How Many People Are Allergic to Cats? 2025 Statistics & Reasons

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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Cat allergies are an ironic, unfortunate, and all too common fate for pet lovers worldwide. Every interaction comes with a toll when you suffer from sensitivity, as snuggle sessions and daily play entail numerous respiratory issues and itchy eyes and skin.
While allergies can be disheartening when you have a unique affinity for felines, knowing that others are making it work in similar situations offers hope that you won’t have to compromise between your comfort and your cats. For anyone wanting to know more about the prevalence of their condition, we’ve compiled these key statistics diving into how many people are allergic to cats.
Cat Allergy Statistics and Facts
- Up to 30% of the population suffers from cat allergies.
- Over 80% of people with cat allergies are sensitive to the primary cat allergen, Fel d .1
- Over 90% of houses have detectable levels of Fel d 1 allergen.
- Approximately one-quarter of U.S. cat owners are in a household with someone who has cat allergies.
- A quarter of cat owners say their allergies have caused relationship struggles.
- Anaphylaxis can occur in over 1% of cat allergy sufferers.
- One-third of owners who had to give up a cat did so because of allergies.
- Neutered male cats produce three to five times less Fel d 1 than intact males.
- Forty-one percent of cat-sensitive owners say house cleaning is a significant limitation due to allergies.
- Anti-Fel d 1 proteins in allergen-exposed chicken eggs can reduce Fel d 1 production by 47%.
Cat Allergy Sufferer Statistics
1. Up to 30% of the population suffers from cat allergies.
Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology
Cat allergies are a prevalent issue globally, with estimates of 10%–30% of people suffering from sensitivity to the popular pets. They are roughly twice as common as allergies to dogs and second only to dust mites among the most pervasive respiratory allergies. As they are smaller and stickier than dog allergens and many other irritants, cat allergens easily spread, accumulate, and affect more people.
Some studies suggest the number of people with cat allergies is increasing. A study tracking pet allergies amid the COVID-19 pandemic found higher rates of reported allergies during the pandemic than before it began, concluding that increased exposure to antigens is causing more sensitization.1
2. Over 80% of people with cat allergies are sensitive to the primary cat allergen, Fel d 1.
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Although there are eight known cat allergens (Fel d1 to Fel d 8), most allergy sufferers are sensitive to the major allergen, Fel d 1. Fel d 1 is a secretoglobin found in saliva and sebaceous glands in the skin, and it spreads in the hair, fur, and dander when cats groom themselves.
Over 80% of individuals with cat allergies are sensitive to Fel d 1, and some estimate that up to 96% of cat allergy sufferers respond to it.
3. Over 90% of household bedrooms have detectable levels of Fel d 1.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
A 2017 data analysis of a 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey investigated indoor allergen concentrations in dust from nearly 7,000 bedrooms. Researchers found Fel d 1 appeared in 93% of samples, more than any other allergen, including those from dogs, dust mites, and pests.
Cat allergens were more common in women’s bedrooms, owned homes, and homes in rural areas.
4. Approximately one-quarter of U.S. cat owners are in a household with someone who has cat allergies.
Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
Given the prevalence of people with cat allergies and over one in four households have a cat, you can bet there are plenty of homes where felines and allergy sufferers share the space. A physical intolerance for allergens isn’t enough to stop many cat lovers from keeping their pets, as 23% of owners are allergic or live with someone allergic to them.
In most cases, the cat owner is the allergy sufferer, though 42% of households include someone with allergies. Spouses and partners are the most common victims, with 31% of cat owners saying their partner has allergies, while 16% say their children are allergic.
The Impact of Cat Allergies
5. A quarter of cat owners say their allergies have caused relationship struggles.
HABRI
While many allergy-suffering cat owners work through their cat allergen sensitivities, it doesn’t come without difficult compromises. According to the 2019 Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Purina Pro Plan survey, 25% of respondents said household cat allergies strained their relationships.
Among 13% of survey takers, allergies made them choose between their cats and a personal relationship, and 12% had to consider not living with a partner due to cat sensitivities.
6. Anaphylaxis can occur in over 1% of cat allergy sufferers.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction. It occurs within minutes of contact with an allergen, presenting signs such as throat and tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, and faintness. Severe stages are life-threatening and require immediate medical care.
We usually see anaphylaxis as a response to food allergies and insect stings, but even excessive exposure to cats can cause intense reactions in overly sensitive individuals. In one study of 400 subjects exposed to cats, 60% showed allergic reactions, of which five (1.3%) progressed to anaphylaxis.
7. One-third of owners who have had to give up a cat did so because of allergies.
HABRI
Cat owners with sensitivities go to great lengths to accommodate their cats and maintain a workable household dynamic. Sometimes, allergies are too severe to handle, forcing pet parents to give up their beloved cats to regain their quality of life.
According to the 2019 HABRI survey, roughly 18% of Americans have had to rehome their cats at some point. Allergies were the primary cause in 32% of cases, with changes in housing situations and cat behavioral issues being the second and third most common reasons for relinquishment in 25% and 19% of cases, respectively.
Managing Cat Allergies
8. Neutered male cats produce three to five times less Fel d 1 than intact males.
Allergy
Allergic cat owners have several maintenance solutions to decrease allergens and their effects, but few are as efficient as neutering. Fel d 1 production is a hormonally controlled function.
Upon neutering, a male cat’s Fel d 1 production decreases by three to five times. Meanwhile, both intact and spayed females have lower Fel d 1 levels similar to neutered males, though it’s nevertheless usually sufficient to cause allergic reactions.
9. Forty-one percent of cat-sensitive owners say house cleaning is a significant limitation due to allergies.
HABRI
Across the board, cat owners with allergies work harder to manage their pets than allergy-free pet parents. They spend more money on their cats, take extra steps to decrease contact with them, and, as you might expect, spend much more time cleaning the house to reduce the potential allergen burden.
Daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks increase significantly for those with allergies. While 20% of non-allergic owners vacuum daily, 30% of allergic owners do the same. Allergic cat owners are almost twice as likely to use an air purifier and change their air filters monthly, and they do more mopping, laundry, lint-rolling furniture, and deep cleaning.
10. Anti-Fel d 1 proteins in allergen-exposed chicken eggs can reduce Fel d 1 production by 47%.
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease
Traditionally, cat allergy management involves various preventative strategies and treatments to reduce signs. With recent scientific advancements, we can now go straight to the source, addressing Fel d 1 production and disbursement with our pets through anti-Fel d 1 cat food ingredients.
Researchers discovered that hens exposed to cat antigens develop allergen-specific IgY antibodies, offering passive immunity to their offspring. Eggs become heavily concentrated with them. When cats eat them, these antibodies bind with targeted allergens in the saliva, decreasing their antigenicity.
Studies show that within 10 weeks of eating dry food coated with the antibody-containing ingredient, cats showed 33%–71% reductions in Fel d 1 and an average decrease of 47% overall. Modern products now put the science to work, as foods like Purina Pro Plan LiveClear™ use the anti-Fel d 1 ingredient as a practical solution for allergy-suffering cat lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Allergies
What Causes Cat Allergies?
People aren’t allergic to cat hair but to proteins found in their fur, dander, and saliva. When cats groom themselves, bits of saliva, skin, and oils attach to shedding hair, allowing the allergens to build throughout the home. Since cats pick up pollen, dust, and dirt on their coat during the day, they often spread additional environmental allergens.
Allergies are an unnecessary immune response to innocuous triggers. Sensitive individuals produce elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody protein specific to various allergens, in the immune system.
IgE antibodies travel to white blood cells like mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils. Upon exposure to the cat-produced proteins, IgE triggers these cells to release histamine and other inflammatory agents, causing an allergic response.
What Are the Signs of Cat Allergies?
Cat allergies can range from mild to severe, with variables like an individual’s sensitivity and the number of allergens in the environment affecting the intensity. Typical allergic signs include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Itchy skin and hives
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Facial pain
If you’re concerned that you are allergic to your cat, talk to your doctor about testing and solutions. A simple skin prick test or blood analysis can identify specific sensitivities, and your doctor can then offer various prescription and OTC antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants to combat allergic reactions and symptoms. They may even suggest immunotherapy routines for long-term control.
How Can You Manage Cat Allergies at Home?
You can take several straightforward steps at home to reduce signs and live comfortably with your pet. Alongside taking OTC allergy medicines, you can try the following tips to reduce your exposure and sensitivity to cat allergens:
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to catch microscopic airborne allergens
- Install HEPA HVAC filters
- Replace carpet with hard flooring where possible to ease cleaning
- Use statically charged and wet cleaning methods (e.g., mops, electrostatic dusters) to prevent the spread of allergens as you clean
- Hire a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning service
- Restrict your cat’s access to certain rooms
Conclusion
Roughly one in five people suffer from cat allergies, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem that will lessen anytime soon. Fortunately, pet industry experts are meeting the problem head-on.
Innovative solutions to limit exposure and reduce signs of irritation are changing the routine for sensitive owners. With advancements like allergen-reducing cat foods and new reaction-inhibiting drugs, allergic cat lovers are finding all kinds of convenient ways to have their cake and eat it, too!
See Also:
- Can You Be Allergic to Some Cats but Not Others? Facts & Care Tips
- Are You Allergic to Cats? Learn About Common Cat Allergy Symptoms
Featured Image Credit: 5 second Studio, Shutterstock