DOGS, CATS, AND ASTHMA
What No One Tells You About Fel d1 and Can f1
Did you know that having cats or dogs at home can worsen asthma in both children and adults?
If you or a family member suffers from persistent coughing, wheezing, or constant allergies, the cause may not only be dust or changes in weather. Pets, while lovable, can be a significant source of allergens that trigger or worsen respiratory symptoms.
Fel d1: The Invisible Allergen from Cats
Fel d1 is a protein produced by cats, mainly in their saliva, skin, and sebaceous glands. When cats groom themselves by licking, this protein transfers to their fur. From there, it is released into the environment through microscopic particles that easily adhere to furniture, curtains, carpets, clothing, and even walls.
Key facts about Fel d1:
- It is the main cause of cat-related allergies in humans.
- It can remain in the air and on household surfaces for months, even after the cat no longer lives in the home.
- In people with asthma, it can trigger bronchial inflammation, breathing difficulties, frequent coughing, and asthma attacks.
Fel d1: The Invisible Allergen from Cats
Fel d1 is a protein produced by cats, mainly in their saliva, skin, and sebaceous glands. When cats groom themselves by licking, this protein transfers to their fur. From there, it is released into the environment through microscopic particles that easily adhere to furniture, curtains, carpets, clothing, and even walls.
Key facts about Fel d1:
It is the main cause of cat-related allergies in humans.
It can remain in the air and on household surfaces for months, even after the cat no longer lives in the home.
In people with asthma, it can trigger bronchial inflammation, breathing difficulties, frequent coughing, and asthma attacks.
Can f1: The Allergen from Dogs
Although less well known, Can f1 is an allergenic protein found in dogs. Like Fel d1, this allergen is present in various bodily secretions and easily spreads throughout the home.
Where is Can f1 found?
In dog saliva.
In dander (tiny flakes of dead skin).
In dog hair.
What effects can it cause in sensitive individuals or those with respiratory problems?
Nasal congestion, sneezing, and constant runny nose.
Eye irritation.
In people with asthma, it can provoke respiratory crises with difficulty breathing and chest tightness.
How Do These Allergens Affect the Body?
When a person with asthma inhales Fel d1 or Can f1 particles, their immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as threats. This leads to an exaggerated inflammatory response that includes:
Bronchial inflammation.
Excess mucus production.
Bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways).
As a result, symptoms such as chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness appear. These episodes can range from mild to severe, especially in children or adults with poorly controlled asthma.
Do You Have to Stay Away from Pets?
Not necessarily. While exposure to Fel d1 and Can f1 can trigger symptoms, there are effective strategies to reduce their presence at home and maintain a healthy coexistence. Here are some recommendations:
Regular baths – Bathe your pet with hypoallergenic products to reduce allergens on their fur.
Pet-free zones – Keep cats or dogs out of certain areas of the house, especially bedrooms.
HEPA air purifiers – These devices help trap airborne allergens.
Textile hygiene – Frequently wash curtains, covers, carpets, and bedding.
Specialized medical evaluation – An allergist or pulmonologist can assess lung function and design an individualized management plan.
Breathing Well and Living with Pets Is Possible
Owning pets does not have to mean compromising respiratory health. With proper environmental management, good hygiene practices, and guidance from a specialist, it is possible to reduce allergen exposure and effectively control asthma.
If you or your children have frequent respiratory symptoms and live with animals, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. Identifying the cause early can significantly improve quality of life.
Schedule a medical evaluation and make sure that living with your pets is safe for everyone in your household.
DR FEDERICO ISAAC HERNÁNDEZ ROCHA – Pediatric Pulmonologist & Respiratory Therapy
Appointments: (686) 441 6630 – (686) 141 3089
Address: Av. Brasil #1187, Colonia Alamitos, 21210, Mexicali, B.C. – “Central Med”
Instagram: @dr.federicoisaac
Facebook: Dr. Federico Isaac Hernández Rocha
Website: www.federicoisaac.com