Signs & Symptoms of Cat Allergies in Children

Cat allergies can cause sneezing, rashes and asthma.

Cat allergies are among the most common pet allergies. The problem isn't cat fur, as most people believe, but rather cat dander, saliva and urine. Symptoms of cat allergies in children include sneezing, a rash and asthma.

Nasal symptoms

Cat allergy symptoms include runny nose, painful nasal congestion, sneezing and nasal drip, which may cause a sore throat or cough. Children with nasal allergy symptoms will frequently rub their nose upward.

Eye symptoms

Other signs include itchy or red eyes and bags under the eyes.

Skin symptoms

Cat allergies may cause allergic dermatitis, leading to an itchy rash or hives where the skin came into contact with the allergen, such as the hands if the allergic child pets a cat.

Respiratory symptoms

Nearly one-third of people with pet allergies also have asthma. This may cause chest pain, wheezing and difficulty breathing. In children, asthma often causes trouble sleeping.

Non-Obvious Causes

Children with cat allergies may show symptoms even if a cat is not present in the house. It can take more than six months to fully clean a house of cat dander once the cat is gone. Cat dander can enter the house after contact with skin and clothing, even if a cat was never in the home.

References

• Pet Allergy
• If My Child Has Asthma, Can We Keep Our Pet?
• Battling Pet Allergies

Resources

• Unsuspected Exposure to Cat Allergen