WHY ARE CAT ALLERGIES SO COMMON (OR ARE THEY)?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunotherapy, cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. People who have asthma or other allergies are more prone to developing a cat allergy. Cats trigger a severe asthma attack in three out of ten people with asthma, and a cat allergy can lead to chronic asthma. Cat allergies are caused by proteins in a cat’s saliva, urine, and dander. Their dander is microscopic and airborne, making it prone to inhalation. Cats also carry other allergens on their fur, like dust, pollen, and litter particles. Dogs produce a similar protein, but the protein cats produce has smaller, stickier molecules that remain airborne and attach to fur and other objects longer.

P.S. Cat dander particles are smaller than particles from dust, pollen, and other animals’ dander, making them one of the easiest allergens to inhale.

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