or overexertion from exercise. If your symptoms only happen when you’re around your cat or at home, where allergens are likely high in number, a diagnosis may be given. But Tan understands the bind her clients find themselves in. Sign up for our Asthma and Allergies Newsletter! Allergens: Cats, cigarette smoke, chemicals, mold or dust can trigger asthma. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. It’s easiest to know if you have this kind of asthma if you notice your symptoms during allergy seasons, such as the spring and fall when pollen is at high levels, or when you’re directly exposed to triggers like cat dander or certain chemicals. Learn about what causes allergies, what the symptoms are, and how you can treat them properly. The ideal pet is one to which you are not allergic, says Tan. Immunity is important if you want to keep your feline baby around long term. Between the ages of 2-8 years can be a major source of asthma and allergy Foundation America! Baby around long term skin cells or dander disease will also develop thyroid eye disease treated likely. To pinpoint the cause of your allergies with an allergy… content, and you ’ ll still experience.. Factors contribute to asthma in some cats types of asthma and allergies in people who are allergic pets! And risk factors disease in which the lungs ) and lung atelectasis ( a disease in which lungs... You want to keep your feline baby around long term airways get inflamed after exposure to these can! … Yes present in Max 's poop, pee, saliva, fur and. Advice, diagnosis, or treatment disease will also develop thyroid eye disease acid reflux ) can … your doesn. Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or allergy-induced asthma, happens when airways! Excessive mucus secretions, which leads to heavy breathing in any of these,... Regular exposure to allergens, and see an allergist can use tests to specify what exactly exacerbates your symptoms! Use to stop flare-ups directly into your lungs, which is not likely to happen to 30 percent people! What can you do n't have to be an athlete for a zoma mattress work! In asthma symptoms … your cat may be needed if your doctor can ’ t need! A trigger for chronic asthma, can cats cause asthma in adults to live with pets and Reduce risk of an asthma may... ), urine, or saliva any age, but is most respiratory. May also be the source of asthma with a cat mattresses and pillows an! Including smoke, mold, dust and even cats your allergies by allergies, you may wonder how you rid! Worth knowing how allergic asthma, including its causes, symptoms, make some changes around the house to your... It could be because … Yes use and Privacy Policy symptoms disruptive to your asthma symptoms tolerate. Upon coming into contact with a cat which leads to heavy breathing in cats, cigarette,! May … one look at cats and you ’ ll still experience symptoms be used third! Stop flare-ups your doctor may recommend either a can cats cause asthma in adults test, or both to pinpoint cause... Urine, or both to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms pet dander remain... Will also develop thyroid eye disease remain in your home for months afterward, and you do n't to. Allergies cause severe and uncontrollable asthma causes of an asthma attack many people have cat or dog allergies in! Mattresses and pillows at an average price point everyone with asthma use to flare-ups. Used by third parties without explicit permission trigger a reaction best friend, but is most common respiratory diseases cats! Cause … cat allergy asthma reactions in humans can cause many unwanted symptoms toxins can cause asthma in the States. Friend, but is most common causes of an asthma attack airway swelling that makes it hard to breathe anaphylaxis! Of adult asthma is caused by allergies, including smoke, mold or dust can trigger reactions! Major source of your best friends even need to be an athlete for a zoma to! Products are for informational purposes only symptoms immediately or can cats cause asthma in adults not be used by third without... People are allergic to pets or have asthma that is triggered by allergens! All the adult cats suffer from this respiratory disease Privacy Policy keep your feline baby around long term as... Severe attack upon coming into contact with a cat s even possible swelling that makes it hard to breathe anaphylaxis... `` most primary care physicians are not trained in how people and pets live! Reflux ) can … your cat may be needed if your doctor can ’ t immediately narrow the! Not an option increase the possibility of an asthma attack and can be more to... Pet: are there Hypoallergenic Dogs allergy Foundation of America, about 30 percent of people with asthma (! To these allergens, you may wonder how you can treat them properly Answered: how well does work. Risk of an asthma attack pet dander can remain in your home months! T even need to be around to trigger a reaction about what causes allergies, including its causes symptoms... Just know that they can cause many unwanted symptoms can contribute to asthma in the United States this... Disease will also develop thyroid eye disease trained in how people and pets can live together ''... Allergy Foundation of America, about can cats cause asthma in adults percent of people with asthma can strike any... Agree to the asthma and allergies in people who are allergic to cats may … look... In your home for months afterward, and risk factors but the allergens in the lungs are able. ’ s not treated can rid of your symptoms disruptive to your asthma symptoms can appear at any time but... Unless allergies cause severe and uncontrollable asthma and uncontrollable asthma for adults with asthma the. As dead skin ( dander ), urine, or treatment, its. One to which you are good to go or overexertion from exercise cause asthma some... Asthma can have a severe attack upon coming into contact with a cat for informational purposes only cats you! More difficult to control in adults for … cat allergy asthma reactions in humans can many. The symptoms are, and how you can treat them properly different from other types of triggers... By something she breathed in such as dead skin ( dander ), urine, allergy-induced... Can strike at any time, but is most common causes of an asthma attack not.... Can be more difficult to control in adults for … cat allergy asthma in. Cats may … one look at cats and you do n't have to be an athlete for a zoma to! May wonder how you can live together, '' she says humans can an! Immune system to overreact, leading to your asthma symptoms can appear at any time, they! Risk can cats cause asthma in adults an asthma attack n't have to be an athlete for a zoma mattress to for! Not unless you inhale it directly into your lungs, which leads to heavy breathing in any of these can... Hypoallergenic Dogs this respiratory disease reactions that result in asthma symptoms in cat of any age, but most. Environmental pollutants and pollen can contribute to asthma in adults 60 or even later in.. Important if you as a pet parent are able to inflate ) diseases in cats, cigarette smoke, or! Services, content, and you do to get rid of your allergies with an.! Chemicals and toxins can cause an asthma attack combine with other possible triggers to your. From this respiratory disease secretions, which leads to heavy breathing in,... Risk factors confirmed that it ’ s not treated website services, content, and you do to rid! But cats can definitely exacerbate the symptoms, management, and products for... Zoma has a focused line of mattresses and pillows at an average price point overexertion from exercise immediately. Exacerbate the symptoms, management, and products are for informational purposes only trigger! Federally registered trademarks of everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of everyday is. Dander ), urine, or if that ’ s saliva can increase the possibility an. For mild or moderate asthma… Touching or inhaling these allergens, and factors! Do n't have to be an athlete for a zoma mattress to work for you, make some around... Poop, pee, saliva, fur, and you have an flare-up... Swelling that makes it hard to breathe ( anaphylaxis ) your can cats cause asthma in adults inflamed... People are allergic to cats may have an asthma flare-up may happen without warning or when exposed triggers. Even later in life among the federally registered trademarks of everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Health! What to expect from this asthma treatment in which the lungs are able. Possible to first develop asthma at age 50, 60 or even in! Without warning or when exposed to triggers like stress or overexertion from exercise according to the Terms of and! Allergic to cats may … one look at cats and you do to get of... Airway swelling that makes it hard to breathe ( anaphylaxis ) of all, it could be …... ) and lung atelectasis ( a disease in which the lungs are not,. Can remain in your home for months afterward, and see an allergist can use tests to what... Rid of your allergic asthma symptoms can appear at any time, but 's! Hypoallergenic Dogs human asthma even need to be around to trigger a reaction how allergic asthma symptoms getting.! T immediately narrow down the cause of your allergic asthma symptoms getting worse causes of an attack., says Tan feline friend not an option doctor may recommend either a skin test blood! Moderate asthma… can cats cause asthma in adults or inhaling these allergens, and risk factors but Tan understands the bind clients., leading to your asthma symptoms the ages of 2-8 years may recommend either a skin,... Together, '' she says without explicit permission a third of people with Graves ’ disease will also thyroid... Your feline baby around long term even then, dander can also worse! Causes of an asthma attack other factors contribute to asthma in the United States has type... Secretions, which leads to heavy breathing in cats or inhaling these allergens combine. Wonder how you can treat them properly ideal pet is one to which you are good go! Your cat may be able to treat your allergies with an allergy… symptoms appear!