Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Fast, accurate results — Clinical-grade immunoassay delivers reliable cat allergy insights in just 3-5 days
- No physician visit required — Direct-access ordering lets you get tested on your schedule without prior authorization
- Comfortable alternative — Skip uncomfortable skin prick tests with a simple blood draw at any walk-in location
- Confidential and convenient — Results delivered securely to your online account for your privacy
- Actionable insights — Identify specific cat allergen sensitivity to guide avoidance strategies and treatment planning
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing sneezing, congestion, or wheezing around cats
- People with unexplained respiratory symptoms or skin reactions after cat exposure
- Anyone considering cat ownership but concerned about potential allergies
- Those monitoring known cat allergy severity over time
- Individuals seeking allergy confirmation before starting immunotherapy treatment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No doctor's note required; select your test and preferred lab location
- Visit the lab – Quick blood draw at a lab location near you
- Get results – Receive confidential results within 3–5 days in your online account
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects IgE antibodies specific to cat allergens, indicating whether your immune system reacts to cat hair and dander.
Do I need to stop taking allergy medications before the test? No medication adjustments are necessary—unlike skin testing, blood tests aren't affected by antihistamines.
Can I have symptoms even with a negative result? Rarely. Negative results typically rule out cat allergy, though symptoms may have other causes worth investigating.
How accurate is this test compared to skin testing? IgE blood testing demonstrates comparable diagnostic accuracy to skin prick tests (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2024).
Will this test tell me if I'm allergic to all cats? It measures sensitivity to common cat allergens present in all domestic cats, though individual reactions may vary.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This Cat Hair and Dander Allergy IgE Blood Test measures IgE antibody levels in your blood to detect a cat allergy. Approximately 30% of Americans have allergies to pets, with cat allergies being the most common (WalkInLab 2025). Cat allergens spread easily through shedding hair and dander, becoming airborne and settling on clothing, furniture, bedding, and carpets. Studies show even 90% of American households without pets test positive for animal allergens.
The test uses advanced immunoassay methods to identify whether your immune system has mounted an allergic response to cat dander proteins, particularly Fel d 1—the major allergen accounting for up to 90% of cat allergen IgE reactivity (Mayo Clinic Labs 2025). This helps you work with healthcare providers to develop effective management and treatment plans.
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit from this test if you experience allergy symptoms potentially triggered by cats. Cat allergies occur because individuals react to proteins found in cat saliva, urine, and dander—not just fur.
This test is particularly valuable for health-conscious individuals seeking quick, reliable allergy insights without prior physician visits. It's ideal for screening suspected cat allergies, supporting preventive health by identifying specific allergens to manage or avoid, and aiding clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.
When should I order a Cat Hair and Dander Allergy Blood Test?
Order this test if you've experienced symptoms related to cat exposure. Common signs include sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, skin inflammation where a cat has scratched or licked, trouble breathing or wheezing, nausea, hives, or lightheadedness.
Consider testing before allergen avoidance strategies or treatment planning, when monitoring allergic sensitization over time, or if you're contemplating cat ownership. In rare severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur—a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention with symptoms including rapid pulse, swollen throat, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or extreme dizziness.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results indicate IgE antibody levels specific to cat allergens. Higher levels typically correlate with increased sensitivity and potentially more severe symptoms, though clinical correlation is essential.
IgE < 0.35 kU/L
- Meaning: Negative — No cat allergy detected
- Action: Cat allergens unlikely causing symptoms; consider other triggers
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- Meaning: Low positive — Mild sensitization
- Action: Discuss with allergist; consider allergen avoidance strategies
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- Meaning: Moderate positive — Moderate sensitivity
- Action: Implement avoidance measures; evaluate treatment options
IgE 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- Meaning: High positive — Strong sensitivity
- Action: Allergen avoidance recommended; discuss immunotherapy with specialist
IgE ≥ 17.50 kU/L
- Meaning: Very high positive — Very strong sensitivity
- Action: Strict avoidance advised; immunotherapy and medication management recommended
IgE sensitization to cat allergens is strongly associated with increased asthma and allergic rhinitis risks (Mayo Clinic Labs 2025).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast or adjust medications, including antihistamines—a key advantage over skin allergy testing. Simply visit any walk-in lab location for a standard blood draw. The sample is collected in a serum separator tube and can be shipped refrigerated or at room temperature within stability timelines.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and symptoms.
- Initial allergy screening: One-time test; retest if symptoms change
- Monitoring known cat allergy: Every 1–2 years or as symptoms evolve
- Before starting immunotherapy: Baseline test; follow-up per allergist recommendation
- During immunotherapy treatment: Annually to assess treatment effectiveness
- After prolonged allergen avoidance: Every 2–3 years to check sensitization changes
Discuss retesting schedules with your healthcare provider based on symptom severity and treatment goals.
Why early detection matters
Early identification of cat allergies allows for targeted interventions that significantly improve quality of life. IgE sensitization strongly correlates with respiratory conditions—detecting allergies early enables preventive measures before symptoms worsen.
Identifying specific allergens helps you implement effective avoidance strategies, reducing exposure through environmental controls like air filtration and regular cleaning. Early detection also opens opportunities for immunotherapy, which can reduce symptom severity and overall healthcare costs over time (Mayo Clinic 2024). Approximately 30% of Americans are allergic to pets, making timely diagnosis essential for managing daily activities and maintaining healthy environments.
Allergen-specific IgE testing provides reliable results comparable to skin testing accuracy, with the convenience of 2-3 day turnaround times.
Related tests you may consider
Animal Mix Allergy IgE Blood Test — Screens for IgE antibodies to a group of animal allergens, offering broader insight beyond cat exposure alone.
Total IgE Test — Measures overall IgE antibody levels to assess general allergic predisposition.
Dog Dander Allergy IgE Test — Identifies sensitivity to dog allergens for complete pet allergy evaluation.
