International Cat Day: Could Your Cat Cause a Medical Emergency? 🐾

Cats are great but for some people, spending time with a cat can trigger more than just a sneeze.

According to Allergy UK, around 20% of the world’s population is allergic to cats. For most, this simply means itchy eyes, a runny nose, or a tickly throat. However, for a small number of people, cat exposure could lead to a far more serious reaction: anaphylaxis.

How common is it?

While cat allergies are fairly widespread, anaphylaxis caused by cat allergens is rare.
A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 1.3% of people sensitive to cat allergens experienced anaphylaxis.
That’s about 5 in every 400 people. Rare, but not impossible.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can develop quickly, often within minutes of exposure to the allergen. Without rapid treatment, it can cause airway swelling, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and even cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis

Seek emergency help if someone shows any of these signs after coming into contact with an allergen:

• Swelling of the throat or tongue

• Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast

• Difficulty swallowing, tightness in the throat, or a hoarse voice

• Wheezing, coughing, or noisy breathing

• Feeling unusually tired or confused

• Feeling faint, dizzy, or losing consciousness

What to do if someone is having an anaphylactic reaction

If they have an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen):

1. Use it immediately into the outer thigh. Instructions are printed on the injector.

2. Call 999 for an ambulance and clearly say “anaphylaxis”.

3. Lie them down with legs raised (unless they’re struggling to breathe, in which case raise their shoulders or allow them to sit up slightly).

4. If there’s no improvement after 5 minutes, give a second dose if available.

If they do not have an injector or it’s their first reaction:

1. Call 999 immediately.

2. Describe the symptoms and say you suspect anaphylaxis.

3. Keep them calm, still, and in the correct position (flat with legs raised unless breathing is difficult).

4. Be ready to start CPR if they stop breathing.

Anaphylaxis from contact with cats is extremely rare – but it’s important to be aware of the signs and know how to respond.
Whether it’s a cat, food allergy, insect sting, or another trigger, rapid action saves lives.

🩺 Our first aid training courses cover how to recognise and respond to anaphylaxis and other emergencies.