Evaluation of clinical characteristics of children with cat allergy

Aim: In allergic diseases, identification of the responsible allergens and determination of the clinical features of the patients are important in terms of controlling the symptoms. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of children with cat allergy. Material and Methods: The study is a descriptive type study with a retrospective design. The clinical features of children with cat allergy who visited our Pediatric Allergy and Immunology outpatient clinic between June 2022 and June 2023 were retrospectively evaluated based on patient files. All patients aged 0-18 years who were diagnosed with cat allergy in our clinic within a one-year period were included. Gender, age, diagnosis of allergic diseases, total IgE, eosinophil values were evaluated. Results: Of the children with cat allergy, 38.1% (n=40) had cats at home. 70.5% (n=74) of the children with cat allergy also had house dust allergy. Total IgE values were significantly higher in children who did not have cats at home compared to those who had cats at home (p=0.008). Eosinophil values were statistically similar in both groups (p>0.05). Respiratory allergies were observed in 57.5% of those who had a cat at home, whereas respiratory allergies were observed in 67.2% (n=21) of those who did not have a cat at home (p=0.318). Discussion: Cat allergy should be evaluated by detailed history and physical examination. It should be kept in mind that children may be at high risk of developing cat allergy even if there is no cat at home.