Recently, foreign media reported that some veterinarians pointed out that many of the allergens that cause human suffering may also torture our pets, including pollen. Cat allergies may cause miliary dermatitis, which is characterized by small papules or hair loss, usually around the head or neck.

Spring is here, bringing with it warmer weather and longer days, but also an unwelcome phenomenon: allergies. Spring is also the perfect time to switch gears and look at allergies from your pet’s perspective. So, this Weird Animal Q&A answers a question posed by Emily Tye of the National Geographic Society: "Can cats be allergic to dogs? And what about the other way around?" We also want to know - can they? Aren't you allergic to us?"

"The answer to all three questions is yes," says Raelynn Farnsworth of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. "Although rare, it is possible for dogs to be allergic to cat and human dander, and vice versa. Anything can trigger an allergy." Dander is made of tiny cells from hair, fur or feathers - Although we most commonly hear it associated with pets, humans also produce dander. Other common pet allergens include flea saliva and certain foods.

Farnsworth said that in dogs, the most common clinical signs are dermatitis and itching. Other signs may include sneezing and runny nose. Cat allergies may cause miliform dermatitis, which is characterized by small papules or hair loss, usually around the head or neck, but she said it can appear elsewhere. It's important to observe how long your pet's symptoms last - for example, symptoms that persist year after year may mean that your pet is allergic to food or a non-seasonal factor in the environment.

Fortunately, cats can be tested for a variety of environmental allergens, both seasonal and non-seasonal, says Christine Cain of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. "We routinely test dogs for allergies to cat dander," she said. "This involves placing a small amount of allergen under the skin to test for allergic reactions, just like allergy testing in humans."

Typically, veterinarians test for common allergens, "like dust mites and human dander, or things you encounter in the environment, like feathers, wool, or pollen," says Washington State University's Farnsworth. They're often the trigger for allergies, but FarnsworthHe said that pets, just like humans, may be allergic to anything, so using ordinary testing methods, it is sometimes difficult to find the murderer.

So, what should you do if your pet is allergic to you?

"It can be a little difficult for owners if their pet is allergic to human dander," Cain says, but the good news is that you don't have to separate from your pet. "When we encounter pets that are allergic to human dander, usually they will also be allergic to other allergens," she said. This means your veterinarian can treat your pet's allergies by administering vaccines or oral drops that contain small amounts of the allergen. This can adjust the pet's constitution and make it immune to allergens.

Of course, it’s also possible that the cat is actually faking an allergy to get you to stop getting a dog.