Can You Be Allergic to Cats and Not Dogs?
Introduction Pet allergies are common, and worldwide around 30% of people have a pet allergy to some degree. Exposure to proteins in pet dander, saliva, and urine can cause allergic reactions in susceptible people. The most common question asked by pet lovers is: ' Can I be allergic to cats but not to dogs ?' Understanding the distinctions between allergens in cats and dogs , the characteristics of allergens, individual immune system responses, and the genetic predispositions that make some people reactive to certain allergens holds the answer. Once these important aspects are considered, one begins to see how it would be entirely possible to be allergic to cats and yet be able to tolerate dogs with relative ease. Understanding Pet Allergies Understanding why persons are allergic to a certain pet and not others help to point out the reasons behind pet allergies. The primary culprits behind pet allergies are allergens-proteins in pet dander, skin flakes, sa...