Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Understanding Cat Allergy and Your IL1 Genetics

Cat allergy is a common condition caused by proteins in cat saliva, dander, and urine. The main culprit is a protein called Fel d 1. When people who are sensitive come into contact with these proteins they can experience sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, skin irritation, or asthma symptoms. The IL1 gene family plays an important role in regulating inflammation and immune responses. Variations near IL1 can influence how strongly the body reacts to allergens like Fel d 1.

How genetics fit into the picture

Genetics are one factor among many that shape allergic responses. A variant near the IL1 gene, rs10189629, has been associated with differences in inflammatory signaling. Depending on your genotype at this location you may have:

  • Two copies of the effect allele (CC)
  • One copy of the effect allele (AC)
  • Zero copies of the effect allele (AA)

These genotypes suggest a range from a typical immune response to a modestly reduced sensitivity. Regardless of genotype environmental exposure, general immune health, and other genes also matter a great deal.

Practical symptoms to watch for

  • Upper airway: sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes
  • Skin: localized itching or hives after contact with cat fur or saliva
  • Lower airway: wheeze, chest tightness, cough, or flare of asthma

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles (CC) - Typical immune response

If you have the CC genotype for rs10189629 you carry two copies of the effect allele. This indicates a standard immune response to cat allergens without a clear genetic protection or increased predisposition compared to most people. The IL1 gene helps regulate inflammatory signals. With the CC genotype your body is likely to respond to Fel d 1 in a way that is typical for the general population. This means you may develop common allergy symptoms when exposed, but your genotype does not imply markedly higher or lower risk.

Recommendations

  • Reduce exposure: keep cats out of bedrooms and use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers.
  • Air quality: run HEPA air filters and increase ventilation.
  • Cleaning: wash bedding frequently, vacuum with HEPA-equipped machines, and use damp dusting to remove dander.
  • Diet and supplements: follow an anti inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fats. Consider vitamin D and probiotics after discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • Medical follow up: if symptoms are frequent or affect breathing talk with your healthcare provider about testing and treatment options including antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or allergy immunotherapy.
1 effect allele (AC) - Partial protection possible

If you have the AC genotype for rs10189629 you carry one copy of the effect allele. This pattern suggests some degree of partial protection and possibly lower sensitivity to cat allergens compared to people without the allele. The IL1 related signaling may be moderated so that your inflammatory response to Fel d 1 is less intense. This does not guarantee that you will be symptom free. You may still experience allergic reactions but they could be milder or less frequent.

Recommendations

  • Maintain exposure controls: keep cats out of sleeping areas and use HEPA filtration.
  • Monitor symptoms: track when and where symptoms occur to identify triggers or patterns.
  • Anti inflammatory lifestyle: emphasize leafy greens, colorful produce, fatty fish or algae omega-3s, and reduce processed foods high in sugar and trans fats.
  • Supplements to consider: vitamin D if levels are low, probiotic strains that support gut immune balance, and omega-3 supplements if dietary intake is limited. Check levels and safety with your provider.
  • Evaluation: if symptoms are persistent or impact quality of life consult a healthcare professional for targeted testing and management strategies.
0 effect alleles (AA) - Possible reduced sensitivity

If you have the AA genotype for rs10189629 you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This genotype suggests a potential reduced likelihood of developing allergic reactions to cats compared to those with the C allele. IL1 mediated inflammatory responses to environmental triggers like Fel d 1 may be more moderate, which could offer some protective advantage. However genetics are only part of the story and environmental exposure or other health factors could still cause symptoms.

Recommendations

  • Continue exposure reduction where practical: keep cat access limited in key rooms and maintain regular cleaning.
  • Support immune balance through diet: include a variety of fiber rich foods to support a healthy microbiome which can influence allergic tendencies.
  • Consider lifestyle measures: maintain healthy sleep, stress management, and regular physical activity to support immune regulation.
  • Stay alert: a lower genetic risk does not eliminate the possibility of developing symptoms. Seek medical evaluation if new or worsening symptoms occur.

Diet, Supplements, and Lifestyle Tips

These general steps support immune and respiratory health for most people. Discuss any major changes with your healthcare provider.

  • Anti inflammatory diet: focus on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. Reduce highly processed foods and added sugars.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids: include fatty fish, flax, chia, or consider a supplement if intake is low.
  • Vitamin D: supports immune regulation. Have levels tested and supplement if deficient under provider guidance.
  • Probiotics and fiber: a healthy gut microbiome can influence allergic inflammation. Consider fermented foods and a variety of fiber sources.
  • Air and cleaning: HEPA filtration, regular washing of fabrics, and avoiding carpet in key rooms can reduce allergen load.
  • Stress, sleep, and exercise: chronic stress and poor sleep can worsen inflammation. Aim for adequate sleep, stress reduction, and consistent physical activity.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

  • If you have persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms
  • If allergies interfere with daily activities or sleep
  • If you need guidance on testing, medications, or immunotherapy
  • Before starting supplements or major dietary changes

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions. This content is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical guidance.

If this genetic variant is present in your PlexusDx results, the following tests and reports are commonly used to explore it further:

🧬 Genetic Tests:

🧪 Blood Tests:

📄 Genetic Report:

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Allergy and IL1 rs10189629

What does the IL1 rs10189629 variant mean for cat allergy risk?

rs10189629 is located near the IL1 gene family, which helps regulate inflammation and immune responses. Your genotype can be linked to differences in how strongly your body may react to cat allergens like Fel d 1. In the source content, genotypes are grouped as CC (typical immune response), AC (possible partial protection with milder or less frequent symptoms), and AA (possible reduced sensitivity). Genetics are only one part of the picture—exposure level, other genes, and overall immune health also matter.

What allergy symptoms can occur if you’re sensitized to Fel d 1?

Cat allergy is triggered by proteins in cat saliva, dander, and urine, with Fel d 1 as the main culprit. Symptoms can show up in the upper airway (sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes), skin (localized itching or hives after contact), and lower airway (wheeze, chest tightness, cough, or asthma flare). The intensity and frequency can vary depending on your sensitivity and your IL1-related inflammatory signaling.

What can I do to reduce cat allergy symptoms based on IL1 genotype?

Regardless of genotype, the source recommends exposure control and immune-supportive habits: keep cats out of bedrooms, use HEPA air filtration, wash bedding frequently, vacuum with HEPA-equipped equipment, and use damp dusting to reduce dander. It also suggests an anti-inflammatory diet (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts/seeds, fatty fish/omega-3s), adequate vitamin D (after testing), and probiotics/fiber for gut immune balance. If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affect breathing, consult your healthcare provider about testing, medications (e.g., antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids), and allergy immunotherapy.

What tests can help me learn more about Cat Allergy and IL1 rs10189629?

The Food Sensitivity & Allergy Genetic Test analyzes over 240 genetic insights related to immune response, inflammation, and dietary tolerance. The Allergies and Food Sensitivities Genetic Report translates your results into personalized, actionable guidance. Your healthcare provider can also recommend targeted blood tests based on your specific pathway results and health history to complement your genetic insights with current biomarker data.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.