Summary

Cat allergies are among the most common health concerns our pets face. Even if they aren't fatal, they can still significantly affect our cats' comfort and overall well-being.

Allergic reactions happen when a cat's immune system overreacts to an allergen, resulting in specific symptoms based on the cause. These can spring up out of nowhere, even in foods and substances that cats weren't initially allergic to.

These can also result in more serious skin conditions, including secondary infections.

Dubai's arid climate and unique environment are significant contributing factors to allergies in cats. The combination of extreme heat, heavy reliance on indoor air conditioning, airborne sand, and humidity increases the risk for many cats.

Common Types

Cats typically suffer allergies from fleas, food, environmental allergens, and specific substances on contact.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis, also known as FAD, is an allergic reaction caused by the proteins in flea saliva. FAD is the most common allergy in cats.

When a flea bites your cat, it releases a small amount of saliva into the skin. As a result, the immune system recognizes this threat and attacks, triggering the clinical signs.

Even a single flea bite and a small amount of saliva can trigger an extreme immune response in sensitive cats, making this a concerning issue. 

Fleas are a common pest in Dubai and are active year-round. The city's consistently warm climate and high humidity create the perfect conditions for fleas. Fleas can live in shady, humid areas and even in carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.

Affected cats can experience symptoms such as:

• Intense itching and scratching

• Hair loss and bald patches

• Skin lesions and sores

• Small, crusty scabs around the head, neck, and back

• Flea dirt (pepper-like specks in the fur or bedding)

• Tapeworms (rice-like segments found on the anus or bedding)

Food Allergies

Food allergies in cats come from specific proteins in their food, with common examples including chicken, beef, fish, and dairy products. Less frequent causes include lamb, eggs, corn, and wheat. Even cat food can be a cause.

Food allergens account for about 10% of all allergies in cats.

Cats can develop specific food allergies at any stage in their lives, even to foods they have consumed for years. These aren't the same as food intolerances, as the latter consists of a digestive reaction, not an immune one.

Affected cats often manifest gastrointestinal signs and skin symptoms, such as:

• Mild to severe itching around the face, neck, or ears

• Overgrooming, which may lead to alopecia

• Small crusty bumps, scabs, or redness

• Secondary infections

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Restlessness and fatigue

Environmental Allergies

Also known as atopic dermatitis, environmental allergies happen from the harmless substances found all over their surroundings. These allergens can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

In Dubai, cats are exposed to several common allergens, including dust mites, sand particles, mold spores, and even pollen. Even household irritants such as cigarette smoke, perfumes, and cleaning products can cause sudden flare-ups in many cats. Affected cats may experience:

• Skin irritation and hair loss

• Excessive scratching and licking

• Skin lesions, scabs, or crusty bumps

• Chronic ear infections

• Itchy or red eyes

• Respiratory symptoms (sneezing, coughing, or wheezing)

If you notice signs of difficulty breathing (open-mouth or labored breathing), call our vets right away for emergency treatment.

Contact Allergies

Although significantly less common than other types, contact allergies occur when a cat's skin comes into direct contact with an irritant. Contact dermatitis can be caused by several substances, such as wool, synthetic fibers, plastics, medications, household chemicals, and even laundry detergent.

These allergies cause localized reactions, depending on where they hit. Common symptoms include:

• Skin irritation and redness

• Severe itching and intense licking

• Hair loss or thinning patches

• Open sores, scabs, or crusting

• Swelling on the face or paws

Diagnosing Cat Allergies

An accurate diagnosis is obtained through physical examination, allergy testing, and elimination.

Our vets will rule out parasites and infections first, then identify specific triggers. We may perform a flea check through combing, skin scrapings for mites and infections, and fungal cultures for ringworm.

Our veterinary dermatologists may perform intradermal skin testing for environmental allergens. Here, we inject small amounts of common allergens under the skin. If there's a reaction, then the allergy is confirmed.

Another method is the serum allergy test, a blood test that can measure IgE antibodies against specific allergens.

For food allergies, we'll change your cat's original diet. We'll introduce food with hydrolyzed proteins or a novel diet. An elimination diet trial lasts at least 8 weeks for diagnosis.