We know that cats can be allergic to fleas, ticks, or some ingredients in their food. They can also develop seasonal allergies to pollens, grass, certain flowers, etc.
We are also familiar with many humans being allergic to cats. Research shows that 10 – 20 percent of adult humans and 40 – 50 percent of asthmatic kids are allergic to cats.
Sometimes when our cats sneeze or try to avoid us without apparent reason, it’s natural to ponder “whether the reverse can be true?” “Can cats be allergic to humans?”
Can Cats Be Allergic to Humans?
Yes, your cat can be allergic to you or any other family member. Although much further research is needed on this topic, the available data confirms that cats can be allergic to humans for the same reasons humans are allergic to cats.
Yes, it’s not only our pets who shed dander (falling off dead skin cells); humans also shed dead skin cells. In addition, dandruff is just like dander, and dead skin cells and dandruff can be a source of allergies in cats.
However, human allergies are not very common because humans take baths and wash their bodies more often than cats or other pets.
Symptoms Of a Cat Suffering From Human Allergies?
You will be surprised to know that the cats who are allergic to humans exhibit the same symptoms shown by humans who are allergic to cats. In addition, regardless of the cause or type of allergens, the symptoms of allergies are the same. Generally, the cats allergic to humans exhibit symptoms like
- Running nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Increased self-grooming
- Ear infections
- Redness of skin
- Bald spots or thinning hair
- Scabs and crusts on the body
- Swollen face or head ( in severer cases)
How Do I Know My Cat Is Allergic to Me?
If your cat starts sneezing whenever you are near or snug it, and he tries to avoid you, you can suspect your cat is allergic to you. The same can be true for any other family member.
However, the best way is to make an appointment with a professional veterinarian to diagnose it properly. The vet will perform specific tests and will give a conclusive result on whether your cat is allergic to you or not.
Why Does a Cat Show Symptoms Of Human Allergy, Even When The Allergy Test Are Negative?
As mentioned above, although cats can be allergic to humans, this rarely occurs. Even if your vet has cleared you that you are not an allergen for your feline friend, you may still observe that your cat starts sneezing or exhibiting other allergy symptoms in your presence.
In such cases, your cat may be allergic to the perfume, shampoo, body spray, lotion, deodorant, body wash, or air freshener you are using. You can eliminate these items one by one to identify what makes your cat uncomfortable.
How To Treat
You should always maintain a safe distance if the cat is allergic to you. If something else is causing the allergy, the first step is to identify the cause and remove it immediately to provide some relief to your friend.
If the allergy signs subside, it’s OK. You should immediately take your cat to the vet’s clinic if the symptoms persist.
Summary
Cats can be allergic to humans for the same reason humans are allergic to cats. Yes, as humans are allergic to feline dander, cats are allergic to human dander.
However, the chances of a cat being allergic to humans are significantly less because humans take good care of their skin and bathe often.
Sometimes, it seems your feline friend is allergic to you, but he is allergic to perfumes, shampoo, or other cosmetic products you use. So it’s crucial to determine why your cat is showing allergy signs and treat it appropriately.
