Enter a keyword below to search for articles and products.
Humans aren’t the only ones affected by allergies. Like you, your adult cat can suffer from allergic reactions to any number of things in the air, on her skin and in her food. Allergies must be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian, but first you must know what to look for.
Four of the most common types of allergies that might affect your cat are inhalant, food, contact and flea allergies.
Inhalant allergies in cats are caused by the same common allergens that affect you: dust, grass, trees, mold, pollen, ragweed and so on. They can be seasonal or persistent, and while some breeds may experience the same sniffly, sneezy symptoms humans often suffer, skin reactions are most common. Inhalant allergies can often be treated with the same medications you take, but please don’t treat your cat’s allergies without veterinary supervision.
Food allergies in cats can be the most difficult to diagnose and manage. Treatment involves a hit-or-miss approach involving a restricted diet and the gradual reintroduction of possible allergens to determine the culprit. Skin reactions to food allergies are common in cats, but frequent vomiting or diarrhea also can be a sign. Keep in mind that if your cat’s diet changes (or she just ate something she wasn’t supposed to), she may experience an episode of vomiting or diarrhea. This doesn’t necessarily mean your cat has an allergy. Watch and see if it becomes a persistent problem before scheduling a trip to the vet.
You might be surprised to learn that most cats are only vaguely bothered by fleas. But those that are allergic can suffer — and so can their owners. Contact and flea allergies generally cause skin irritation in cats and are treated topically. Cats with contact and flea allergies often chew their skin raw, leading to hair loss, odor and infection, so fastidious flea control is a must.
The most common allergy symptoms in cats are skin reactions, regardless of the cause, and they can appear at any age. Just because your cat didn’t have allergies as a kitten doesn’t mean she won’t have them as an adult. If your cat suffers from any of the following symptoms, take her to the vet for a consultation:
Allergies can vary from cat to cat, so it is important that you work with your vet to make sure your cat gets the best possible treatment. You’ll both be happier as a result.
Cats are creatures of habit and can resist diet change. It's important to completely stop feeding your cat from the table. This is best accomplished by removing the cat from the kitchen during mealtimes. Be persistent when offering dry food. Your cat may refuse to eat for several meals before deciding to give the food a try. Heating food in the microwave increases the aroma of the food and will often entice a cat to eat. Another alternative is to try mixing some wet food with the dry food, or topping it with a sauce or gravy specifically formulated for pets. Be assured that your cat eats to meet an energy need and will eventually begin to eat unless there is an underlying medical issue.
Keep in mind that your cat's stool should be small and firm. Most cases of constipation are temporary and due to dietary interruptions. Loose stools also are often temporary and can be due to dietary interruptions, as well as many other things, including an abrupt change in diet, overeating, parasites, medication, eating table scraps, viral or bacterial infections, and stress. If constipation or diarrhea persists, however, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
