Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Cat-Pork Syndrome is a rare allergic condition caused by cross-reactivity between Fel d 2, a cat serum albumin, and pork albumin. Individuals with cat allergies may experience allergic reactions upon consuming pork due to this immunological overlap. This case series highlights an underrecognized cross-reactivity that can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions or misdiagnosis. Case Presentation: We report the case of two patients with known allergic rhinitis sensitized to cats who experienced recurrent reactions shortly after consuming pork. The reaction for the first case included hives, facial swelling, and mild respiratory discomfort while the reaction for the second case included significant oral pruritis. Both patients had skin prick testing (SPT) revealing sensitization to cat dander and pork, with appropriate positive and negative controls. Through shared decision making, both patients elective for strict avoidance with the second case choosing to carry an EpiPen. Conclusion Cat-Pork Syndrome is an important differential diagnosis in individuals with unexplained pork allergy. Awareness of this cross-reactivity can prevent unnecessary dietary restrictions and improve patient management.