Skin tests for animal inhalant allergens are reasonably reliable at detecting allergy to animals, although results can depend on what precisely you are allergic to. If you are allergic to your cat’s saliva or urine, for instance, and you have a skin test for cat hair, the result will be negative even though you are allergic. Some people also find that they can be allergic to one breed or type of animal, but tolerate others; or that they react to one particular individual animal and not to others. Tests, therefore, are not always helpful. Your doctor can refer you for skin tests.
One simple test, which you can do yourself, is the Eye Test. Stroke the animal or bird for a few minutes. Rub one eye with your hand for a few seconds. If your eye becomes itchy and swollen, then this is an indication that you are sensitive to the animal or bird.
You can also do a Sniff Test on bedding, or litter, to check if these upset you. Sniff these gently, and see if symptoms develop.
Another method of detecting animal allergy is to avoid the animal or bird you suspect totally for a period of a week, and see if symptoms improve. If the animal or bird you suspect is your domestic pet, and you are not highly allergic, it will be sufficient to keep the animal or bird totally outside the house, and for you or the person affected not to go near it at all during that week. Try this first. For birds, this should be a conclusive test.
If, however, this is not conclusive for animals, or if you are more severely affected, you will need to carry out a rigorous cleaning programme to clear up traces of allergens from your home before you can be sure that your domestic pet is the source of trouble.
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