According to a standardised market research survey, there were over 15 million cats in Germany in 2021.
As the number of cats in German households continues to rise, so does sensitisation to them – in both children and adults . Common symptoms are allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis through to asthmatic symptoms or skin irritation, itchy skin, and even itchy palate. Studies show that pre-existing sensitisation increases the risk of developing asthma .
However, there are also patients who say they tolerate their own cats: it seems that some cat owners, despite sensitisation, reach a certain level of tolerance when living with their cat. Around 40 percent of people tested for cat allergy want to continue living with their cat despite their symptoms, such as allergic rhinitis. What is important to know in this regard: a cat allergy can develop even if you do not own a cat. What all affected have in common, however, is that they have obviously come into contact with cat allergens – be it on the bus, train, in the office, at home or when trying out a new couch. There are many ways how this can happen.
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