If you can’t stand the thought of itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing just seeing a hairy friend, I’m right there with you. Unfortunately, being allergic to pets is not an uncommon occurrence, with many 3 out of 10 people are allergic to pets—And cats are the top offenders. If you have allergies, know that you are not alone; Your furry friend who caused your sneeze may also be allergic. In fact, allergies in cats can look and feel very similar to allergies in humans.
Cats are often allergic to fleas and may also have food, contact, or respiratory allergies. Plus, many people share our misery with seasonal allergies. Luckily for cats, there’s a hypoallergenic light at the end of the tunnel. Here are the most common allergies in cats and the most effective ways to treat and prevent allergies.
The most common allergy in cats
If your cat is itching more than usual, chances are she’s having a cat allergy. Atopic dermatitis in cats is the fancy word veterinarians use to describe an allergic reaction that affects the skin and causes inflammation — excessive itching AKA. You may also notice skin lesions or redness under their coat. Environmental irritants are the most common allergic reaction in cats, with flea allergies being the leading culprit. Seasonal allergies to things like pollen and dust aren’t far off.
Your cat will feel relief from the allergy. Your veterinarian will also review your cat’s history and lifestyle and may run some lab tests. To help spot common signs of allergies in cats, here’s an overview of allergic diseases in cats.
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Flea allergy in cats
The Most common allergies among cats is caused by fleas. Here’s what you should know.
Definition: Flea allergy is caused by a reaction to flea saliva. Dr. Gary Richter, said Rover Resident Veterinarian on The Dog People Panel. When a flea bites a host, it injects a series of histamine-like compounds that trigger a response in the immune systems of pets and humans.
Symptom: Itching is a sign that your cat has been bitten by a flea and is reacting to an allergen in their saliva. The reaction may be immediate or delayed after the bite. Signs your cat is reacting to fleas include:
- Scratch their heads and ears
- Chew and bite yourself
- Licking too much, especially around the legs
- Red, irritated skin
- Patches of hair loss
Cats with fleas will also have some dark dirt left behind by fleas. Kittens can experience blood loss and serious health effects. All cats can contract diseases and parasites such as tapeworms from flea bites.
The treatment: Flea Prevention Richter says it’s the number one way to prevent a flea allergy. “This is standard veterinary advice, even if you rarely see fleas.” If your the house already has a flea populationDeep cleaning alongside monthly flea prevention treatments will do the trick.
To give your cat some flea relief in the meantime, Dr. Richter says you can try a take a gentle bath or wipes.
Food allergies in cats
“True food allergies are relatively uncommon in pets,” explains Dr. Richter. “The vast majority of allergies come from more common environmental sources like fleas, dust, pollen, or mold.” Here’s how you can tell if your cat has a food allergy versus a food sensitivity.
Definition: According to Dr. Richter, about 30 percent of allergies in pets are caused by food allergies. Usually, a cat is allergic to a specific protein found in their food. A food allergy is defined as a response to the immune system while a food sensitivity (e.g., a reaction to gluten or certain carbohydrates) will only cause a reaction with the digestive system.
Symptom: Food allergies in cats can be detected by skin reactions, upper respiratory systemand the digestive system includes:
- Red, itchy skin
- Flaky or oily skin
- Poor coat condition
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Weight loss
- Conjunctivitis
- Shortness of breath
Dr Rebecca Greenstein, Dr Rebecca Greenstein, says narrowing down on food allergies can be difficult investigative work and is best done in conjunction with a veterinarian. “If you notice someone experiencing unusual symptoms, skin problems or abdominal discomforts occurring within a few weeks of a recent dietary change or the introduction of a new treatment. new treatment, it is definitely a sign of an underlying dietary allergy.”
The treatment: Dr. Greenstein says the first step in treating a food allergy is to talk to your veterinarian. Because it is difficult to pinpoint a food allergy, many owners find themselves in a cycle of food switching without remission. Kittens have food allergies can grow from them while other cats will need one special diet. When talking to your vet, Dr. Richter says to ask if switching from canned or dry foods to raw foods (rough or frozen) an all-food diet can solve your cat’s dietary problems.
Allergies in cats
Contact allergies can be common in indoor and outdoor cats. Here’s how to tell an inhaled allergy from other types of cat allergies.
Definition: Congenital allergies in cats are caused by airborne irritants. They can be caused by outdoor or indoor irritants and can be year-round or seasonal. Airborne irritants known to cause allergies in cats include pollen, dust, mold, volatile organic compounds (such as perfume), and smoke.
Symptom: Symptoms of an inhaled allergy in cats tend to affect the upper respiratory system more than food, fleas, or exposure to allergens. Here’s what to look out for:
- Red, teary
- Itchy eyes and swelling in the face and eyes
- Runny nose
- Cough, sneeze or wheeze
- Skin rash or itching
The treatment: If your cat has symptoms of an inhaled allergy, there are a few changes you can make in your home:
If your cat is still allergic to the home changes, talk to your veterinarian about approved cat allergy medications. It is never safe to give your cat medication or human eye drops without your veterinarian’s direction.
iStock / Angela Kotsell
Contact Cat Allergies
Contact allergy is least popular allergies in cats. Here’s how to tell if your cat has a contact allergy and how to get relief.
Definition: A contact allergy is when the immune system reacts when the skin comes in contact with an irritant.
Symptom: Skin allergies in cats often have local reactions that include:
- Itchy
- Red
- Rash or irritation
The treatment: Contact allergies can be caused by fleas, a type of bed linen, shampoo, or other substances with ingredients that irritate the skin. Usually, removing or discontinuing the irritant will prevent future allergic reactions, but it can be difficult to determine what caused the reaction. To help reduce contact allergens, Dr. Richter says to try these home remedies:
- Use hypoallergenic, gentle, or medicated medications shampoo
- Provides skin-benefiting supplements such as omega-3
- Apply a soothing spray
Do cats have seasonal allergies?
Yes, indoor and outdoor cats can have seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies in cats is similar to what their companions can endure. This is because seasonal allergies in cats are triggered by the same irritant and bind to the same type of cells that trigger an immune response in humans.
Like us, a common seasonal allergy for cats is pollen. Whether cats are indoors or outdoors, microscopic particles can get indoors and cause sneezing, itching, red eyes, wheezing, and skin irritation. Other common seasonal allergies include dust and mold.
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Does my cat have allergies or asthma?
Richter says that asthma is more common in cats than dogs. But the diagnosis of asthma in cats is relatively common, he adds. Kittens, Siamese and Himalayan cats Cats are often diagnosed with feline asthma.
When cats or us have asthma, the tissues in the lungs become irritated. This causes shortness of breath and wheezing. Dr. Richter explains that the telltale signs of asthma compared to an allergy attack are difficult expiratory. In cats with asthma, the tissues in the lungs become irritated and inflamed, causing air to become trapped and making it difficult to exhale.
Asthma and allergies are different, but they are related. Allergies can trigger an asthma attack, and exposure to an allergen can make an asthma attack worse. Research shows that reacting to allergies can increase the risk of developing asthma, but just because your cat has allergies doesn’t mean they will develop asthma.
Can you prevent cats from developing allergies?
You can’t prevent your cat from developing an allergic reaction to a food or airborne irritant. The good news is that you can provide your favorite pet cat with a home that encourages a healthy lifestyle — for you and for her.
Simple actions like choosing non-irritating cleaners and litter will make your cat feel good. sensitive nose and reduce the risk of an allergic attack. In the spring when seasonal allergies are hitting us all, turn on the air purifier to make it easier for the flock to breathe.
Above all, listen to your cat body language and responding to any changes in behavior or digestive health will help keep them happy and healthy.
Take it
Allergies can be devastating to humans and cats alike. If you think your cat is suffering from an allergy, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you figure out the underlying cause of your itching, digestive discomfort, or wheezing. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend seeing a feline allergist to help narrow down the culprit and find relief for your cat.
Allergies may reflect other underlying conditions including autoimmune disorders, infections, or neurological disorders. Therefore, it is best to address the root of the discomfort as soon as possible. When in doubt about changes in behavior, recommended dietary changes, or safe cat allergy medications, talk to your veterinarian.
