Causes and Symptoms:
During allergies everyday substances in the air cause sensitivity in the cats immune system, it will be determined by the cat’s immune system’s instincts that the substance is dangerous. Most of these substances are in most environments and are harmless to animals except for cats with allergies. Cats with allergies will have a high volume reaction to them. Cats that are trying to fight off allergens show many different symptoms.
Common Symptoms of a Cat with Allergies:
-Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing for asthmatic cats.
-Scratching, indicating itchy skin.
-Runny eyes/ scratching eyes
-Scratching back and tail base a lot like flea allergy symptoms.
-Scratching and acting as if experiencing ear pain.
-Regurgitation
-Dysentery
-Snoring due to the inflammation of the throat.
-Chewing paws/Swollen paws
Possible Food Allergens:
Food allergies can cause a cat to scratch their neck and head. They will normally have stomach problems such as dysentery and regurgitation. Food allergies may affect cats at any age. If your cat has a chicken allergy, do not feed your cat any food with chicken protein or fat. Every cat has a risk of getting allergies. If allergies are developed they can be caused by food, air, topical, or flea bites. Outdoor cats are at higher exposure for pollen and flea allergens. Cats that are obese or around cigarette smoke are more likely prone to asthma.
Cat Allergens:
-Allergic reactions can be caused in cats that are sensitive to the following substances:
-Dust, grass, mildew, mold, weed, and trees
-Food
-Flea products or fleas
-Perfumes
-Prescription drugs
-Plastic and rubber
-Fabric
-Cleaning products
-Cigarette smoke
Note: Flea bite allergies such as itchiness for 2-3 weeks may be followed after a few flea bites.
How to React to Cat Allergies:
Call the vet. After asking questions, examining, and performing tests your vet may tell you the cause and specifics of your cats allergies. If those things do not work, he or she may suggest certain diets to rule out foods.
Cat Allergy Diagnoses:
Itchy and irritated skin should result in a visit to a dermatology veterinarian. In these cases, intradermal skin tests are not very reliable.
The only reliable way to diagnose a food allergy is by feeding your cat a prescribed hydrolyzed protein diet during a 12 week period, no flavored treats and medications. This diet contains ingredients that cats have never had before. The result of the diet is that the cat’s symptoms disappear. At that time you should slowly start to give your cat old foods to determine which ones cause the reaction. Food allergy treatments may have home cooked meals as part of the diet.
Cat Allergy Treatment:
Eliminate allergens from the cat’s environment.
Begin flea prevention before the flea season. Outdoor cats can also be carriers and spread to indoor animals. Ask your vet for the best type of flea prevention for you and your pets.
Use a litter that is chemical free, normally dust and scent free.
For dust allergens you should wash the cat’s bedding weekly. Also it is wise to vacuum curtains, rugs, and any other dust collected fabrics twice a week.
For itchy skin or skin irritants, it may be helpful to bathe your cat 1-2 times a week. Ask the vet which soap you should use. This step may get rid of allergens or pollens from your cat’s skin.
If your cat might have a food allergy the hydrolyzed protein diet will more than likely be prescribed. After it is ruled out, your vet will probably prescribe certain foods or cooked food.
Cat Allergy Medication:
Certain allergen substances can’t be eliminated from your cat’s environment, you may need to use medication.
Airborne pollens may be controlled by cortisone or steroids. The most effective treatment is normally allergy injections which treats instead of just covering up symptoms.
Antihistamines can be used best as a preventative as opposed to a treatment plan.
Itchy skin may have relief with the help of fatty acid supplements. Preventative skin infection shampoos are helpful for cats with skin allergens, oatmeal and aloe sprays may work also.
There are monthly topical flea preventatives that may also be applied.
Note: Do not give your cat medication that is not prescribed to him/her.
Allergy and Asthma Relations:
Asthma attacks in cats may be caused by stress, pollen, or pollutants. Breathing passages can be opened up by prescribed medication for short-term relief. Corticosteroids are used for long-term treatment. Cigarette smoke is bad for everyone but it is especially harmful for asthmatic cats.
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