How To Help A Cat With Seasonal Allergies

My Cat Is Allergic To Fleas: What Do I Do

You might not have guessed it, but cats can get fleas just as frequently as dogs do. In fact, flea bite hypersensitivity, or flea allergy dermatitis in cats, is the most common skin disease. There is even a specific species of flea called the cat flea, which is actually the flea that is most often responsible for the allergies found in dogs as well.

If a cat is allergic to fleas, he will scratch, bite, and lick at the bites that may be all over his body, which can be quite a bothersome condition, making life very uncomfortable for your furry feline friend. When cats are allergic, this incessant scratching and licking can lead to skin inflammation in cats, hair loss, and sores that make your pet more susceptible to developing secondary infections.

In order to provide your cat with some relief, you will have to take steps to remove the fleas from your cats environment, which may be easier said than done. This post is going to look into how to relieve the symptoms of a cat allergic to fleas and arm you with the right information you need to fight your cats flea infestation. Youll know what signs to look for as well as how to properly treat a flea allergy so you and your cat can go back to enjoying your lives together.

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When To See A Vet About Your Cats Allergies

If youve done everything to reduce your cats exposure toseasonal allergens, and youre still seeing signs of irritation, schedule avisit to a vet to discuss possible medications or rule out other issues like aninfection or immune deficiency.

Sometimes a few lifestyle changes can be the differencebetween a sneezy feline and a happy, healthy cat! Looking for more cat care tips?Get advice from our team of experts or even submit cat care questions to Dear Tabby forpersonalized answers.

Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms And Care

Does Your Cat Have a Skin Allergy?

Are you concerned about changes in your cat’s skin or coat? Hair loss, sores, or red spots could be signs that your pet has an uncomfortable skin allergy. Your favorite feline’s veterinarian offers treatments that will stop itching and inflammation and prevent future allergy flare-ups.

What Are Skin Allergies?

Skin allergies happen when your cat comes in contact with, eats, or breathes in an allergen. Allergens aren’t inherently dangerous or toxic. In fact, they’re harmless things like pollen, saliva, dust, or food. Unfortunately, your pet’s immune system mistakenly treats allergens as dangerous threats to your cat’s health. Once an allergy is detected, your cat’s immune system produces antibodies that attack the substance. Histamines, natural chemicals released during an allergy attack, cause allergy symptoms ranging from itchy skin to watery eyes.

Signs of Skin Allergies in Cats

Itching is a common skin allergy symptom in cats. In an attempt to stop the itch, your cat may resort to scratching, frequent grooming or biting the itchy areas. Eventually, grooming and scratching can lead to hair loss and bald spots.

Scratching and biting may also cause open sores on your pet’s body, which can be difficult to see through your cat’s hair. Does your cat flinch when you pet it? You might have accidentally touched an open sore or scab. Sores and inflamed red skin can occur anywhere on your pet’s body but are most obvious on the face.

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How To Keep A Cat If You Are Allergic To Cats

This article was co-authored by Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI. Dr. Alan O. Khadavi is a Board Certified Allergist and a Pediatric Allergy Specialist based in Los Angeles, California. He holds a BS in biochemistry from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and an MD from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. Dr. Khadavi completed his pediatric residency at Schneider Childrens Hospital in New York, and then went on to complete his allergy and immunology fellowship and pediatric residency at Long Island College Hospital. He is board certified in adult and pediatric allergy/immunology. Dr. Khadavi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology , and a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology . Dr. Khadavis honors include Castle Connollys list of Top Doctors 2013-2020, and Patient Choice Awards Most Compassionate Doctor in 2013 & 2014. This article has been viewed 16,939 times.

Cats make great pets, but if youre allergic to cats, keeping one is a bit more complicated. Allergies to cats are caused by proteins in the cats sloughed off skin cells, called dander, and its saliva. By maintaining an optimal environment that reduces your exposure to cat dander and saliva, as well as taking measures to keep your allergies under control, you can keep a cat successfully even if youre allergic to it.

Understand Your Pet Allergies

It is important to see a doctor and be tested to determine what allergies you actually have. You may find that you’re allergic to something else and not your pet at all! For example, you may assume that you are allergic to your beloved dog, only to find out through an allergy test that you’re actually allergic to a specific tree pollen that got on his fur during a walk together, and that’s actually what’s bothering you.

If an allergy test shows that you are allergic to your pet, it is important to understand what causes your allergic reaction to them. There are allergy-triggering proteins called allergens in saliva and skin glands that cling to an animal’s dry skin and fur. The fur and dander then stick to walls, carpets and clothing.

The reaction of someone to these allergens is different from one person to the next. The reaction may range from mild sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening asthma. The reaction can be made worse if a person is additionally exposed to other things he is allergic too, such as pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and mold.

Whether someone has an allergic reaction depends on both the individual person and the individual animal. A person with animal allergies may react less to dogs with soft, constantly growing hair, or one specific cat or dog may cause more or less of an allergic reaction than another animal of that same breed.

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Treatment Of Pollen Allergies In Cats

Pollen allergies are usually treated either conservatively or with a variety of prescription medicines, depending on the severity of symptoms. If your cat suffers from mild discomfort seasonally, your vet may advise to keep your pet indoors in order to limit exposure to pollen. If your cats symptoms are severe, your vet may prescribe medicines known as antihistamines. These drugs act by inhibiting the immune response to allergens. Long-term use of antihistamines may result in your cats system adapting and the drug no longer being effective. They can also potentially impact your cats liver and kidney health.

Worried about the cost of Pollen Allergies treatment?

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Get Rid Of Rugs And Carpets

Even with regular vacuuming, rugs and carpets can harbor cat dander and contribute to allergy attacks. Rolling up rugs can be an immediate solution, and replacing carpets with options like hardwood, laminate or tile will cut down on the amount of dander in your home more permanently. If youre attached to soft flooring, try sticking to area rugs and having them cleaned on a regular basis. That way cat dander wont have an opportunity to build up too much in the carpet fibers.

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Seasonal Allergies In Cats: Symptoms And Prevention

Its springtime again with the world beginning to come alive. Flowers are starting to bloom, trees are budding, and grass is coming back to life. Did you know that your beloved feline friend can be susceptible to seasonal allergies just like humans? Airborne environmental allergens including pollen, mold and dust mites can affect cats too!

Cat Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

The following signs are good indicators of seasonal allergies in cats.

• Excessive scratching, licking or chewing
• Red patches on skin

Cat seasonal allergy symptoms are extremely similar to allergy symptoms from other types of allergens, like food or fleas, so its important to take your cat to the vet if shes displaying the above signs to get a proper diagnosis.

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Why Is My Cat Itching And Licking So Much

The most common reason for your pet to be excessively itching, scratching, and licking themselves is due to an allergy. There are different types of allergies with the top 4 being reactions to fleas, environmental allergens, food, and contact allergies. It can be challenging to diagnose the exact cause of the allergy.

What Is Pollen Allergy

Among the most common allergies in cats as well as humans, pollens are small particles involved in plant germination. Pollen is mostly an issue in spring and summer though may be present in the fall as well. An environmental allergen, pollen wont usually cause the excessive sneezing and coughing in your cat that it does in humans.

The pollen will fall on their fur, ears and foot pads and will be absorbed into their skin through those areas. This will lead to your cat biting, licking and scratching themselves a lot as they try to relieve some of the itchiness they are feeling. These actions can lead to their losing hair and developing scabs and ear infections.

When a cat is experiencing an allergy to pollen, whether it is inhaled or gets on their skin, it is the result of their immune system overreacting to the irritant.

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Can I Give My Cat Benadryl For Allergies

Many dogs are given Benadryl to help them fend off allergic reactions. But is this drug safe for cats too? It is safe, says John Faught, a DVM and medical director of the Firehouse Animal Health Center in Austin, Texas. Benadryl is just an antihistamine, and its relatively safe for both dogs and cats.

Avoid Contact With The Main Allergen Sources

Once you know for sure what kind of allergy your cat has, you know how to help her feel better.

Here are a few tips:

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Cat Pollen Allergy: What To Do If Your Cat Is Allergic To Pollen

Can you tell the symptoms of pollen allergy in your cat? Learn them now and also what you can do to help her deal with this easier!

With humans, allergies are a common thing. Everybody knows someone, who suffers from hay fever at some time during the year. It may come as a surprise to many that our feline friends can also suffer from cat pollen allergy. And while there is no permanent cure for the pollen allergies in cats, there are certain things you can do to help your cat. Whether youre a first-time cat parent or not, find out what works best for your kitty!

Seasonal Allergies In Cats

The immune system works to provide a defensive response in the body when any harmful material such as bacteria or parasites enter. Sometimes the immune system misidentifies non-harmful molecules such as pollens, thinking they are a threat to the body, so they release histamine and trigger a defensive response. The resulting inflammation is known as an allergic reaction. You and your cat can end up feeling miserable.

Unlike humans who usually experience respiratory issues, seasonal allergies typically manifest as a condition known as atopic dermatitis in felines. Your cat will likely not develop a runny nose, itchy eyes and watery sinuses like you would. Instead, you may see signs of allergies on the skin or coat. The longer your furry friend is exposed to the allergen, the worse the reaction becomes.

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Find The Source Of The Allergy

Your veterinarianâs allergy test says your cat is allergic to a plant that doesnât grow anywhere near you? But your cat still shows symptoms of a severe allergic reaction?

In order to protect your kitty from a cat pollen allergy, you need to know where she is going on her daily trips.

Maybe your catâs outdoor excursions take her to places youâre not aware of. Of course, not all places are safe for your cat. Some places can put your cat in danger.

Where Are Pet Allergens Found

Cat and dog allergens are everywhere. Cat allergens are especially sticky. Pet allergens can be found in homes, classrooms, workplaces, and other places where pets have never been. This is because people can carry pet allergens on their clothing.

Pet allergens can collect on furniture and other surfaces. The allergens may cling to walls, fabric furniture, and clothing. They can stick to carpets, pillows, and other surfaces. They may remain at high levels for several months. Pet allergens can cause symptoms up to six months after the animal is gone, especially cat allergens.

Allergens can get into the air when you pet or groom an animal. Once allergens have settled, they can be stirred into the air again. This can happen during dusting, vacuuming, or other household activities. Once airborne, the particles can stay in the air for long periods.

Because animal allergens are everywhere, it can be challenging to manage your symptoms if you have a severe allergy.

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Causes Of Cat Allergies

Feline allergies can generally be broken down into a few different categories: food allergies flea allergies. seasonal allergies and environmental allergies.

If your kitty has food allergies, it means she has a negative reaction to certain ingredients in her food. Flea allergies can occur if your feline has an allergic reaction to flea bites.

Common culprits of seasonal allergies include mold, pollen, grass, fungi, and dust. Environmental allergies are similar, though they can occur year-round if your kitty is allergic to certain medications or substances such as cleaning products and certain fabrics.

Testing For Cat Food Allergies

If your cat is still itchy after treating their infection and using a monthly flea preventive, the next step is to test for a food allergy. Unlike people, there is no blood test for food allergies in cats. To figure out if your cat has an allergy to food, your veterinarian will prescribe either a novel protein diet or a hypoallergenic diet.

• A novel protein diet is one with a protein source that your cat has never had before. Venison, rabbit, and duck are common novel protein sources.

• A hypoallergenic diet is a food in which the protein source is broken down into small molecular pieces so that the body can no longer recognize it as a protein. Think of a puzzle that has an image of a pirate ship. When you take the puzzle apart, you can no longer see the pirate ship.

To diagnose a food allergy, your cat will need to be on the prescribed diet for a minimum of two months without eating anything but that diet. If the diet trial is effective, the next step is to add a new protein source to the food for one to two weeks.

If there is no reaction, we can assume that protein is not causing the allergy if there is a reaction, we know that your cat is allergic to that protein and it must be avoided. Occasionally, some cats must stay on the prescription diet for life to manage their food allergy.

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When Should You See A Veterinarian

If you have done all you could to reduce your cats exposure to seasonal allergies but continue to see signs of irritation, pay us a visit at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in the Kirkland area. We may recommend a topical solution for itching, or in severe cases, prescription may be needed to lessen the inflammatory response caused by the histamine in your kittys body. We understand that it’s hard to see your cat miserable and uncomfortable. We will work with you to make sure you have a cat thats purr-fectly happy and healthy all year long!

How Are Cat Allergies Diagnosed

The first step in easing your cats discomfort is obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes identifying the culprit allergen requires a controlled experiment. For example, if you suspect that a cat that compulsively scratches at its ears and head is allergic to a newly introduced food containing fish, you can replace the food with a seafood-free variety and see whether the behavior persists. Other allergies are harder to diagnose without a veterinarians help. You vet can perform skin tests using trace amounts of range of suspected allergens to determine which one is causing your cats symptoms.

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