ALLERGY BRIEFS

Cats, itchy skin, & rashes

March 10, 2004

Do cats produce skin allergies? I have a cat for one month, but since a week ago all of my skin has been very itchy and red, and I assume it has got to do with the cat. I've never been allergic to anything, except for nickel jewelry. The cat walks freely around the house, inside and outside since about a month ago, and she also plays with the dog that's outside. -- Christina, Peurto Rico

I have a skin rash. I tested positive to cat allergy. Could the cat allergy cause a rash? The rash also started when I bought a new car with leather seats. -- K.M., Florida

I'm often asked if exposure to cats can cause a rash. Most of our patients who've reacted to cats have reported symptoms ranging from runny nose and itchy eyes to wheezing and shortness of breath when around cats. Occasionally someone with these symptoms will tell me that they also experienced a rash when playing with the cat.

Similarly, parents of children with respiratory allergy to grass sometimes report that the children develop a rash when rolling around in the grass.

The most prominent reactions we see to cat allergy are respiratory symptoms. We do also have some patients who report skin allergies to things that cause them respiratory symptoms.

It's possible that your rash is related to the cat. However, based on my experience, if you're reacting to the cat you'd probably also experience to some degree itchy eyes or a runny nose. Some of the respiratory symptoms we see are quite severe, forcing the person to get away from the cat so they can breathe.

If your symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention.