A chat about cat allergies

Like you your cat can develop allergies. Many people, possibly one third of all Americans, are even allergic to cats but for the other two thirds are not living with a cat that is allergic to something can be difficult.

Nobody likes being itchy, that goes for cats too!

The most common allergy for cats comes from flea bites. The most obvious symptom of a flea allergy is a cat that is constantly scratching or biting themselves more than usual or is constantly licking themselves in one particular spot. This is helping to relieve themselves but just like with humans constantly scratching one particular place can lead to raw skin. The hardest part for their human is that by licking themselves they may be eliminating the evidence of the fleas making it harder for you to diagnose. The good news is that flea medication can usually eliminate flea allergies so consult with your veterinarian.

Like with humans and dogs, cats can be allergic to pollen. Like with fleas they will attempt to groom themselves which can lead to skin damage that can sometimes be severe. This may start as a seasonal allergy and can become more severe as cats age. A veterinarian can determine if a cat has this kind of allergy from a blood test and it can be treated with medication, though for some just keeping a cat indoors can lead to significant relief.

Indoors & food sources

Of course being indoors can lead to its own set of problems like mold and dust. Like with other allergies the cat will lick and scratch themselves continuously and like other allergies this can be determined with a blood test by a veterinarian. For their human this may mean they should clean their house more often or they may have to use an air filter or even bathe the cat. Medication can also be used to treat this.

Food can also lead to an allergic reaction. Itchy skin will develop followed by skin and/or ear infections and gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea or gassiness. Like with dogs an allergic reaction can come at any time, even after your feline companion has been eating the same food for years. A food allergy is determined by feeding them something new or hydrolyzed food and nothing else for 6-8 weeks and if the allergy goes away to start reintroducing their food one ingredient at a time to determine what they are allergic to. This will lead to a change in their diet or for their human to buy a different type of cat food.

Plastic allergy, that's a thing?

Other things around the house that can trigger a cat’s allergy can be quite numerous. Cats cat develop allergies from plastic, so it may be time to switch out that plastic bowl that they use. Some cats can develop an allergy to perfume, which is of course found in many household products but also in some varieties of litter. The good news is that unscented products are available and can be used instead. Also just like with humans a cat can have an allergic reaction to certain drugs. It is rare but does happen.

Like with dogs, if an allergic reaction occurs or if you think that your feline friend has an allergy then consultation with your veterinarian is the most important thing that you can do. Once you have a course of action a professional groomer can help as well. We also are well stocked in pet foods that are scientifically balanced and can help with allergies as well as come with a variety of ingredients.

https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/cats

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/cat-allergies

http://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/7-common-cat-allergies

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." — Albert Schweitzer