How to Test for a Cat Allergy at Home: DIY Allergy Testing Guide

If you find yourself constantly sneezing around your cat, you may want to try a simple at-home cat allergy test. To test for a cat allergy at home, you can use FDA-cleared at-home allergy test kits like MyAllergyTest or Imutest. These tests involve pricking your finger to collect a blood sample that you then send off to a lab to find out how sensitive you are to cat allergens.

By looking at at-home allergy testing, this article will cover the most recent developments in immunology and diagnostic testing technology. It will also look at the legitimacy and science behind these at-home testing options and compare them to the kinds of allergy tests that are typically administered by medical professionals.

By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the options for cat allergy testing that you can do yourself and know what to do once you get your results.

What Causes Cat Allergies: Proteins and Symptoms

Proteins in cat dander, saliva, and urine are responsible for cat allergies, with Fel d 1 being the most common allergen. Despite popular belief, fur is not the cause, as even hairless cats produce this protein. According to the Mayo Clinic, pet allergies can cause symptoms similar to hay fever, such as sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose. People with asthma may have more serious symptoms, including wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Zyrtec says that other common symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, sinus pressure, and an itchy throat. Flonase adds that allergens can cause these symptoms to occur immediately upon exposure and can linger in an area for up to six months, leading to prolonged symptoms even after the animal has left the area.

It’s also worth noting that the concept of ‘hypoallergenic’ cats is mostly a myth. While cats that are considered hypoallergenic may produce fewer allergens, no cat is allergen-free. If you experience immediate cat allergy symptoms like itching or respiratory issues after coming into contact with a cat, you may want to start by using an at-home allergy test.

Home Testing Kits for Cat Allergies

Home allergy testing kits, such as MyAllergyTest and Imutest, are a simple option for people who want to know more about their potential allergies, including cat allergens. MyAllergyTest, which is an FDA-cleared kit that tests for 10 of the most common allergens, according to USA Today, requires a small blood sample from a finger prick. Imutest offers a similar cat allergy test kit that is easy to use and can be self-administered at home.

In general, users will take a blood sample and send it to a lab for testing. The lab will then send the results, which will show how the body reacts to cat allergens, to the user by mail or through a secure website.

While these kits are convenient and often covered by Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), the company that makes MyAllergyTest notes that the test is meant to be used in conjunction with professional medical care, not as a replacement for it.

While these kits make it easier to get tested for allergies, especially for people who don’t have easy access to healthcare, Wyndly’s at-home allergy test kit notes that the results should be used to create a personalized treatment plan with the help of healthcare providers.

As a result, people who get their results are encouraged to work with healthcare professionals to make sure the results are interpreted correctly and to come up with a plan for how to move forward based on the results.

At-Home vs. Professional Allergy Testing: Which Is Better?

While at-home allergy tests can be helpful for getting a sense of what you might be allergic to, professional allergy tests are more accurate and reliable. Allergists typically use skin-prick tests, where they prick the skin with extracts of different allergens to see if there’s a reaction.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology notes that this is the most common way to test for a cat allergy and results can be available in 15 to 20 minutes.

The benefits of professional testing are clear in the numbers. Verywell Health explains that scratch tests in a doctor’s office are more accurate and provide more information than at-home blood tests. Plus, when a doctor takes the results of these tests and combines them with your medical history, they can help ensure that you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

On the other hand, at-home tests can be more likely to be misinterpreted and can even lead to false positives and negatives because they’re not as sensitive and specific as professional tests. The Guardian explains that some at-home tests aren’t based on scientific evidence, which can lead to people making unnecessary changes to their diet or taking unnecessary medications.

Because of the potential for error, at-home tests should be used as a first step. It’s important to follow up with a doctor for a professional allergy test to make sure that you’re getting an accurate diagnosis that you can base your treatment plan on.

How Trustworthy Are At-Home Allergy Tests?

Despite their convenience, the reliability and scientific accuracy of at-home allergy tests are up for debate. Healthline explains that at-home tests are not as thorough as in-office skin tests administered by a doctor. While the kits are tested by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified labs, the results may not be as thorough or accurate as those from a doctor’s office.

The doctor-administered allergy test also includes a more thorough medical history and may use skin prick testing or IgE blood tests, which are more comprehensive than at-home tests.

Furthermore, Healthline explains that at-home allergy testing kits have been criticized for providing inaccurate information. Even if a test is FDA-cleared, it may not be accurate. In fact, the British Dietetic Association warns that many non-accredited home-testing labs provide unreliable results.

That said, at-home tests can be a good first step in identifying potential environmental allergens. They are not as helpful in identifying food allergies, which require medical supervision. While these tests can help identify potential allergens, only a board-certified allergist can interpret the results and provide next steps.

Creating a Plan to Live With Cat Allergies

Once you’ve gone through the process of at-home allergy testing and have some answers, you can start to create a plan that will help you live comfortably with your cat.

One of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to allergens is to create a cat-free zone, like your bedroom, according to Cats Protection. You can also use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home to capture dander particles and limit their ability to move around.

While over-the-counter solutions like antihistamines and decongestants can help with short-term relief, if you want a more well-rounded solution, the Humane Society of the United States recommends seeing an allergist if you don’t see any improvement in your symptoms. An allergist can offer personalized solutions, including immunotherapy, which may help you build up a tolerance to cat allergens over time.

In addition to these more medical solutions, long-term management of cat allergies may also require some lifestyle changes. For example, the Purina guide suggests that you may want to groom your cat regularly to reduce dander and use products like Pro Plan LiveClear to help manage allergens.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with allergies is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Instead, use the information you’ve learned from your at-home test to guide your next steps and, most importantly, talk to medical professionals.

Conclusion: What You Need to Know About At-Home Cat Allergy Tests

The availability of at-home allergy tests like MyAllergyTest and Imutest has made it easier to navigate the world of cat allergies. These tests can be a helpful first step in allergy testing by giving you an initial idea of whether you may be allergic to cat allergens. However, it’s important to note that while these tests are helpful, they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis.

Professional allergy tests are still the most sensitive and specific way to accurately diagnose and manage allergies. At-home tests are meant to be used as a supplement to professional care and can help you decide whether you need to see a healthcare provider for a more definitive diagnosis.

In summary, it’s important to be your own health advocate, but it’s also important to do so with the help of a knowledgeable professional.

When it comes to managing cat allergies, whether you’re making adjustments to your living space, taking over-the-counter medications, or following the advice of an allergist, it’s important to remember that everyone’s path is different. Utilize the resources that are accessible to you, but make sure that you’re collaborating with a professional to ensure that you’re making decisions that will help you live a life that is free from the constraints of your allergies.