Sparkes, A.H. et al.
2021
Sage Journals

Is cat ownership associated to a cat relinquishment? How can adverse effects be minimised? Does the human-cat bond play any role? As cat popularity has risen, so have human allergies (regarding cat allergies but also in general). The present review included studies dating up to 2020, on the topic of 'how human allergy to cats affects their owners' or the implications of the findings in order to minimize adverse effects. It should be noted that worldwide about 10-20% of human adults are sensitized to cats. The quantifiable outcomes were separated into three categories: choosing to avoid having a cat, relinquishment of owned cats, and return of cats after acquisition from a shelter. The retrieved data on these issues are the focus of this review. In some studies, data from cats and dogs were combined and included in the review as well.