Allergen - Cat Dander Epithelium

The Allergen – Cat Dander Epithelium, Serum test is a blood test that measures cat dander-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to identify sensitivity to cat allergens. Contrary to the common belief that cat hair causes allergy, the main allergens are proteins found in a cat’s skin cells, saliva, and sebaceous gland secretions. The most important of these is Fel d 1, a highly airborne protein responsible for most cat-related allergic reactions.

Who Should Get This Test Done?

This test may be recommended if individuals:

●      Experience sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or watery eyes after exposure to cats or cat-containing environments.

●      Have asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, or breathlessness that are triggered or worsened by cat exposure.

●      Develop skin reactions, including itching, redness, or hives, after contact with a cat, cat scratch, or cat lick.

●      Work in occupations with frequent cat exposure, such as veterinary care, animal shelters, pet grooming, or similar environments, and experience allergy symptoms.

●      Have suspected cat-related allergies, are being evaluated for indoor allergen triggers or allergen immunotherapy, or are considering keeping a cat despite a personal or family history of allergies.

Why Consider This Test?

Cat allergy is one of the most common indoor allergies and a significant trigger for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Cat allergens are highly potent, remain in indoor environments year-round, and may persist for months even after a cat has been removed.

Identifying cat sensitivity helps guide allergen avoidance strategies, informs decisions regarding pet ownership, and determines eligibility for allergen-specific immunotherapy - the only treatment that addresses the underlying allergic response rather than simply controlling symptoms. The test also provides information about the degree of sensitisation, with higher specific IgE levels generally indicating a stronger allergic response.

For individuals and families deciding whether to continue living with a cat, objective IgE results can provide valuable information for making informed decisions.

More Information

Cat allergen particles are lightweight, remain suspended in the air for long periods, and can adhere to clothing, furniture, carpets, and walls. As a result, susceptible individuals may develop allergic symptoms even in places where no cat is currently present. This test detects and quantifies cat-specific IgE antibodies, helping confirm cat allergy and guide allergen avoidance, medical treatment, and suitability for allergen immunotherapy.

A positive result indicates sensitivity to cat allergens; however, results should always be interpreted alongside the patient’s symptoms and clinical history, as sensitivity does not always mean clinically significant allergy.

For sensitised individuals living with cats, measures such as keeping cats out of bedrooms, using HEPA air filters, washing hands after handling pets, and regularly cleaning soft furnishings may help reduce allergen exposure, although complete elimination of cat allergens is rarely possible while a cat remains in the home.

Other Names

●      Cat Dander Specific IgE Test

●      Cat Epithelium Allergy Test

●      Cat Allergen Sensitisation Test

●      Felis Domesticus Allergen IgE Test

●      Cat Hair and Dander Allergy Test

●      Specific IgE – Cat Dander

●      Fel d 1 Allergy Screening Test

●      Indoor Allergen Test – Cat

●      Cat Allergy Blood Test