Types of Allergies In Cats
People usually worry about how cat fur will negatively affect their own allergies, but it can be easy to forget that cats have their own issues due to a large increase in chemicals airborne pollutants, seasonal changes, general environmental changes, parasites,…etc. Cats are often at risk for allergies of some sort.
If you own a cat, it’s very important to note and recognize its allergy symptoms. The sooner you’re able to get a read on the situation, the sooner your cat can receive professional care.
The longer you have your cat the easier it will be to tell when something is simply not right.
In this article, we will tell you how to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction and also detailing 8 of the most common causes.
We will also briefly detail basic preventive measures which can help to ensure that your cat returns to its healthy and happy self in no time.
Key Allergy Symptoms
Every cat is different, but there are some core symptoms that you can look for.
Watch for these signs while monitoring your cat carefully if one or more symptoms are present. Knowing what you’re looking for is half the battle.
Cat Allergy Symptoms
Common allergies in cats symptoms can include:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Increased desire to scratch, or chronic scratching
- Runny nose.
- Watery eyes.
- Scratching or chewing the base of the tail.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Harsh vocal tones
- Meowing with a rough or D tone.
- Snoring.
- Inflamed caused due to chewing.
Although most of these symptoms are minor in nature from an individual standpoint it’s the collective that can present a problem, because allergies rarely display just one symptom. Watching for all of these issues is so very important.
What are the most common allergies that cats face?
Cats can and often do suffer a great deal when it comes to allergies. The good news is that the majority of allergic reactions can be easily defined treated and ultimately prevented.
Many allergies can be treated, thanks to subtle environmental changes and exposures. Something as simple as changing your cat’s water or food bowl or the improvement of the air quality within your home can change your cat’s health entirely.
In many cases it’s all about creating the best living space possible for your feline.
Identify treat and prevent, those are the keys to healthy living.
Types Of Allergies In Cats
Let’s explore 8 of the most common allergic reactions that cats can endure.
1) Fleas
Aggressive biting, licking, and itching are often the signs of a flea allergy and outbreak.
Extensive grooming along the neck, stomach thighs, and base of the back, and tail are also indicators that fleas are getting the best of your cat.
Scratching that leads to bleeding is also a symptom.
Is your cat having difficulty settling down, difficulty relaxing? if so this is unfortunately another red flag.
Thankfully, for your pet’s sake as well as your own long-term medication and flea repellent can work wonders to control this health concern.
Taking your cat to the vet is also paramount, having your feline professionally treated is very important this will ensure the best and safest results.
2) Home Allergens
Home allergens or indoor allergens can cause a great deal of stress and discomfort for your cat, dust mites mold and a variety of other triggers can spark an allergic reaction.
symptoms such as biting, licking, and physically aggressive grooming are the trademark signs.
You can resolve the issue of indoor allergens by cleaning your home in a thorough and detailed fashion.
A clean home free of allergens is ideal for both pets and humans alike. cleaner air is a winner regardless of your household occupants .
Treatment and preventative options include:
- Vacuuming your home on a weekly basis.
- Wiping your cat with a wet or damp cloth regularly.
- Treating your cats allergies with a vet prescribed medication.
This will help your feline manage its current symptoms until a cleaner living environment is available.
3) Food
The ingredients in your cat’s food can cause an allergic reaction, this is especially true if you have recently changed food brands.
Dry and itchy skin, ear and skin infection, and diarrhea and vomiting are often the common symptoms.
If you believe that your cats recent illness is directly related to a dietary change, then you should eliminate the food source as soon as possible. It only takes one ingredient to create a problem.
Go back to your cat’s old food and see how it affects your feline, see how your feline responds, if you are still unsure take your pet to the vet for a full examination.
Some cats will be placed on a hypoallergenic diet or given specialty foods by a veterinarian until the problem clears.
4) Plastic Serving Bowls
Piggybacking on the topic of food, your cats food and/or water bowl could spark an allergic reaction. acne around the face and chin can be the result of your cat coming in direct contact on a routine basis
with a problematic bowl.
If you are concerned that your cat’s bowl is causing a health problem it’s important to switch out plastic for a different material.
Give ceramic a try, ceramic bowls are typically easier to clean and a bit sturdier in most cases.
5) Fragrances
Chemical fragrances of all types can produce an allergic reaction in your cat. While air sprays and carpet fresheners and strong scented litter are just a few of the worst offenders. Cologne and perfume can also be problematic.
The symptoms of sneezing and itchy and watery eyes are common, if you notice these symptoms after you’ve sprayed air freshener or body spray, for example, there’s a good chance that the scent is doing a number on your cat.
Using chemical fragrances sparingly and going for the unscented variety whenever possible can help to improve your cat’s breathing
6) Medications
If your cat is taking medicine for an existing condition or to prevent an element from occurring, the
medicine itself can cause your feline to experience an allergic reaction in some instances.
Although rare, symptoms such as fever, vomiting, itching, and hives can develop.
Many times, symptoms are directly related to the medication itself and whether it’s oral or topical.
Allergic reaction to medication can be severe if the issue is not remedied in a timely fashion.
Difficulty breathing and collapse is possible, we urge you to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible if your feline is in the midst of an allergic reaction caused by medication
7) Pollen
Although pollen is a seasonal allergy, they can do real harm to us humans. Cats are also quite
susceptible to this allergen.
Symptoms of aggressive licking chewing a fur and skin scratching uncommon areas and visible skin damage such as scabs under the fur, are all common reactions from an allergic reaction to pollen.
If you are concerned that your feline does indeed have a pollen allergy, your vet can conduct a blood and skin examination. If an allergy has been confirmed your pet will receive positive treatments that can quell most symptoms.
- Keeping your cat indoors during high pollen percentage days and having clean air flowing through your home can serve your cat very well.
- Additionally bathing your cat with a damp cloth is also a positive measure as a cloth can help to remove any trapped pollen that is resting on your cat’s skin or hiding under your feline’s fur.
8) Cigarette Smoke
The dangers of cigarette smoke are it’s real for cats as they are for humans. The risk of asthma, cancer,
nicotine poisoning and other respiratory issues are unfortunately in the plague.
The longer smoke lingers in your home and the longer you own your cat the more the health of your feline is at risk.
If you or someone in your home smokes, take it outside respectfully, simply stepping onto your porch, backyard, sidewalk, etc can drastically improve your living space, not only for your cat but for everyone else residing in your home,this includes guests that come to visit.
Clean air is healthy air, this applies for both humans and pets.
The last thing you want is for your cat to fall victim to a major health condition that you unfortunately created.
Take responsible actions to spare your feline from your own risky health behaviors.
You owe it to your cat as an accountable owner while treatments will obviously vary depending on your cat’s age.
General health and the cause of the allergy itself the basics for diagnosis typically comes from an allergy test which will be performed by a vet. Once an allergy is confirmed your vet will direct the steps moving forward in terms of personal care and what you can do to treat your cat.
Prevention is critical, you have the potential to avoid treatment entirely if your cat’s issue can be eliminated completely.
As mentioned earlier, weekly vacuuming is critical as well as regular flea treatment.
The use of unscented products especially litter clean bedding and a regular bath while these steps seem quite obvious they can often become neglected due to the daily flow of life.
A word of advice
As an owner, it can be difficult to find time to complete these tasks because you have your own busy
schedule to fulfill.
Simply make note of these requirements, if you see them every day, written in your phone for example, you will always be more mindful of the environment and physical care that
you’re pet requires.