Learning More About Cat Allergies with Animal Hospital of Statesville
What are the common signs and symptoms of allergies in cats?
Some common signs and symptoms of allergies in cats include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and/or watery eyes. Coughing, wheezing, and hives or rashes can even be seen on the skin.
What aspects of my cat's health can allergies affect?
Your cat's health can be affected by allergies in many ways that reduce your pet's quality of life. Constant respiratory and/or skin irritation can lead to a reduction in your cat's energy levels and play, displays of lethargic behavior, loss of appetite, and even poor mental health. Overall, allergies are not always mild and can make a major impact on your cat's health.
What are the most common allergens that affect cats?
Cats can suffer from similar allergens as dogs, including foods, fleas, and the environment, with the main distinction being that a cat's environment is very different compared to a dog's. With cats, their environments can range from a wooded forest to a city. Some household contaminants include dust and mold, and those are some of the most common allergies that affect cats, which we tend to really not think about as often.
How can I determine if my cat has allergies?
You may suspect that your cat has allergies if they're experiencing any of the previously stated clinical signs, including sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, etc. However, these clinical signs are very common across a lot of other diseases and may mimic allergies. To determine if and what type of allergies your cat has, you should consult with your trusted veterinarian to best evaluate that.
How can I determine what my cat is allergic to?
Once your cat has been evaluated by your veterinarian, it may be recommended to pursue further testing of the skin, perform chest x-rays, and even start a hydrolyzed or novel protein diet to best determine if and what type of allergies may be present. Testing of the skin is usually done with a skin cytology, which helps to determine if your cat has an underlying skin infection prior to proceeding with a full allergy workup. Cats with allergies may tend to itch, scratch, and lick, which can damage the skin and lead to secondary infection. It is important to identify and treat that infection if it's present before further allergy testing can be pursued to avoid any error and increase accuracy. Once the infection has resolved, diligent monthly flea prevention may be recommended to rule out fleas as the main cause of the allergy. Even though some cats are labeled as indoor only, other pets and even humans can track these parasites on our clothes, which can then enter the home and affect your cat. Once flea prevention has been utilized, your veterinarian may recommend a hydrolyzed protein diet for at least 6 to 8 weeks to rule out food allergies. If all testing fails to control your cat's allergies, then your pet may suffer from an environmental allergy, in which case the next step would be to consult with a veterinary dermatologist to perform skin allergy testing.
Can cats develop allergies to their food, and how can I identify it?
Yes, your cat can develop allergies to their food. Food allergies tend to manifest over time and appear when your cat is at a very young age, usually between 1 to 3 years old. Even if you have been feeding the same food to your cat their entire life, the food could still be the culprit. The best way to identify if the allergy your cat has experienced is related to food is to consult with your trusted veterinarian, who may recommend starting a hydrolyzed or novel protein food trial.
What is the difference between environmental and food allergies in cats?
Environmental allergies tend to manifest as respiratory in nature, in which you may notice congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, and/or watery red eyes. With food allergies, reactions tend to manifest on the skin, and your cat may experience itching, licking, or chewing behavior, along with the skin appearing red, inflamed, and very irritated.
How are cat allergies treated?
Unfortunately, there are very limited treatment options for cat allergies compared to dogs. In cats, treatment for mild symptoms is similar to dogs and includes the use of over-the-counter antihistamines, saline nasal and/or eye drops, humidifiers, and lifestyle changes. With more severe allergies, there are treatment options including inhaled steroids and bronchodilators to assist in controlling asthma, and more advanced therapies like immunotherapy injections which can reduce the immune system response to that specific allergen.
Are there over-the-counter remedies for cat allergies?
The most common over-the-counter remedies for cat allergies include antihistamines like Zyrtec, Benadryl, and Claritin, along with saline and phenylephrine nasal drops, which is just saline. While these options can be beneficial, they tend to provide only temporary relief and in the long run, they really don't adequately control your pet's allergies. With over-the-counter products, you also have to worry about certain ingredients like artificial flavors and additives, which can be toxic to cats. It is usually best to avoid using these products unless you have consulted with your veterinarian.
Can allergies in cats be actually cured, or are they a lifelong issue?
That's another great question. Unfortunately, allergies in cats tend to be lifelong and cannot necessarily be cured per se, but the main goal with allergies focuses on symptomatic control rather than complete resolution.
How can I reduce allergens in my home to help my allergic cat?
Diligent frequent cleaning, laundry, vacuuming, and dusting can help your cat tremendously if they react to common household allergens. Additionally, being self-aware of what types of aerosolized products you are using and taking note of the seasons and other outdoor conditions may greatly benefit your cat. For example, avoiding opening the window when pollen levels are high can prevent triggering certain allergy flare-ups.
Can I prevent my cat from developing allergies?
Unfortunately, you cannot prevent your cat from developing allergies. The chance that your cat will develop allergies is all dependent on your pet's immune system and genetic makeup. We can try our best to avoid triggers and reduce flare-ups, but in the end, it is up to your cat's body as to whether or not they will succumb to certain allergies.
What dietary changes can help manage my cat's food allergies?
If your cat has a reaction or sensitivity to a certain food or treat, simply cut that out of the regular diet completely. There are certain diets labeled for food sensitivities, immune health, and/or sensitive skin and stomach, which can be purchased over the counter and utilized if you suspect your cat has a sensitive system. However, if your cat is allergic to the protein source, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or tuna, then as long as there is a trace of that protein in the food, even if small, the diet change may not provide any benefit at all. With any suspicion of food allergies, you should consult with your veterinarian to determine if a prescription diet may be warranted for your cat.
What should I do if my cat has a severe allergic reaction?
If your cat has a severe allergic reaction, do not hesitate to have them seen by either your primary veterinarian or an emergency care center. Allergic reactions can be very severe and even life-threatening if they're not addressed immediately. If you have questions or you think your cat has allergies, give us a call. They can set you up with an appointment to see if that's really the problem, or if we've got something else going on. But it's always good to know so you can make your cat comfortable and happy. That's the main goal.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at 704-802-1280, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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