How to Tell If You Have Cat Allergies

Here's how to tell if you suffer from cat allergies.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn the causes of cat allergies.
   
   Cat allergies are caused by secretions in a cat's sebaceous glands, located in the cat's skin and hair follicles. Loose fur and dander, as well as cat saliva, are major triggers of cat allergies in humans.

2. Know the symptoms of cat allergies.
   
   The symptoms of cat allergies may range from sneezing, a feeling one is suffocating or can't breathe, anxiety, and wheezing. Sometimes a person's reaction might range from "a bad night's sleep" to a claim of "I can't breath."

3. Learn how to avoid cat allergies.
   
   If you are in a house with cats, don't pet, handle, or touch them. Don't sit on the carpet, sofa or cushions where cats have been. Instead, sit on hard wooden, metal and plastic chairs that are fabric free and can be easily cleaned. Don't sleep on a sofa or bed that cats play or live on. Take a shower and wash all your clothes after leaving a house with shedding cats.

4. Know which cats cause the worst allergies.
   
   Male cats with shedding hair that "rule the house" cause the worst allergies. Kittens and short-haired cats cause the fewer allergic reactions. If you are only slightly allergic to cats (irritated by the dander), you might still be able to play with a kitten in a house or environment with no other cats around. If you are really allergic, avoid all cats altogether.