People sometimes experience sneezing and runny noses for various reasons. Some suffer these symptoms due to a cold, others because of weather changes. If these common causes are ruled out and you have pets, it is quite possible that allergies caused by keeping cats or dogs are responsible.
Today, we share findings from a Japanese survey focused on a unique group of people who, despite being allergic to cats, choose to keep them. These devoted cat lovers tolerate sneezing and runny noses because their affection for their feline companions outweighs the discomfort.
Earlier this year, LG Electronics Japan released results from a questionnaire conducted in February 2024. The survey included 9,429 men and women aged 20 and above who owned cats. When asked if they experienced allergic reactions from their cats, 11.8% said they did. Further analysis revealed that about one in eight cat owners reported being allergic yet still insisted on living with their cats daily.
Typically, when people encounter something that causes discomfort, they try to avoid it—such as reducing spicy food if it causes irritation or avoiding milk if it causes stomach upset. So why do some continue to keep cats despite allergies? A 36-year-old woman cat owner explained that although she is allergic, she believes the allergy is not the cat's fault, and she should do everything within her power to manage her symptoms herself.
Another 36-year-old male cat owner shared that his cat sees him off when he leaves for work in the morning and waits at the door to greet him when he returns. These precious moments make the allergic symptoms worthwhile, and he keeps his cat to soothe himself despite the allergies.
For those allergic yet continuing to keep cats, how do they alleviate their symptoms? According to the survey, 42.5% take anti-allergy medication, 39.8% use air purifiers, and 38.6% keep windows open to maintain indoor ventilation.
This survey reflects a heartfelt sentiment that is understandable—when something brings emotional healing, many are willing to endure some physical discomfort to hold on to that feeling.
