A cat develops allergies when its immune system is hypersensitive or overreacts to foreign substances, called allergens. They can be described as foreign proteins that the cat’s immune system tries to eliminate.

Allergies in cats generally lead to skin itchiness either in one area or all over the body, issues with the respiratory system, leading to coughing, sneezing, wheezing, etc., or problems with the digestive system causing diarrhea, vomiting and flatulence. The common allergens that trigger allergic reactions in cats include certain food products, pollen, mold spores, yeast, dust and storage mites, animal or human dander, plants, treatments, home furnishings, fleas, etc.

In this blog, we delve into the causes, symptoms and best treatments for allergies in cats. Read on to find out more:

Types of Allergies in Cats

Here’s a round-up on the common types of allergies that cats are vulnerable to:

Environmental (Seasonal) Allergies

Also known as atopic dermatitis, seasonal allergies in cats generally take place due to genetic flaws in the skin barrier system, allowing an increased amount of allergens to penetrate the cat’s body and cause scratching and itching besides secondary ear and skin infections.

Causes of Environmental Allergies:

Seasonal allergies are commonly caused by the following allergens:

  • Pollen
  • Grass
  • Fungi
  • Mold
  • Dust

Symptoms of Environmental Allergies:

The most common symptoms of Environmental Allergies in cats are:

  • Itchy skin
  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Ear infection
  • Respiratory issues

Food Allergies

Cats are often allergic to certain food items which can lead to various health issues. Your vet can help you find out which food items are bothering your feline and also assist you in creating an appropriate diet for it.

Causes of Food Allergies

Food allergies in cats may commonly caused by the consumption of the following food items:

  • Animal protein like beef, chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit and eggs
  • Dairy products
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Corn
  • Yeast
  • Artificial additives

Symptoms of Food Allergies:

Following are a few of the most common symptoms of food allergies in cats:

  • Skin problems like itchiness, redness and baldness
  • Recurrent ear infections
  • Gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea and vomiting

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

When a flea bites a cat, its saliva is injected into the pet’s skin, leading to Flea Allergy Dermatitis. For the allergic reaction to develop, a cat doesn’t have to be infested with fleas, only a single bite is enough to cause it.

Cause of Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea Allergy Dermatitis in cats is caused by:

  • Flea bites

Symptoms of Flea Allergy Dermatitis

You can watch out for the following symptoms to detect Flea Allergy Dermatitis in your cat:

  • Red and inflamed skin
  • Itching
  • Hair loss
  • Biting and licking

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis in cats is an allergic reaction caused due to physical contact with allergens that causes skin inflammation and irritation.

Causes of Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis is generally induced by the following allergens:

  • Washing powder
  • Shampoo
  • Insect bites
  • Pollen
  • Plastic
  • Textiles

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

The common symptoms of Contact Dermatitis include:

  • Intense itch leading to biting, scratching or over-grooming
  • Red skin, rashes and blisters
  • Hives
  • Hair loss
  • Hyperpigmentation (Darkened skin)

How Allergies in Cats are Diagnosed?

The vet may examine your pet for fleas, perform a skin scrape or look for ear debris. They may ask for a blood test to diagnose underlying medical issues if there are any. The veterinarian may also perform a blood test to evaluate which substances your pet is allergic to. Treatment for allergies in cats will depend on the type of allergy your feline is suffering from.

Once the vet has successfully determined the cause of the allergy, they can prescribe the relevant treatments to subside it.

How to Manage Allergies in Cat?

The following steps can help you successfully manage and prevent allergies in your cat:

  • Using vet-approved flea and tick control products
  • Making sure it’s litter box is clean
  • Bathing it with a cat-specific shampoo in order to subside the itching
  • Keeping your home clean
  • Washing your cat’s bedding regularly
  • Offering a healthy diet
  • Avoiding smoking around your cat

Wrapping Up

Allergies in cats can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know which allergens are triggering your cat. If your feline shows symptoms of allergies, you should reach out to your veterinarian who will help you determine if the symptoms are due to some illness or allergies. In case of an allergic reaction, your pet will be prescribed the relevant treatments for it to subside.

At PetCareSupplies, we carry a wide range of treatments and products designed to subside allergies in cats. Check out our online store today to get your hands on your preferred products at the best prices.