How To Treat Kitten Allergies

What Is Contact Allergy And How Is It Treated

Contact allergies are the least common of the four types of allergies in cats.

“They result in a local reaction on the skin from contact with an allergic substance.”

They result in a local reaction on the skin from contact with an allergic substance. Examples of contact allergy include reactions to shampoos, flea collars, or certain types of bedding, such as wool. If the cat is allergic to such substances, there will be skin irritation and itching at the points of contact. Removal of the contact irritant solves the problem. However, identifying the allergen can be challenging in many cases.

How To Deal With Cat Food Allergies

This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 11,661 times.

It can be stressful for both you and your cat if they have a food allergy. If you notice possible allergy symptoms, take your cat to the vet for a diagnosis. Then, you can work with your vet to ease the symptoms and begin making dietary changes. This might seem overwhelming at first, but with some adjustments, you and your cat will both likely be feeling better soon!

What Is Flea Allergy And How Is It Treated

Flea allergy is the most common allergy in cats.

In spite of common belief, a normal cat experiences only minor skin irritation in response to fleabites. On the other hand, a cat with flea allergies has a severe reaction to even a single fleabite. This reaction is an allergic response to proteins or antigens present in the flea’s saliva. When a flea bites a cat to consume a blood meal, some of its saliva is injected into the skin. Just one fleabite may cause such intense itching that the cat may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair. There will often be open sores or scabs on the skin, resulting in a secondary bacterial skin infection . The area most commonly involved is over the rump or base of the tail. In addition, the cat may have numerous small scabs around the head and neck. These scabs are often referred to as miliary dermatitis, a term that was coined because the scabs look like millet seeds .

“This reaction is an allergic response to proteins or antigens present in the flea’s saliva.”

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Is Food Allergy Common In Cats

There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the individual cat. Some cats may be more prone to food allergies than others, but there is no definitive way to say if this is a common problem in the feline population as a whole. If you are concerned that your cat may have a food allergy, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian to get a professional opinion.

Food allergies in dogs and cats can affect the color of their coat, age, and breed. Beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, eggs, corn, and soy are the most common foods that dogs have allergies to. In cats, dairy products, in particular, are notorious for producing high levels of fat. Skin reactions to food allergies are the most common. It may take a long time for a dog to be diagnosed with food allergies. Because your pet requires two years to develop an allergy, eating entirely new ingredients will always be effective. If you notice severe itching around your pets head, especially around his or her eyes, he or she may have developed an allergic reaction to food.

Signs And Symptoms Of Allergies In Cats

No matter the allergen, Evans says that allergic reactions in cats can share a lot of the same symptoms. Symptoms of allergies in cats include:

• Red, irritated skin
• Chewing, biting, or licking at the paws

Wondering how to know if your cat has a cold or allergies? Unlike a kitty cold, “cats with allergies tend to have skin issues whereas upper respiratory infections stay within the nose and eyes,” Evans says. When it comes to asthma, differentiating between an allergy attack and an asthma attack can be tricky. That’s because some forms of asthma can be triggered by an allergen, but the hallmark of an asthma attack is difficulty exhaling accompanied by wheezing sounds.

The bottom line, if your cat is displaying any unusual behavior or signs, she should see her vet for a check-up.

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Most Common Cat Allergens

Flea saliva is by far the most common cat allergen.

Cats can also have hypersensitivity reactions to mosquito and other insect bites, but this is less common than flea bite hypersensitivity.

The next most common allergy is environmental allergies.

In dogs, this is generally termed atopy or atopic dermatitis, but in cats its usually called non-food, non-flea hypersensitivity dermatitis.

This is an allergen to things in the environment- pollen, cleaning products, weeds, trees, dust mites, dander, and cigarette smoke are all possible allergens your cat might have a hypersensitivity reaction to.

Food allergies make up about 1-5% of skin disease cases in cats.

Food allergies are built up over time- a cat can have eaten chicken-based food his whole life and still develop an allergy to chicken!

The most common food allergies in cats are beef, chicken and fish- all of which are common in feline diets.

Bathe Your Cat To Keep Them Clean

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Cats With Food Allergies

Food allergies are a common problem for cats. Before a cat develops an allergy to a food ingredient, it must have been exposed to it. Skin problems, GI issues, and anaphylactic shock are just a few of the symptoms of cat food allergies. In cats, food allergies can cause clinical symptoms as soon as two years after the cat has first developed symptoms.

How To Treat Food Allergies In Cats

A vet will test for food allergies in your cat by putting them on a carefully planned elimination diet. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, diagnosis often requires “repeated systematic testing,” as there may be multiple allergens affecting your cat. Cats are typically put on a “novel diet” where they are only fed protein from sources that they haven’t been exposed to before. This usually lasts for around 10 weeks, during which time the symptoms should disappear. Foods from the cat’s old diet are gradually reintroduced to pinpoint which ingredients cause flare-ups.

As there is no cure for food allergies, you can only treat this issue by ensuring that your cat does not eat what it’s allergic to. Once you have the results from the testing, you can work with your vet to come up with an eating plan for your cat that doesn’t contain any allergens. Vet charity PDSA points out that absolutely no other food should be given to your cat, once a safe eating plan has been decided. Ensure that the cat can’t access human food around the house, and be aware that even cat treats can contain traces of ingredients that may be harmful.

Though the process of diagnosing and managing a feline food allergy can be stressful, it’s worth it to improve your cat’s quality of life.

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Allergies To Cats: Symptoms Treatment And Causes

Although our feline friends are so fondly regarded that theyre found in an amazing one third of all households, cats are also the leading driver of pet allergies in the US.

Contrary to popular belief, cat dander and saliva rather than fur are behind most allergies to cats.

Avoiding cats altogether is the best way to minimize symptoms, but even then, there are no guarantees. With more than eighty-five million cats in US homes and nearly as many strays, just being out in public may expose you to enough cat dander so its important to be aware of what you can do about it.

The good news is, if you like spending time around cats, or simply want to get on with your day to day without experiencing symptoms, preventative measures and treatment can help reduce or relieve symptoms.

This might allow you to enjoy Fluffys company again going forward or at least not worry about it.

How Cat Allergies Are Diagnosed

There are two ways to test for any allergy, including to cats: skin testing and blood tests. There are two types of skin allergy tests. A skin prick test and an intradermal skin test. Both tests give fast results and tend to cost less than blood tests.

Certain medications can interfere with skin testing, so talk to your doctor about which test is best for you. Skin testing is usually done by an allergist due to the possibility of severe reactions during testing.

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Allergy Medicine Guide For Pet Allergy

Nasal rinse: Using a saline nose rinse can help cut down mucus and rinse pollen out of your nose. Remember to use these as directed.

Nose sprays: Corticosteroid nose sprays are effective and have few side effects. They treat the swelling and inflammation in your nose. Antihistamine nasal sprays such as Astelin and Patanase are also effective options.

Eye drops: Allergy eye drops can be very helpful in managing eye allergy symptoms. They can relieve burning sensation, itchiness, redness, increased tearing, and swelling. Common eye drops include SYSTANE® ZADITOR®, Optivar, and Pataday®. In addition, artificial tears can be helpful.

Antihistamines: Antihistamines come in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form. They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce a runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal stuffiness. Look for a long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine.

: Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or drops. They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve stuffiness. They generally are only used for a short time . Check with your doctor before using decongestants if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, or trouble urinating.

Leukotriene modifiers : This medicine can help by blocking chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction.

If I Want to Keep My Pet, Can I Take Steps to Reduce My Pet Allergy?

Reduce your exposure to pet allergens.

Clean and reduce allergens in your home.

Can I Get Rid Of The Fel D1 Around Me

No, you can never get rid of it completely. Fel d1 protein allergens are so small and lightweight that they become airborne the second they leave a cats body. Within minutes they can travel many yards. Because theyre sticky, they cling to any fabric surface upholstery, clothing, even towels and bed linen. From there, they are inhaled or absorbed through human skin pores.

The resulting symptoms vary. The most common are puffy, red eyes that tear and burn, runny nose and sneezing. Less common symptoms can include coughing, headache, itchy skin, rashes, exhaustion, shortness of breath, or even joint pain.

Aware that you can never be 100% successful, aim to reduce the amount of Fed d1 in your home. Because reducing it will probably offer real relief. There are various cat allergy remedies available. The most effective, of course, is to give up your pet cat. But for loving owners, thats never going to fly. So decide to keep your pet but create a plan that lets you reduce the amount allergen the animal leaves behind. And stick with it.

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What Is Inhalant Allergy Or Atopy

Inhalant allergy or atopy is not well understood in cats. In dogs and humans, atopic dermatitis generally refers to allergic reactions to environmental allergens such as pollens, grasses, molds, mildew, and house dust mites).

“Most cats that have an inhalant allergy are allergic to several allergens.”

Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens. However, others are with us all the time, such as molds, mildew, and house dust mites. When humans inhale these allergens, we express the allergy as a respiratory problem. In humans, atopy is also sometimes called ‘hay fever’. The cat’s primary reaction to atopy is severe, generalized itching.

Most cats that have an inhalant allergy are allergic to several allergens. If the number of allergens is small and they are seasonal, itching may last for just a few weeks at a time during one or two periods of the year. If the number of allergens is large or they are present year-round, the cat may itch constantly.

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Cats have sensitive skin, and they have a keen sense of smell. This sensitivity is also the reason why cats are prone to allergies. If you see recurring symptoms, it may be that your pet is not afflicted with a medical illness, but rather with an allergy.

Here are some common symptoms you should watch out for.

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Reduce The Inflammation And Soothe The Itch

All cats that suffer from allergic skin disease are very itchy. At the first visit, your veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to alleviate the itch and inflammation in the skin.

For all skin diseases, bathing your cat can help to reduce inflammation and soothe their skin. Since most cats dont like baths, you may want to try a product like a mousse or a dry shampoo for cats that can clean your cat while avoiding water. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the right product for your cat.

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Symptoms Of An Allergy To Cats

The symptoms of a cat allergy are typically similar to those of other allergies such as hay fever1, as well as the common cold or flu1.

The best way to tell if your symptoms are from a cat allergy or a cold is when they occur1. If they only flare up when you’re around fluffy animals, the chances are it’s an allergic reaction to cats, not a cold1.

Within minutes of exposure to dander, or just seconds in some cases, sneezing may start, then a sudden runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

Ongoing nasal stuffiness, sinus pressure over the eyes or cheeks and an itchy throat can follow.

The most common symptoms of a cat allergy include1:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Hives raised, red patches on the skin

If you have asthma, your symptoms may also trigger2:

• Difficulty breathing
• An audible whistling or wheezing when exhaling
• Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

Monitor The Pollen Count

Treehugger / Lesly Junieth

Dr. Drew Weigner, a board-certified feline veterinary specialist and owner of The Cat Doctor in Atlanta, notices more clients seeking relief for their feline friends when the high pollen count rises. But he adds that few cats actually suffer from seasonal allergies they simply sneeze more due to physical irritation from pollen. If you notice excessive sneezing, monitor the allergy forecast in your area and keep cats inside when pollen piles up outside.

To reduce the amount of pollen tracked into your home, remove shoes at the door or invest in a thick welcome mat.

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Making Changes To Your Cat’s Diet