Cat allergy anaphylaxis

[Flare]

I got a call from the PE teacher this am just after the bell stating that a student look like she was having a reaction. I was set to go to her, but he said she was already on the way to me. Hives all around her mouth and chin and spreading to her cheeks as we were talking, also c/o throat "itchiness" and lips were looking a little full. I asked her what she thought she may have been exposed to, as this wasn't a child with an allergy plan and she said she was playing with a kitten and is allergic to cats. I'd say so.

So, stock epi administered, and s/s began to resolve. By the time EMS got there, hives were mostly faded and she said she was feeling a lot better. I can say that in my almost 2 decades of nursing, i've never before seen such a reaction to cats. I know it's always a possibility. I did discuss with the parent when she got there that a visit to an allergist is in order and to expect an allergy panel may be done to help rule out that it wasn't something else. Anyone ever see anaphylaxis from an animal?

[zbb13]

Several months ago, completely out of the blue, I began having an allergic reaction when I was cutting up jalapeño peppers. I was gasping for breath. I never had a problem before except coughing when they were stir fried. It was the craziest thing and now I don’t allow anyone to prepare them near me. I also can’t be around the residue if it’s sitting around. It was a pretty scary feeling.

[CKPM2RN, ASN, EMT-P]

I used to have a similar reaction to cats, I had to take benadryl if I was around them. But, when forced to live with two cats for two months (long story involving my divorce) I became tolerant and now I've had cats myself for about 20 years.