Cat allergy shots for humans: what should you know?

An allergy specialist first checks whether cat exposure is linked to your symptoms, often using your history and allergy testing. Immunotherapy uses carefully prepared doses of the relevant allergen, given according to a clinician’s schedule. It is different from a routine injection and is not a quick way to stop symptoms after contact. The aim is to make future exposure easier to tolerate, but suitability depends on your symptoms, asthma control, other allergies, medicines, and ability to attend follow-up.

Keep a record of contact with cats and symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal blockage, cough, or wheezing. Tell the specialist about asthma, previous reactions, pregnancy, and all medicines. Attend injections only when the clinic advises, remain for the requested observation period, and follow instructions about exercise or illness around treatment. Continue practical exposure reduction, such as keeping cats out of sleeping areas and washing hands after contact. Never arrange injections outside a qualified medical service.

Tell the clinic promptly about a reaction after an injection. Seek emergency help for throat or tongue swelling, trouble breathing, faintness, widespread hives, or repeated vomiting. Uncontrolled asthma needs medical review before immunotherapy is considered. A mild local reaction may still need advice if it is enlarging, painful, or recurring.

How will you confirm that cat allergen is causing my symptoms? Is immunotherapy suitable with my asthma or other conditions? What should I do if I feel unwell before an appointment? Which medicines should I continue, and how will reactions be managed?