Cat Dander Allergy
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What is Cat Dander Allergy test?
Our immune system often mistakes common things for harmful substances and starts producing antibodies to combat them, causing more harm than good. Similar is the case with cat dander (cat’s dead skin, hair, saliva, and urine), where our immune system takes it as a severe allergen and starts producing antibodies against it.
A cat dander allergy test measures the allergy-causing antibodies (IgE) produced by our body in response to contact with a cat’s dander.
Symptoms of Cat Dander Allergy
A cat dander allergy test is indicated when individuals experience the following symptoms after coming in contact with a cat’s dander:
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Coughing
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Wheezing
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Sneezing
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Rashes
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Redness of skin where a cat has licked
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Nasal congestion
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Frequent sleep disturbances
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Runny nose
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Facial pain
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Swollen and red eyes
Who should get tested?
A cat dander allergy is recommended for individuals who have,
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Cats in their house
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Family history of cat dander allergy
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Past history of pet allergies
Preparation for the test
A cat dander allergy can be tested in two ways.
Blood test – A healthcare provider will collect a few mL of your blood sample by inserting a small needle into a vein in your arm and gets it tested to see for IgE antibodies.
Skin prick test – A healthcare provider will clean the test area with alcohol or iodine. It is usually your forearm or upper back region. The allergen is now applied to your skin, and the skin is lightly scratched to allow the allergen to come into contact with your body fluids.
Please tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any medicines such as anti-allergy or anti-histamines, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory, etc., before taking the above tests.
Interpretation of test results
An allergy is typically indicated by a high level of IgE antibodies specific to cat dander.
| Class | Levels of specific IgE – Kilo Units per Litre (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | < 0.10 | Negative |
| 0/1 | 0.10 – 0.31 | Low/equivocal |
| 1 | 0.32 – 0.55 | Low |
| 2 | 0.56 – 1.40 | Moderate |
| 3 | 1.41 – 3.90 | High |
| 4 | 3.91 – 19.0 | Very High |
| 5 | 19.01 – 100.0 | Very High |
| 6 | > or = 100 | Very High |
Deviations from the normal ranges:
- The presence of IgE antibodies in serum increases the risk of having an allergic illness.
- A higher total IgE level is frequently a symptom of allergies, including cat dander allergy.
FAQs on Cat Dander Allergy
The test results for cat dander allergy are usually available within 4 – 6 working days after the sample collection. However, it could take a little longer at times.
If it is a blood test, then there will be a negligible risk such as feeling a slight sting or bruise at the site of sample collection. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours.
If it is a skin prick test, and you are allergic to a specific allergen, then you may experience an allergic reaction within 15 to 20 minutes of allergen contact during the test. Nonetheless, the test is performed in the presence of a healthcare professional, and the symptoms are effectively monitored as soon as they appear.
No, not necessarily. It is possible that you are allergic to cats but not to other pets. However, if you notice an allergy due to any of your pets, it is always a good idea to get allergy testing for all common pets to ensure your safety.
No, you need not fast before undergoing a cat dander allergy test. It is a simple blood test that could be done at any time of the day.
Yes, if you are allergic to cats you must move cats out of your home. Moreover, you should take precautions to prevent coming in contact with street cats and locations where cats are present to avoid future allergies related to cats.
Cat Dander Allergy
