What causes pet allergies?
Pets are also a common trigger for people's allergies. Cats, in particular, cause allergies but dogs and rabbits too can trigger the itching and sneezing of airborne allergy.
For most people, it is not the fur itself that causes the allergy problem. Dander, the name given to the mixture of small particles of fur, skin scales (like dandruff) and saliva, is the actual cause. In cats, for example, a particular protein found in cats' saliva causes an allergic reaction in many sufferers of airborne allergy. Because cats groom themselves so thoroughly, the saliva finds its way onto carpets, furniture and other surfaces.
Coping with pet & dander allergies
Keeping pets out of the bedroom helps reduce exposure.
Regular bathing of the animal can reduce the allergic problem by removing the saliva and dander that are the actual triggers.
For most people, the only way to reduce this problem is, sadly, to find a new home for their furry friend.