Just like humans, cats can have allergies too. Whether it is an allergic reaction to a flea bite or an allergen present in their environment, allergies can seriously impact a cat’s quality of life. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs of allergies and provide appropriate care. In this Letsgetpet article, we explain all you need to know about allergies in cats: the causes, symptoms, diagnostics, and possible treatments.
What is an allergy?
To begin with, an allergy is an excessive immune system reaction to a normally harmless substance called an allergen. Allergic reactions can cause a variety of symptoms to appear. For example, you might notice a cat start to have cutaneous, respiratory or digestive symptoms, which can be acute or chronic.
Unfortunately, allergies in cats are often difficult to diagnose. This is because their symptoms can resemble those of other conditions. Therefore, a vet consultation is necessary to get a precise diagnosis and establish a personalized treatment plan.
The main causes of allergies in cats
There are many types of allergies in cats. Each of them have specific origins.
Food allergies
A food allergy refers to when a cat develops an intolerance or hypersensitivity to an ingredient. For some cats, allergic reactions can be caused by animal proteins. Whereas, for others, the reaction can be caused by cereals or food additives instead.
It’s important to keep in mind that food allergies can appear suddenly. For example, a cat can develop an allergy even if they have been eating the same food for a long time.
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Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
FAD is the most common allergy in cats. This is triggered by saliva injected from a flea bite. In a sensitive cat, a single bite can be enough to provoke an intense allergic reaction.
Environmental allergies (or atopy)
This type of allergy is caused by an allergen present in their environment. Some common environmental allergens include:
- Pollen
- Harvest mites
- Molds
- Cleaning products or perfumes
It’s important to note that this type of allergy can be seasonal or persistent all year.
Contact allergies
This type of allergy is more rare. It happens when a cat comes into direct contact with an irritating allergen. This can include plastic, fabric, detergent, or a flea and tick collar.
What are the symptoms of allergies in cats?
The symptoms are varied and depend on the type of allergy. With that being said, here are the most common signs to look out for:
Skin symptoms:
- Itching (excessive scratching or licking)
- Redness, scabs or patches
- Hair loss (alopecia), on the head, neck or abdomen
- Wounds or secondary infections caused by scratching
Digestive symptoms
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
Respiratory symptoms
- Sneezing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Nasal or ocular discharge
Additionally, some cats can develop otitis or chronic gingivitis associated with an underlying allergy.
How do you diagnose an allergy in a cat?
The vet will proceed step by step to identify the allergen. The diagnosis is often based on various tests and examinations.
A thorough clinical exam
To begin with, the vet observes the cat’s skin, ears, and eyes. They also ask questions about the cat’s environment, diet, and habits.
Elimination tests
If you suspect a food allergy, the vet can propose a strict hypoallergenic diet for 6 to 8 weeks. If the symptoms disappear, but reappear after their usual food is reintroduced, the diagnostic is confirmed.
Skin or blood tests
To identity environmental allergies, allergy tests can be carried out. These tests can detect the responsible resemble. The vet can recommend desensitization or making efforts to adapt your cat’s environment.
Are there any recommended treatments to relieve a cat’s allergies?
While there are no definitive remedies, many solutions can help to relieve symptoms and improve your cat’s comfort.
Getting rid of the allergens
After an allergen is identified, the first step is to eliminate or limit your cat’s exposure to it. For example, you can:
- Change their food if they have a food-related allergy
- Begin a comprehensive flea control treatment
- Clean your house and textiles frequently to reduce environmental allergens
Medical treatments
Depending on the seriousness of the symptoms, the vet can prescribe various medical treatments to relieve your cat’s allergies. For instance, antihistamines are often used first to calm the scratching and limit skin reactions. In the most severe cases, especially during acute attacks, your vet can prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation quickly and effectively.
If your cat has infected cuts on the skin caused by scratching, an antibiotic treatment can be presribed to avoid complications.
Lastly, some cats suffer from chronic allergies. If this is the case, the vet can anticipate using immunomodulators. These help to rebalance the immune system and limit excessive reactions to allergies.
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Topical care
Calming shampoos, creams, or sprays can help calm the irritations and promote skin healing.
Desensitization (immunotherapy)
If your vet is able to identify the allergen, they can propose desensitization. For this, they would gradually administer small doses of the allergen to get your cat’s immune system used to it. While this treatment is long, it can produce very good results.
Allergies in cats: what can be done in daily life?
To begin with, their daily life will need a little organization, but it can quickly become a well-honed routine. It is important to regularly keep an eye on their skin and behavior. For instance, you might notice excessive scratching, redness, or hair loss as the first signs.
Furthermore, you can prioritize gentle cleaning products to preserve your pet’s health. This will limit the risks of irritation or contact with allergen substances.
Additionally, your cat’s diet is important. Therefore, opt for high quality kibble or wet food. You can even feed your cat a hypoallergenic option if your vet recommends it. Lastly, maintain good hygiene in their environment. For example, clean their bed, pillows, toys, and litter regularly to reduce allergens as much as possible.
If new symptoms appear, a quick vet consultation will allow you to adjust the treatment to avoid further aggravation.
Conclusion
To conclude, allergies can take on multiple forms and impact a cat’s overall health. By noticing the symptoms and by collaborating closely with your vet, you can relieve your cat’s discomfort. Appropriate care, a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring are the keys to living better with an allergic cat.