What should you know about cat allergy asthma?

Cat allergens are found in skin flakes, saliva and particles carried on fur, clothing and furniture. In a sensitised person, exposure can inflame the airways and make the muscles around them tighten. Asthma commonly presents with wheezing, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath; symptoms may appear during contact or later. Allergic Rhinitis can occur alongside asthma, with sneezing, an itchy nose or watery eyes. Symptoms after seeing a cat do not prove the trigger, so assessment may include a detailed exposure history and allergy testing.

Follow the asthma action plan and use prescribed reliever or preventer treatment exactly as directed. Keep cats out of the bedroom, wash hands after contact, change clothes after prolonged exposure and clean surfaces with suitable methods. Avoid bringing contaminated coats or blankets into sleeping areas. Discuss persistent symptoms with a clinician; Nebuliser Treatment may be used in some settings, but it is not a substitute for an individual asthma plan.

Seek emergency help if breathing is rapidly worsening, speaking is difficult, lips look blue or grey, the person is exhausted or confused, or the prescribed reliever is not improving symptoms. Sit upright, follow the written action plan and avoid further allergen exposure while help is arranged. Recurrent night waking, frequent reliever use or ongoing cough also deserves prompt review, even when symptoms settle between episodes.

Ask whether symptoms fit asthma, how to confirm cat sensitivity, which inhaler technique to use, how to adjust treatment around exposure and what your emergency action plan should say.