How Do I Know If My Cat Is Allergic?

A cat is allergic if its immune system exhibits excessive sensitivity to certain substances it comes into contact with every day, which are therefore identified as dangerous. Some of the symptoms are sneezing, coughing, itching, watery eyes, ear infections, and vomiting. But what types of substances can cause allergies in cats? And how can they be cured?

What are cat allergies?

When cats eat foods that cause allergies they often experience gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or vomiting. This situation can occur in cats of any age. There are some substances that can often cause allergies in cats; some of these are pollen, dust, mold, cleaning products, medicines, cigarette smoke or plastic. Symptoms can be seasonal or non-seasonal and often affect young cats , worsening with age.
Flea allergy dermatitis is also very common in cats. There are 15 different allergens in the saliva of these insects that can cause an allergic reaction in cats. A single bite from these parasites is enough to trigger such reactions.

If you think your cat is allergic, you need to take him to the vet right away. After subjecting it to a test, the practitioner will establish the origin of the allergic reaction. Many animals that have been diagnosed with a food allergy may need meals prepared at home, but always with the collaboration of a specialist, because the addition of a special protein will be necessary and the foods will have to be very balanced with each other.
The best way to treat allergies is to remove offensive allergens from the environment. In this regard, it is important to avoid contact with chemicals and some plants that could be toxic.

Another form of allergy is contact dermatitis, caused by exposure to a material to which the animal has become hypersensitive or allergic. It occurs during the hours following contact with the material in question. Some of the causes can be: plants, wool or drugs.

Symptoms include itching in typical areas such as the chin, ears, toes, anus and girth. Redness, blisters, and boils usually occur in these areas.
In 57% of cases, itching in cats is caused by food allergies. These can appear from the age of five months, although the vast majority of cases occur between the ages of 2 and 6.

However, a distinction must be made between food allergies and intolerances : the latter can cause diarrhea or vomiting. Fortunately, they can be eliminated with a diet free of the offensive agents.

Several studies have shown that there are some ingredients that most commonly cause food allergies. In cats, the most common are beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, milk and wheat gluten. The main symptom is itchy skin which can cause the animal to scratch very often: this could also cause hair loss in the affected areas.

On the other hand, sensitivity to environmental pollutants, pollen and stress can also cause asthma attacks in cats. To provide relief for your pet, even in the short term, your vet can prescribe medications that will open your cat’s airways. For long-term treatment, on the other hand, corticosteroids can be used.

As for treatment, the vet may prescribe cortisone or steroids to help control symptoms of pollen allergy. Antihistamines such as Benadryl can also be used, but are more effective when used as a preventative form.
If itching occurs, fatty acid supplements and some shampoos can be used to help prevent skin infections.

How to prevent allergies

• Try to minimize your cat’s exposure to suspected allergens.
• Use high quality food.
• Give your cat a supplement based on fatty acids, which has anti-inflammatory properties and improves skin and coat health.
• Use stainless steel (or glass) bowls and clean them regularly.
• Brush your cat’s coat regularly .
• Wash the litter box with a hypoallergenic detergent, in very hot water.
• Use products to eliminate your pet’s fleas and take him regularly to the vet to carry out the necessary checks.