Allergies in cats are one of the most common reasons for visits to veterinary offices. Sometimes they run their course in a mild, almost imperceptible way, but they can also be very troublesome, negatively affecting our pet’s quality of life. What is worth knowing about them?
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What are the symptoms of allergies in cats?
In cats we can distinguish both food allergies and skin allergies, including atopic dermatitis. It is not uncommon for us to deal with the innate tendency of a particular organism and the production of antibodies even to low concentrations of allergens. This happens to both pedigree cats and dachshunds. What symptoms do we observe in our pets? Pimple-like pimples and sores appear, from which fluid oozes. Cats experience increased itching of the skin, scratching intensively and biting around the paws, groin or back. Allergies can be accompanied by conjunctivitis, allergic symptoms involving the nose and even bronchial asthma. There are many types of allergens and many treatments available – so it’s worth knowing the cause of our cat’s malaise in the first place.
Allergic flea dermatitis or APZS
This is a very common skin condition. Symptoms intensify in summer and last until late autumn. Even if we don’t see fleas on our cat’s body, they can be found among the thick fur, and their venom causes a severe allergic reaction. Treatment of AZPS focuses mainly on fighting the parasites. We can choose from a variety of anti-flea products on the market – it can be a cat collar, an aerosol, or a spray to be put on the skin. However, just getting rid of pests will not solve the allergy problem. You should also desensitize your cat with anti-inflammatory steroid agents.
Atopic dermatitis in cats
Atopic dermatitis in cats is most often related to inhalant allergens – these can be mites, tree and grass pollen, fungi or epidermis. The first symptoms of allergy are already shown by small cats, between 6 and 24 months of age. Symptoms most often appear on the skin in the form of itching, but can also occur on the respiratory side, for example, as sneezing or asthma. To minimize unpleasant symptoms, contact between the cat and the allergen should be avoided as much as possible. When the allergy involves ear infections and conjunctivitis, special eye drops for the cat are used. Desensitization and therapy, which involves the use of antihistamines, antipruritic drugs and steroids, is also an effective method.
Allergies food allergies in cats
Food allergies can produce similar symptoms to AD. Localized alopecia, inflammation of the fingertips or inflammation of the lips are also common. The cat may even lose hair from all over the body, and wounds may become fungal or bacterial infected. Food allergy is also not uncommonly manifested by diarrhea and vomiting. What is it caused by? Among other things, products intended for humans. Often allergens are also eggs, pork liver or cereals, which dry cat food often has in its composition. If we have ruled out other causes of pruritus, such as fleas or parasites, it is worth using an elimination diet. It can be based mainly on lamb or rabbit meat, which is the least allergenic. If we suspect that our cat may be allergic to cow’s milk, it is worth checking that the wet cat food we buy does not have lactose in its composition. You can also find special allergy foods on the market that contain protein hydrolysates.
Allergy contact allergy in a cat
This type of allergy is quite easy to recognize, since it gives an immediate reaction due to contact with the allergen. A lesion on the skin may appear at the site of contact and leads to persistent scratching, licking of the affected areas or hair loss. Exposed to this type of allergy are pets that have rubber cat toys without approval. The chemical compounds in the composition can cause a very strong immune reaction. Other accessories, such as a cat bed, litter box or cat harness, can also cause a direct allergic reaction. In this case, it is best to eliminate anything that can cause unpleasant symptoms. It is also recommended to buy items with which our pet has direct contact – such as cat scratchers or cat clothes only from trusted manufacturers. They should be designed for pets and have special approvals.
Allergy in a cat can make a pet’s life miserable and cause anxiety in its owner owner. If possible, it is necessary to eliminate as soon as possible allergen from the cat’s environment. We can also perform subcutaneous tests in the pet and apply additional desensitizing therapies.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.
