Cat Allergy Test

A cat allergy happens when your immune system makes IgE antibodies to proteins from cats—mainly in dander, saliva, and sebaceous secretions. These proteins stick to carpets, upholstery, and clothing and can linger long after a cat has left the room. A proactive lab plan starts with a cat dander–specific IgE (sIgE) blood test and, when results or history are mixed, adds component testing (for example Fel d 1) to clarify true sensitization versus cross-reactivity.

Blood sIgE requires a routine blood ... See more

Blood sIgE requires a routine blood draw and—unlike skin testing—is not affected by antihistamines. Use results with your clinician to match triggers to your symptoms and environment. Lab findings do not replace a full allergy evaluation.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

Nose/eyes: sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy/watery eyes

Chest: cough, wheeze, chest tightness—often worse indoors or after cat exposure

Skin: hives or itchy rashes after contact; eczema flares with pet handling

Timing clues: symptoms within minutes to hours after visiting homes with cats; flares in carpeted rooms or with upholstered furniture

Urgent care: trouble breathing, severe wheeze, or swelling of lips/tongue—seek immediate help
All symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

Confirm sensitization to cat proteins (sIgE)

Clarify cross-reactivity with component testing (e.g., albumin vs. Fel d 1)

Support planning for exposure reduction and follow-up with your clinician

What testing cannot do

Predict severity of reaction (higher IgE raises likelihood, not intensity)

Replace clinician-directed skin testing or challenge when needed for complex cases

Provide treatment or environmental advice on its own—use with clinical guidance

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

Cat Dander sIgE (e1) — Test 2601: Detects IgE to whole cat dander extract. Caveat: may include proteins that cross-react with other mammals.

Cat Component Reflex Panel — Test 10564:

Fel d 1 (e94): major cat allergen (secretoglobulin). Primary marker of true cat sensitization.

Fel d 2 (e220): serum albumin—can cross-react with other mammals (dog, horse, sometimes beef/pork).

Fel d 4 (e228): lipocalin—may cross-react with certain dog lipocalins.

Fel d 7 (e231): additional cat component; adds nuance when d1 is negative or mixed.
Caveat: Component patterns help separate true cat allergy (Fel d 1–driven) from cross-reactive albumin/lipocalin findings.

Total IgE — Test 542 (optional): Nonspecific context; interpret with specific IgE.

Antihistamines do not affect blood sIgE; systemic steroids typically have minimal effect unless high-dose/long-term.

How the Testing Process Works

Start targeted: order Cat Dander sIgE (2601).

Add components when needed: if history is mixed or cross-reactivity is suspected, reflex to Cat Component Panel (10564).

Collect: routine blood draw at a nearby patient service center—no antihistamine hold needed.

Results: access securely online, usually within a few days.

Next steps: review with your clinician to align results with symptoms, exposures, and any additional testing (e.g., skin tests).

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

Positive cat sIgE (2601) consistent with exposure and symptoms supports clinical cat allergy.

Fel d 1 positive strongly favors true cat sensitization; Fel d 2–only (albumin) suggests possible mammalian cross-reactivity (e.g., dog/horse/meat).

Low/borderline sIgE can still matter if symptoms are strong at exposure—your clinician may add components or skin testing.

Negative sIgE with convincing symptoms may prompt evaluation for non-IgE mechanisms or other indoor allergens (dust mites, molds).

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

Single-step screen: Cat Dander sIgE (2601)

Clarify cross-reactivity or refine risk: Cat Component Panel (10564) with Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4, Fel d 7

Context only: Total IgE (542) if requested by your clinician

FAQs

Do I need to stop antihistamines before this blood test?
No. Antihistamines do not affect sIgE blood testing (they can affect skin tests).

Does a higher IgE level mean a worse reaction?
Not necessarily. It increases the likelihood of reacting but doesn’t measure severity.

Why test Fel d 1 if cat dander is already positive?
Fel d 1 confirms true cat sensitization and helps separate it from cross-reactive albumin/lipocalin findings.

Can I be allergic to cats but not dogs?
Yes. Component patterns and exposure levels differ; cross-reactivity is possible but not universal.

If the cat leaves the home, will my test turn negative?
sIgE can persist for months or years; symptoms often improve sooner with reduced exposure.

Internal Links & Cross-References

Allergy Testing Hub

Animal Dander Allergy Tests • Dog Allergy Test • Dust Mite Allergy • Mold Allergy • Allergy Components

Key Lab Tests: Cat Dander sIgE 2601 • Cat Components 10564 (Fel d 1 e94, Fel d 2 e220, Fel d 4 e228, Fel d 7 e231) • Total IgE 542

References

Practice parameters for in-vitro IgE testing and interpretation.

Molecular (component-resolved) allergy diagnostics—position statements.

Indoor allergen exposure and pet allergy—evidence summaries.

Clinical guidance on cross-reactive mammalian albumins and lipocalins.

Available Tests & Panels

Your cat allergy test menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Select Cat Dander sIgE (2601) first; add Cat Components (10564: Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4, Fel d 7) to clarify cross-reactivity and refine risk. Total IgE (542) may be added for context. Schedule a local blood draw and review results with your clinician to align testing with symptoms and exposures.

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Cat Dander Allergy Test

The Cat Dander e1 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins found in cat skin flakes, saliva, and urine. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic response, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, asthma, or skin reactions. This test helps identify cat-related allergies, supporting diagnosis and guiding effective avoidance and treatment strategies.

Specimen Type: Blood

Collection: Blood Draw

Also Known As: Cat Dander IgE Test, Cat Dander e1 Test

$22.95
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Cat & Dog Allergy Test Panel

The Cat Dander e1 and Dog Dander e5 IgE Test Panel measures IgE antibodies to cat and dog dander proteins. Elevated levels suggest an allergic response that may cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, asthma, or skin reactions. This panel helps identify pet-related allergies and supports management strategies such as avoidance, treatment, or environmental control.

Specimen Type: Blood

Collection: Blood Draw

Panel Contains Test: Dog and Cat Dander IgE Test, Dog e5 and Cat e1 Test

$45.95
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Cat Dander Component Panel

The Cat Dander Component Panel measures IgE antibodies to Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4, and Fel d 7, the primary cat allergens responsible for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and skin reactions. This test helps identify which specific proteins trigger symptoms, improving accuracy over standard cat dander testing. Doctors use it to confirm cat allergy, assess severity, and guide personalized management, including avoidance strategies and immunotherapy.

Specimen Type: Blood

Collection: Blood Draw

Also Known As: Cat Allergy Panel, Cat Allergy Test

$69.95
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About Cat Allergies and Lab Testing

Owning a cat reduces stress and anxiety. If you find yourself sneezing every time you are around a cat, you may be allergic. All the benefits of owning a cat won't do you any good if you have itchy and watery eyes.

With cat allergy testing, you can know for certain if your reactions are from cats or something else. Here is everything you need to know about cat allergies and the tests used to diagnose and monitor them.

What Is a Cat Allergy?

An allergic reaction happens when the body responds to a foreign substance. The immune system, which protects the body from bacteria and toxins, attacks the substance. When the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, this is an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions to cats occur when someone comes in contact with a cat or breathes in cat dander, which is dead flakes of animal skin. Cat dander can be everywhere; carried in clothes, in the air, or settled on furniture and bedding.

What Is a Cat Allergy?

Risk Factors for Cat Allergies

Most cat allergies cause a runny nose and watery eyes, but more severe reactions can cause concern. If you have respiratory issues or conditions like asthma, allergic reactions can trigger a serious attack. In fact, about 30% of those with asthma can have a severe attack when exposed to cat dander.

Those who have asthma may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, or tightness of the chest. Even those without asthma or other respiratory conditions can experience acute symptoms such as complete blockage of the nasal passages.

Causes of Cat Allergies

What causes a cat allergy? Genetics does play a part in having pet allergies. If someone in your family is allergic to cats, the odds are that you could be allergic as well. Roughly 10% of Americans have a pet allergy. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies.

Folks who are allergic to cats have an oversensitive immune system. The system mistakes an allergen for something harmful and attacks it the same way it would a virus. Symptoms can manifest after exposure to hair, saliva, urine, or cat dander.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Cat Allergy?

Many symptoms of cat allergies can resemble the allergic rhinitis symptoms of a common cold. If the symptoms persist for several weeks, you could have a cat allergy. The only way to know for certain is to get a cat allergy test from a trusted allergist or lab.

Allergy symptoms will appear shortly after you've been exposed to cat allergens. In some cases, the symptoms may not appear for several hours if you've been exposed to a lower level of allergen.

An allergic reaction can cause swelling of the membranes around the eyes and nose, a rash on the neck or face, or coughing and wheezing if the dander was breathed deeply into the lungs.

Other common symptoms include:

Itchy, red, or watery eyes
Itchy nose
Sneezing
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Nasal pressure

How Is a Cat Allergy Diagnosed?

The timing of symptoms can be an indication that you are allergic to cats. If you've been around cats and suddenly find yourself sneezing with watery eyes, it's a good bet that you have an allergy. If your symptoms and exposure don't make an obvious correlation, the best way to know for certain is through a medical evaluation.

Following a brief history and examination, your doctor may decide to conduct some tests to determine whether you are allergic to cats. It could be that you are allergic to something different, like dust mites or mold.

The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Cat Allergies

What testing is done for cat allergies? There are two ways to test for any allergy: skin tests and blood tests. These tests offer many benefits, like the information you can use to make important decisions about your health.

Skin Prick Test

The skin prick test is conducted in a doctor's office or lab to monitor the results. The doctor will prick the skin's surface, usually on the forearm or the back, and then place a small amount of allergen on the spot. Typically the doctor will test for several allergens at once and may number the pricks to keep track of allergens.

If a spot turns red or swollen after about 15-20 minutes, you are allergic to that particular substance. The skin will return to normal after about 30 minutes or so.

Intradermal Skin Testing

With intradermal testing, potential allergens are injected under the skin, usually of the forearm. Red, itchy bumps indicate an allergic reaction.

The intradermal test is better at showing a positive result for a potential allergy. However, it can also create more false-positive results for allergies, showing positive results for an allergy that doesn't exist.

Blood Test

For some folks with skin conditions or very young children, a skin test isn't possible. In these cases, your doctor will order a blood test for cat dander allergen-specific antibodies.

IgE (immunoglobulin E) is part of the body's immune system, and a blood test will measure levels of IgE antibodies in the blood. These antibodies are present when an allergic reaction is detected.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Cat Allergy and Lab Testing for a Cat Allergy

Is allergy testing safe?

The short answer is "absolutely." Blood testing is quite routine.

At what age can some someone have allergy testing?

Allergy testing can be done at any age.

Does blood allergy testing hurt?

Other than the mild prick of the needle used to draw your blood, blood testing does not hurt.

Will everyone with a cat allergy need shots?

Allergy injection therapy is not required for everyone with an allergy, but it is the only treatment that produces long-term benefits. The shots change how the immune system handles allergens.

Cat Allergy Testing

Cat allergies can come between you and a loving relationship with a pet. Knowing for sure if you have a cat allergy can help you take charge of your health. Ulta Lab provides cat allergy testing that is highly accurate and reliable.

Ulta Lab tests offer numerous benefits like:

Secure and confidential results within 24-48 hours of most tests
No health insurance required
No physician referral required
Affordable prices
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Get results with Ulta Lab tests today!

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