These allergens stick to the fur when the animal licks itself. Cats lick themselves more than dogs. This may account for the higher prevalence of cat allergy. The allergens then get carried in the air and land in our eyes, nose and sinuses. Crossing paths with a black cat may be unlucky for people with allergies.
Many patients know what they're allergic to.
However, for many, the symptoms don't occur immediately upon exposure. The symptoms may start eight hours after pet exposure. Last week, a woman came into my office complaining of worsening sneezing, nasal blockage, coughing and wheezing. Her symptoms started while driving back to Tallahassee from South Carolina where she was vacationing. She thought that some unusual type of mold spores got into her car's air conditioning system.