Black Cats Can Be Scary – but only if you have allergies!

Kids aren’t the only ones who will be enjoying Halloween celebrations this month. Over the years, the holiday has increasingly tempted adults to get into the spirit. We now spend more on Halloween than any other holiday, except Christmas. Here at AirMD, our indoor air quality tests, mold inspections and our allergy testing – from Austin to West Palm Beach – are firmly rooted in science, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with Halloween with its myths and superstitions.

If you’re among the many who will be decorating your home or office for Halloween, there’s a good chance that the image of a black cat might pop up somewhere. According to the Billings Animal Family Hospital, “In the Middle Ages, it was a commonly held belief that witches could disguise themselves as black cats and these dark felines became associated with witchcraft.”

Black Cats Are Nothing to Sneeze At

The truth is that you don’t need to be afraid of black cats – unless you’re allergic to cats. And if that’s the case, it doesn’t matter if they’re black, orange or polka dotted, you should avoid our furry feline friends. According to WebMD, “About 10% of the U.S. population has pet allergies and cats are among the most common culprits. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies.”

Cat Allergy Symptoms

The health experts at WebMD report that the symptoms of cat allergies can include:

• coughing and wheezing
• hives or a rash on the chest and face
• red, itchy eyes
• redness of the skin where a cat has scratched, bitten, or licked you
• runny, itchy, stuffy nose
• sneezing

If your home is feline-free but you or a member of your family is still bothered by these symptoms on a frequent basis, there may be some other allergy involved. Pollen, dust mites and mold are the most common allergy triggers. But having allergies doesn’t mean you are cursed to suffer forever. Call the allergy-busters at AirMD! Our pros can perform home allergen tests that can help you get to the bottom of any mysteries. We are also experts in residential mold inspections and mold removal.