Cat allergies are no joke. Just like their owners, cats sometimes develop food and environmental allergies. They might show unfavorable reactions to something they touched, breathed, or ate only hours or minutes after the contact. Allergens such as mold, dust, pollen, mites, and more can cause them a series of uncomfortable symptoms. And sometimes, they require your immediate attention.
Cat Allergies: Causes
Environment and aliment are the most common causes of allergies in our feline friends, with flea allergies coming in third place. If one of your cats has uncommon symptoms, check this list to verify your beloved pet isn’t in direct contact with one of the following potential irritating substances.
Food allergies
Usually, proteins are the culprits of food allergies in cats. The following are the most common foods that could be difficult for cats to process:
- Chicken
- Dairy products
- Beef
- Fish
- Eggs
Environmental allergies
Parasites and bacteria affect a cat’s immune system. However, plenty of non-harmful elements might trigger a defensive response from a feline’s body. These elements include:
- Pollen, plants, mold, dust, fungi
- Perfume, cigarette smoke
- Surfaces like rubber, plastic, fabric, and floor mats
- Cleaning products such as disinfecting sprays and floor cleaners
Flea allergies
When it comes to flea allergies, not only flea bites may affect cats but also some flea-control products too.
Cat Allergies: Symptoms
As many things might cause allergies in our furry friends, there are multiple symptoms they can display. However, the most typical allergic reactions occur on a cat’s skin.
For instance, open sores, hair loss, scabbing and red skin are common when a cat experiences an allergic reaction. Often due to seasonal changes. Likewise, these allergies cause cats to develop unusual behaviors such as sneezing, coughing, scratching, and snoring.
In regard to food allergies, symptoms are somewhat predictable, with vomiting and diarrhea the most common. Additionally, cats typically exhibit itchy skin around the face and neck.
The saliva from the bite of a flea irritates a cat’s entire body, especially in the tail and back.
Also, smoke, perfume, and other toxic substances inhaled by kittens lead to respiratory problems that include inflamed throat, snoring, cough, loss of appetite, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and fever.
Other common conditions of cat allergies:
- Excessive licking
- Ear infections
- Head shaking
- Red eyes
- Swollen paws
- Lethargy
If you suspect your feline friend has an allergy, it’s better to take her quickly to see the veterinarian because many symptoms can last for months if left untreated.
Treatments
The first step when dealing with cat allergies is to remove the source of the symptoms. And that’s your duty as a responsible cat owner.
Remove every potential allergen from your feline’s environment until you determine what’s harming your beloved pet. If you must use a cleaning product or perfume that you suspect your cat is allergic to, make sure to keep your cat in a safe place for a couple of hours. Likewise, keep your furry friend indoors at the point of seasonal changes.
In what refers to food allergies, you can work along with your veterinarian. At home, carefully watch how your cat reacts to potentially hazardous ingredients, and then remove those allergic foods from her diet. Additionally, visit a veterinarian where your cat can have some tests and determine what substances are causing the allergies.
Besides, veterinarians might as well recommend for your cat an appropriate diet that limits a wide variety of irritating ingredients.
When it comes to your furry friend’s hygiene, your house should be free from dirt and dust, as that can cause her constant allergies. Ask your veterinarian how often you should bathe your cat. Too much bathing causes dry skin but done appropriately relieves itchy skin. Make sure to use high-quality feline shampoo only.
Shifting to natural or dust-free litter can relieve irritated skin on your cat. Ask your veterinarian for the best medication to prevent fleas.
Catonsville Cat Clinic Treats Cat Allergies
You should see us if your cat exhibits allergic symptoms even after they are longer in contact with the allergens. We will determine what’s causing your pet’s allergy.
Even when it comes to mild symptoms, what’s best is seeing a veterinarian. Only then you’ll have an accurate diagnosis and a reliable allergy treatment.
Catonsville cat clinic has the experience and expertise to confidently diagnose your cats symptoms. Contact us today just got to your appointment.