China has seen a growing trend in its pet population in recent years. The pet population in China’s urban areas alone reached 120 million in 2024, a 2.1 percent increase from 2023, according to the 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper released by the industry platform PetData.
However, alongside the joy of growing companionship with pets, there is also an increasing number of patients allergic to these furry friends, especially cats and dogs.
The percentage of patients allergic to cat dander rose to 12.5 percent in a three-year survey conducted by Beijing Shijitan Hospital’s Allergy Center from 2020 to 2022, up 0.7 percentage points from the 2017 to 2019 period, said Wang Xueyan, director of the Allergy Center at Beijing Shijitan Hospital.
This increase reflects a broader global pattern. Allergies to pets are caused by proteins found in the animal’s dander (dead skin cells), saliva or urine. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies to cats and dogs affect 10 to 20 percent of the world’s population.
For those affected, management strategies are crucial. “To protect those from further exposure to allergens, keeping cats in a separate area is necessary,” said Wang Xueyan. She noted that people with milder symptoms of animal allergies can keep their pets but warned that untreated allergies can escalate. “As allergies develop, they may cause asthma, pulmonary emphysema and even pulmonary heart disease,” Wang added.
The timing of these findings coincides with World Allergy Day, marked on July 8. This annual observance, initiated by the World Health Organization and World Allergy Organization, aims to raise awareness about treating and preventing allergies. The day highlights the importance of proper medical care and preventive measures, especially as China’s growing pet population presents new health challenges for urban residents.
Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen
Producer: Yang Sha
Director: Li Yue
Videographers: Chang Ruixiang, Guo Huakang
Cover photo: Zhu Shangfan
Snuggle your fluffy pets, not your allergies
