Does Swallowing or Inhaling Cat Hair Pose a Health Risk?

Swallowing cat hair is usually no different from swallowing human hair or other animal hair. It can cause nausea or abdominal pain. The hair can accumulate and form a blockage in the stomach or intestines. However, the condition commonly known as "cat dander allergy" is not directly related to the dander.

What Causes Cat Allergy?

In people who are allergic to cats, the problem is not only caused by the hair, but also by the immune system reacting to allergenic proteins found in the cat's secretions such as saliva, urine and prostate fluid. Since these allergens can also be transmitted to the cat's hair, the hair can be a carrier, but these proteins are the real source of the allergy. Therefore, even a hairless cat can cause allergies.

What are the Symptoms of Cat Allergy?

The allergic individual may develop asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms such as itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery, red eyes, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing. Occasionally, blistering of the skin may also occur.

Cat allergen is a strong allergen that can remain suspended in the air for a long time. Therefore, even if the cat is not in the environment, a reaction can develop if you enter a room where it is present. Cat allergens can also be carried on clothing; for example, if a friend carries the allergen on his or her person, this can also cause you to experience symptoms.

What is the Fel D1 allergen protein and who may be sensitive to it?

Fel d1 is the most potent and common allergen protein in cats. It is found in cat urine, saliva, prostatic fluid and hair. This antigen is responsible for the majority of feline allergic reactions.

Which Cats Have Fel D1 Allergen Protein?

Fel d1 is present in almost every cat, so there is no such thing as a “cat that produces no allergens”. The amount of Fel d1 increases especially in male cats and with increasing age. Female cats may produce fewer reactions in this respect, but this does not mean that they are completely risk-free. Similarly, younger cats may be less effective, but this cannot be generalized.

Neutering can be beneficial in terms of reducing the amount of Fel d1, especially in male cats. However, even this does not completely remove the antigen.
Sensitivity to Fel d1 is related to the individual immune system. While some individuals may only experience mild symptoms such as mild nasal itching, others may develop severe allergic reactions or even low blood pressure.

Can Allergic People Safely Live with a Cat at Home and What Should They Pay Attention to?

Since allergies occur at different severities in each individual, it may be possible to live with a cat with some precautions.

The things to be considered are as follows:

Neutering: Can reduce allergen levels, especially in male cats.
Adopting a female cat: May be preferable as it is likely to produce relatively fewer allergens.
Air purifiers: Reduces the burden of allergens suspended in the air.
Allergen-degrading sprays: Since cats do not like to be bathed, these special sprays can be sprayed on cotton wool and rubbed into the fur.
Separate room: It is important not to sleep in the same bed or room as the cat. If possible, the cat should not be in the room where you spend the night.
Hygiene of clothes and belongings: Because cat allergens can be carried on clothing and you may be exposed without realizing it.

Medical approaches include the following:

Allergy medication: Nasal spray, antihistamine tablets or syrups, asthma medication (inhalers and protectants) can control symptoms.

Allergy vaccination (immunotherapy):

This treatment can be administered as drops (sublingual) or injections (in the arm).
It lasts for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.
It is not recommended for people with very severe asthma or multiple allergies.
It can only be administered if you have a cat-specific allergy and there is no solution such as removal from home.
Vaccination may not completely eliminate the allergy, but it can be effective in controlling symptoms. You should also be aware that if you are allergic to cats, you are at risk of developing cross-reactions to other animals such as dogs and rabbits. For this reason, allergy testing is very important, especially before a planned adoption.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you may develop allergies while living with a cat when you have no allergic symptoms. Although it is not always possible to predict this situation in advance, living together with measures that can be taken when it develops can be sustainable in some circumstances. In this process, not only the physical but also the psychological bond should be taken into consideration. Because removing the animal from home due to allergies can have traumatic consequences for both the individual and the animal. Therefore, conscious adoption both protects your health and prevents the animal from being abandoned.