Dust Mite Allergy in Cats
Dust Mite Allergy in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Dust Mite Allergy?
Dust mites live in the home of pet owners, residing in cloth toys, upholstery, mattresses, bedding and carpeting. These mites thrive in humid temperatures, specifically the hot air exhaled during times of sleep. Dust mites feed on skin cells, environmental viruses, fungi and bacteria, but prefer the skin scales of atopic felines. Although the mites may feed on dead skin cells, the actual mite does not cause an allergic response, but rather the dust mite feces. Dust mites have a specialized protein, Der p1, which is passed in their feces and causes a feline to become hyper allergenic. An affected feline may have asthma-like symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing, paired with pruritus, hair loss and skin lesions.
Dust mites allergies in cats is a non-seasonal, allergic response to the microscopic mite commonly known as the dust mite. Dust mites are one of the most common causes of feline allergies with a surprising 30 to 80 percent of all atopic pet cases tested revealing a positive result for dust mites. The United States is home to two species of dust mites: Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, however, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is more common to the United Kingdom. 
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Dust Mite Allergy Average Cost
From 441 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergy in Cats
A feline suffering from dust mite allergies may experience recurrent seborrhea, otitis (ear itching and inflammation), pyodermas (skin infections) and generalized pruritus, specifically on the feet or face. A feline may also show clinical signs of eosinophilic granuloma complex lesions, plasma cell pododermatitis, or chin acne. Dust mite allergies in cats will also cause symptoms including: 
  • Crusty skin patches
  • Hot spots
  • Localized hair loss 
  • Skin damage 
  • Scratching 
  • Itching 
Secondary to skin reactions of dust mites, your cat may also develop a form of allergy-related asthma. As the feline inhales the fecal dust from the mites, he or she may cough or gag, and do so in a hunched posture in an attempt to stabilize breathing. 
Causes of Dust Mite Allergy in Cats
Dust mite allergies in cats is caused by the Der p1 specialized protein found in the mites’ feces. Coming into contact with said fecal particle, the feline’s immune system overreacts, creating antibodies for the antigen. Dust mites allergies are non-seasonal, but felines may develop an allergenic condition during the fall and winter months. Likewise, an outdoor cat that is brought indoors during the cold months of the year may suddenly develop an allergy as the home is closed up, keeping the dust mites in a confined area. 
Diagnosis of Dust Mite Allergy in Cats
The diagnostic tests specific to dust mite allergies is the skin sensitivity test or the serum IgE test for the reaction to Der p1 proteins caused by dust mites. However, other mites, such as the Cheyletiella, Otodectes and Sarcoptes mite, belong to the same order of acarids, therefore, false positives can occur. For example, if your feline has Cheyletiella, she could actually test positive for dust mites too. Your veterinarian will then use your feline’s clinical symptoms to differentiate between the types of mites and retest the feline. The symptoms associated with dust mite allergies in cats mimic those of food allergies, seasonal allergies, environmental allergies and a number of infections, so a differential diagnosis will need to be made. A differential diagnosis may include a skin scraping, skin cell cytology, skin sample culture and blood test. 
Treatment of Dust Mite Allergy in Cats
Dust mites allergies in cats are treated with immunotherapy and changes in the environment. Subcutaneous or sublingual administration of cyclosporine corticosteroid drugs is the norm for immunotherapy treatment prescribed by veterinarians for feline dust mite allergies. However, the most important portion of the treatment plan is treating dust mites at home. Vacuuming and cleaning carpets once a week, dusting in combination with routine sweeping will eliminate allergy causing dust mite feces in the home. Cat owners are advised to wash all cat bedding and their own bedding if the feline sleeps in bed with their owners. The washing of bedding can take place once a week in combination with sweeping, dusting and vacuuming. 
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Recovery of Dust Mite Allergy in Cats
Felines generally respond very well to immunotherapy treatments, but in order to prevent a recurrence, pet owners must keep a clean home. Changing the air filters in your home heating and cooling system can greatly reduce dust mite allergens in the air. Pet owners can also wash their bedding with tea tree oil or steam clean their mattresses, as studies show these methods result in an even higher elimination rate than regular cleaning. There is also a varieties of hypoallergenic pillow cases and bedding available that are said to discourage dust mites. 
Dust Mite Allergy Average Cost
From 441 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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Dust Mite Allergy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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siamese
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Six Months
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7 found this helpful

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7 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Eyelid Redness
We have new flooring being installed and it’s quite dusty. His right eyelid is inflamed and has brown crust on the lid. His eye and inner eyelids do not look irritated.
Oct. 31, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Your cat may have a viral flare up, or dust may be irritating his eyes. If things do not improve over the next day or two, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them and see what might be going on, and get any treatment needed.
Nov. 4, 2020
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Maine Coon mix
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Weasley
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1 Year
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7 found this helpful

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7 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Inflammation In Face/Mouth
Hi there. My cat has been diagnosed with eosinophilic granuloma complex (hopefully I’m spelling that right) and we’ve already done food trials and flea collar treatments to deal with his face inflammation. Is it possible that dust mites could be the underlying allergy? I have interior brick walls and I thought maybe this could be the cause. The next step for him at the vet is a medicine for his allergies which costs way too much. If I can isolate the cause of his allergy I could potentially save me and him a lot of trouble. His face is clear right now -vet gave him short term steroids. Are dust mites in the brick wall a potential cause?
Aug. 12, 2018
7 Recommendations
Dust mites have been indicated as a cause in some literature but I cannot say whether this is the case here; one option is to move Weasley to someone else's home for a few weeks to see if there is any improvement in symptoms to isolate whether it is something in your home which is triggering this condition. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM https://cms.evsrl.it/socspec/sitetailorcommon/showbinary.aspx?id=4773
Aug. 13, 2018
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tabby
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Toby
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2 Years
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6 found this helpful

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6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchy Ears
Tilting Head
Brown/Black Build Up In Ear Canal
Moderate To Severe Pain
Rubbing Ears Until They Are Raw
Frantic Grooming Of The Ears
I have had Toby for a little over a year now, and he's always had problems with a specific and reoccurring ear infection. I have taken him to two different vets, and he has been incorrectly treated for ear mites between changing vets, and the only thing we've found so far is that it might be an allergy of some kind. I have changed his food to prescription Hills for food and skin allergies (with no extra snacks or scraps and sent in cultures on the gunk build-up and sent them to Iowa State University Vet Med with absolutely no luck. Do you think it could be dust mites, or another kind of air born allergy? Or is there something I'm missing?
July 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
That kind of itching would be unusual with an environmental allergy, if it is specific to Toby's ears. There are many medications that are available if environmental allergies are possible, and the food that he is on may take a few months to take effect.
July 17, 2018
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Devon Rex
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Freddie
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1 Year
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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
Itching Red Sores
Hi, I have a Devon Rex who was born with no fur, it’s slowly growing crack but around his neck it hasn’t grown. He’s itching a lot around his neck & head leaving it red & sore. Could he be allergic to dust mites?
April 30, 2018
3 Recommendations
Without examining Freddie I cannot say what the specific cause of the itching is, but you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination to check for infections, parasites or signs of other conditions which may be leading to itching or the formation of sores. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 1, 2018
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short haired
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Lena
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5 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Sore
Itchy Neck
My cat has sores around her neck where her collar would sit. We have changed her to a low Allegen food but the sores are still coming out. If she is having a dust mite allergy rather then food allergy how can I help her ?
March 14, 2018
0 Recommendations
It can take some time for an allergen to leave Lena’s system, you should continue with the dietary change for a few weeks and monitor for improvement; you should also bathe any sores with a dilute antiseptic. If a food allergy (or any other allergy) is suspected, you should discuss allergy testing with your Veterinarian to identify the allergen faster. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 14, 2018
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Orange tabby
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Flash
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6 Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching,
Hair Loss,
My 6 month old male cat was super vibrant and playful and this last week or so his hair has been falling out, now there's a patch missing on his neck. No sign or are mites so my second guess is dust mites. He doesn't play and is sulying around the apartment. Any home remedies for this?
dog-breed-icon
Orange tabby
dog-name-icon
Flash
dog-age-icon
6 Months
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching,
Hair Loss,
My 6 month old male cat was super vibrant and playful and this last week or so his hair has been falling out, now there's a patch missing on his neck. No sign or are mites so my second guess is dust mites. He doesn't play and is sulying around the apartment. Any home remedies for this?
Dust Mite Allergy Average Cost
From 441 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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