Allergies in cats are one of the most troublesome health concerns, affecting their comfort and overall well-being. When a cat’s immune system overreacts to an allergen, it can trigger various symptoms.
A cat’s allergies may not always be known and can sometimes appear out of nowhere when exposed to an allergen. To help you get started on your best friend’s potential allergies, here’s a quick guide.
What are the Types of Allergies in Cats?
Cats can develop allergies to many different substances, some of which can be found in homes and outdoor environments. Allergic reactions happen when a specific substance triggers a response, which can be uncomfortable for cats. Here are the common types of allergies in cats:
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most frequently diagnosed allergy in cats. Unlike a standard reaction to fleas, this condition is caused by a hypersensitivity to proteins in flea saliva. Even a single flea bite can result in an intense immune response in sensitive cats, leading to a cascade of issues.
FAD can occur even in cats with minimal exposure to fleas, as their immune systems react disproportionately to the allergen. Left untreated, the resulting skin irritation can become a breeding ground for secondary infections from bacteria and fungi.
Maintaining a strict flea control regimen is crucial for cats with FAD, even for those who live indoors, as fleas can be brought inside on humans or other pets. It’s important to be cautious all year round, but most especially during the warmer months.
Symptoms of Flea Allergies in Cats
Skin Irritation — Intense itching and scratching are the common signs of flea allergies in cats. The affected areas are often localized around the base of the tail, neck, and head.
Hair Loss — Patches of hair loss result from your cat’s itching, scratching, and chewing.
Redness and Inflammation — Your cat’s skin may appear red and inflamed, especially in areas most affected by scratching or flea bites.
Scabs and Crusty Lesions — Small, raised scabs or crusty sores, commonly referred to as "miliary dermatitis," are a hallmark of FAD.
Secondary Infections — Persistent scratching can break the skin, leading to bacterial or fungal infections. When these happen, your cat will experience another range of symptoms specific to the infection.
Food Allergies
Food allergies in cats come from an immune response to specific proteins in their diet. These allergies are not the same as food intolerances. Cats can develop specific food allergies at any stage in their lives, even to foods they have consumed for years without issues.
Some of the common triggers include ingredients such as beef, chicken, eggs, dairy, and grains. All cats have a specific set of food allergies that are unique to each cat. When these food allergies get triggered, your cat will experience common symptoms such as itching and digestive troubles.
Symptoms of Food Allergies in Cats
Digestive Symptoms — Digestive symptoms are the most common symptoms of food allergies in cats. Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence are some of these. Some cats may exhibit abdominal pain or discomfort.
Itchy and Irritated Skin — Itchy skin, often concentrated around the neck and head. This can lead to inflammation and self-inflicted wounds from scratching, licking, and chewing.
Redness and Crusty Skin — Redness and swollen skin may be a result of food allergies in cats. Small crusts around the skin can also be another result.
Poor Coat Quality — The fur may become dull, brittle, or patchy due to the impact of the allergy on overall health. Hair loss is also an additional symptom.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies occur when a cat’s immune system reacts to airborne or contact allergens. Another name for this is atopic dermatitis. These allergies may be seasonal or year-round.
Environmental allergies consist of several substances that may or may not affect your cat. These include dust mites, mold spores, pollen, and dirt. However, household chemicals can also become an environmental allergen for your cat.
Cats with environmental allergies often have heightened sensitivity, meaning multiple allergens can cause symptoms simultaneously.
Symptoms of Environmental Allergies in Cats
Persistent Scratching — Persistent or recurring itching that worsens during specific seasons or persists throughout the year can be observed.
Respiratory Symptoms — Sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. In severe cases, cats may develop asthma, characterized by wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Skin Issues — Redness, rashes, or scaly patches are often present on the face, belly, and paws. You may easily notice this when holding your cat.
Behavioral Changes — Your cat will tend to groom more. Increased scratching and rubbing will also be observed as a result.
Contact Allergies
Although less common than other types, contact allergies arise when a cat’s skin comes into direct contact with an irritating substance. Unlike environmental allergies, which are usually airborne, contact allergies require physical exposure to the allergen.
For cats, some observed contact allergens include fabrics, shampoos, and bowls. Basically, anything your cat touches can be a contact allergen if your cat is allergic to it.
Unlike systemic allergies, contact allergies typically cause irritation only in the area of direct contact. Identifying and removing the offending substance is usually sufficient to resolve the issue.
Symptoms of Contact Allergies in Cats
Localized Irritation — A clear sign of contact allergy in cats is localized irritation. You can see red, inflamed skin in areas that were touched by the allergen, often the paws, chin, or belly.
Swelling or Bumps — Small, raised bumps or hives may develop where the allergen made contact can also be noticed.
Skin Issues — Persistent and excessive itching can be noticed, which will ultimately lead to hair loss when left to progress. Your cat will also experience sores and crustiness on its skin.
Behavioral Indicators — Cats may avoid specific areas or objects associated with the allergen, such as their bed or food bowl.
How to Diagnose Allergies in Cats?
Diagnosing a cat’s allergies starts with a review of its medical history, leading up to a series of tests and examinations. Here’s how we do it:
Detailed Examination
The process begins with a thorough review of your cat’s medical history and condition. We’ll ask you a lot of questions about the symptoms, such as what they are and when they first appeared.
While we’re doing this, our vets will also take a close look at your cats. Based on your input, we’ll check specific areas and prepare tests to create our diagnosis.
Diagnostic Tests for Each Allergy in Cats
Each type of allergy will require a specific test. Here are some of the ones we use:
Flea Allergies
Finding flea dirt helps us diagnose flea allergies in your cat. However, a blood test can also be used to diagnose your cat’s allergy to fleas.
Food Allergies
In the event a food allergy is suspected through specific symptoms, we’ll create an elimination diet to rule out the allergen. We’ll remove the common foods your cat usually eats and replace them with new ingredients that still suit its diet. This is called a novel protein diet.
One example is removing the usual protein product from salmon, turkey, or duck. Additionally, we can use hydrolyzed protein diets, as these foods do not cause an allergic reaction in cats. It’s important to note that these tests may take a few months.
Environmental Allergies
For environmental allergies in cats, we’ll use two main tests. The first one is a blood test that will allow us to measure the immunoglobulin E levels of your cat. This allows us to detect allergies in cats.
The next step is intradermal skin testing, wherein we’ll inject allergens into your cat and observe the effects. Don’t worry, though. Your cat will be safely sedated during the process.
Contact Allergies
For contact allergies, testing will involve placing the common items your cat interacts with on its skin. This will take a long time, as we’ll have to constantly check and monitor if each item causes an allergy.
How to Treat Allergies in Cats?
The main treatment step for allergies in cats will depend on the type of allergy diagnosed. Here are the treatment options our pet allergists use:
Flea Allergies
Flea preventives will be the main option to remove the fleas from your cat. These can come in the form of topical liquid or oral medications. Collars can also be used to provide protection overall. Regular application is recommended to help your cat stay protected.
Food Allergies
Food allergies in cats will be treated using the same method as diagnosing them. Once we suspect that a food allergy is the cause, we’ll continue to use the elimination diet as a treatment option. Supplements and medications will also be included to manage diarrhea, nausea, and other conditions.
Environmental Allergies
Reducing your cat’s exposure to allergens will help improve its condition. Air purifiers are one of the most helpful ways to prevent airborne allergens. Regularly washing your cat’s bedding and pillows will significantly improve its health. Antihistamines and corticosteroids will also be used if recommended.
Contact Allergies
The main option is to replace the contact allergen with a safe one for your cat. Additionally, treating contact allergies in cats will make use of hypoallergenic shampoos and products to help restore your cat’s skin. Ointments can also be included to help relieve irritation and discomfort.
How to Prevent Allergies in Cats?
Preventing your cat’s allergies is not an easy task, especially since allergies are unpredictable. However, there are several steps you can take to help.
Regular Flea Treatments
Regular flea treatments can help protect your cat from the harmful effects of fleas. Make sure to have your cat scheduled for routine flea treatments, even if your cat is an indoor cat.
Clean Your Home
Environmental allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites can be challenging to avoid entirely, but there are ways to reduce exposure. Make sure to vacuum and clean your home frequently, especially in areas where your cat stays.
Regular Vet Visits
Visiting your cat’s vet regularly helps you keep track of your cat’s health. Expert consultations can help you create a safe diet plan for your cat, and professional grooming services will help keep environmental allergens at bay. Overall, routine vet visits help detect early issues before they worsen.
Conclusion
Allergies in cats can be challenging, but they can be easily managed with the right care and knowledge. While the diagnostic and treatment processes may take a long time, they’re super helpful in making life so much better for your cat.
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