What Causes Allergies In Cats
According to a 2018 report from Banfield Pet Hospital, cats are vulnerable to three types of allergies: food, fleas, and environmental substances . To complicate matters, some unfortunate cats may have multiple allergies at once.
Tracking down the source of your cats specific allergy can get tedious and expensive. To simplify, start with your vet. They can help you figure out exactly what is making your cat sick. Once you know whats causing the problem, you can get to work on your cats recovery.
The Banfield study found that allergic reactions to fleas and to chemicals in the environment are on the rise, while food allergies are stableand relatively uncommon, affecting only about 0.1 percent of cats. The study, based on 500,000 cats seen at Banfield clinics in the previous year, concluded that food allergies in our pets are uncommon, and other causes of certain skin conditions should be investigated before pursuing a food allergy diagnosis.
We talked with Dr. Bruce Kornreich, Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center, who told us that when cats do have food allergies, it is most often an allergy to a protein. We know that cats get food allergies, and in most cases, they are to the protein source, Dr. Kornreich says. The most common protein source is chicken. But the only way you can show that a cat has a food allergy is to selectively eliminate components of the diet and see how the cat does after a food trial.
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Have Air Filter Will Travel
If you often visit friends or family with cats, but they don’t have a HEPA air purifier in the room where you’ll be staying, you may want to consider investing in a portable version.
HEPA air cleaners, says AAAAI, can be a big help in removing unwanted allergenic particles from the air.
Small but powerful, HEPA air purifiers are available for under $200, and you can even use them to clean the air in your car.
“A HEPA filter is just great to have anyway,” said Waldron. “It’s good with pollen, it’s good for mold, it’s good for dust mite allergens.”
Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis
A flea allergy is triggered by a reaction to a fleas saliva. Cats who live exclusively indoors are just as susceptible to fleas as cats who go outside because fleas can live anywhere in the environment.
If you are currently using flea prevention on your cat and your veterinarian cant find any sign of fleas, that would suggest that your cat has an allergy to a food or something in the environment.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Experiencing Cat Allergies Stop By Afc Willowbrook Today
The methods listed above are helpful ways you can manage the severity of your cat allergy symptoms at home. However, you should always consult with your doctor about treating your allergies. The doctors at AFC Willowbrook can help by diagnosing, treating, and preventing your allergies so you can sleep easier at night. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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How Are Cat Allergies Treated
Cat allergies can usually be controlled with standard allergy drugs. Your doctor might recommend:
- Antihistamines, which are available over-the-counter — like cetirizine , diphenhydramine , fexofenadine , and loratadine or some antihistamines such as azelastine come in a nasal spray
- , like over-the-counterà pseudoephedrine or allergy drugs that contain the ingredient pseudoephedrine such as Allegra-D, Claritin-D, or Zyrtec-D
Nasal steroid sprays, which affect allergy or asthma symptoms in various ways à steroid sprays are a common treatment for allergies. Budesonide , fluticasone , and triamcinolone are steroid sprays that are available over the counter.
Allergy shots are another option. Allergy shots are not always effective, and completing treatment can take years. They’re also not usedà for children under age 5. But they can be a huge help to some people. Ask your doctor if they make sense for you.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent an allergy. Some studies have shown that exposure to pets as a young child seems to reduce the risk of developing pet allergies later. On the other hand, a child who already has allergic tendencies may get worse with exposure to a pet.
Combating Cat Allergies: How To Tame Reactions To Furry Friends
Earlier this year, a Swiss business reported findings from studies indicating promising results for a novel vaccination that might protect against cat allergies. It would be more effective if it were administered to the cat rather than the patient, as it would give long-term allergy relief. However, it is too soon to predict whether or when this vaccine will be made accessible. In the meanwhile, knowing the fundamentals of cat allergies can assist patients in alleviating their symptoms and retaining custody of their beloved companion animals.
The first strategy is to control exposure so that symptoms are kept to a bare minimum. Even if you and your roommate share a living space, there are basic steps you can do to reduce dander. Heres how its done:
- Make use of a filter that has been certified by HEPA. Clean the air in places where you and your cat share space by using a HEPA-certified filter, and make sure your vacuum is equipped with one as well. Take, for example, bath time. Kabir acknowledges that soaking your cat in the bathtub may be too much to askbut washing your furry buddy down with a moist towel on a daily basis might help reduce its allergies. You should keep cats away from your bedroom. Completely dust and vacuum the bedroomas well as all of its upholstered areasand make every attempt to keep your door closed.
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Consider Medications For You
Talk to your doctor or allergist about medications to help relieve your allergy symptoms. Make sure to confirm with your doctor the nature of your allergy if you react to saliva more than dander, for example, this knowledge can help you mitigate the problem! If youve only recently developed symptoms, it may be worth making an appointment just to confirm youre reacting to your cat and not to something else entirely. Having or developing allergies can be challenging and uncomfortable, especially when its your cat causing the reaction. Trying these tactics will help you figure out how to care for you, your cat and your home so you can have many happy years together.
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Information On Cat Allergies
Its normal to have questions about cat allergies, whether you have them yourself or a member of your family does. Is it possible that your sons never-ending cold symptoms are caused by a cat allergy? Will you be sorry that you gave in to your daughters pleas for a kitten, despite the fact that you have cat allergies? When it comes to having the pet youve always wanted, would a so-called hypoallergenic cat provide the opportunity to do so without causing you sneeze and sniffle? Continue reading to discover all you need to know about cat allergies, including the origins, treatments, and ways to avoid them.
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Prognosis For Cats With Allergies
Dealing with allergies can be an ongoing challenge for cat owners, especially if the allergen is impossible to remove . If the trigger is not completely eliminated, then some cats can be kept more comfortable with medication and may only suffer seasonally. An extreme allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, can be fatal.
How Is Atopy Treated
Treatment depends largely on the length of the cat’s allergy season. It involves one of two approaches:
- The first approach involves the use of corticosteroids , as well as improving the health of the hair and skin coat using spot-ons, sprays and/or shampoos. Steroids will dramatically block the allergic reaction in most cases and bring about rapid improvement in the cat’s clinical signs. Steroids may be given orally or by injection, depending on the cat’s condition. If steroids are appropriate for your cat, you will be instructed in their proper use.
- Treatment with antihistamines and essential fatty acids is variable. Some cats respond well to a particular antihistamine , while others are ineffective. It is important to understand that it can take up to 7-10 days before antihistamines become effective, therefore they are often infective in sudden flare-ups. Likewise, essential fatty acids are similarly ineffective during sudden episodes because they require several weeks to take effect. Cats predisposed to atopic dermatitis should be tried on fatty acid supplements to see if they help lessen future flare-ups and clinical signs.
Any cat suspected of having atopic dermatitis should also be considered for a hypoallergenic food trial. Many cats with atopic dermatitis are also allergic to an ingredient in their food, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging. As previously mentioned, this food trial should last 8 to 12 weeks in most cases.
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Treatment For Allergies To Cats
Medications and natural remedies for cat allergies can help relieve symptoms, or remove the dander and saliva particles that could be triggering your reaction in the first place.
Your doctor may recommend you take regular antihistamines or decongestants as a symptomatic treatment for your allergy to cats4. If over-the-counter medications don’t help, they may also suggest you try immunotherapy5.
Home Remedies For Cat Allergies In Humans
- Nasal irrigation. You can fill a neti pot or specially designed squeeze bottle with saline solution, and use this to flush mucus and irritants from your sinuses6.
- Clean your cat. If you are a cat owner, try bathing your cat yourself. If a friend or relative has a cat and you are regularly spending time around their home, politely suggest this as well. This may reduce their need to self-groom, and cut down the amount of saliva and Fel d 1 you are exposed to6.
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How Many Shots Will I Have To Get
Most people get 1 or 2 shots each week at first. After about 6 months of weekly shots, your healthcare provider will decide when you can start maintenance treatment. These shots usually are given once a month, year-round. You probably will need maintenance shots for 3 to 5 years. If your symptoms are better, you may be able to stop having shots.
Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve after 6 months. You may need to try another form of treatment.
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Theyre Not Just For Seasonal Allergies
Allergy shots can be effective for people with hay fever and other seasonal allergies, but they can also work for year-round indoor allergieslike mold, dust mites, and animal danderand allergies to insect bites or stings.
In the case of stinging insects, the shots can be close to curative, says Dr. Dziadzio. Thats the one time I really push people to get the shots no matter what, because its such a dangerous allergy. Allergy shots may also be a good choice for people who dont like taking medications or cant avoid the thing theyre allergic tolike a pet or the great outdoors.
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How To Have A Cat If You Have Cat Allergies
The Spruce / Hilary Allison
Although some people avoid cats because they fear or dislike them, there is some hope for those who avoid cats because of fear of allergic reactions. A lot will depend on the nature of your allergies. If yours are of the sneezing, watery eyes, and running nose variety, you may be able to slowly and gradually build up your tolerance to cats.
However, before getting a cat, you should undergo allergy testing first, particularly if you suffer from asthma. For example, about 30 percent of people with allergies are allergic to cats and dogs, but studies show the rate of cat allergies is actually far higher than that.
Here are tips to help you gain control over your cat allergy symptoms while enjoying the lifelong companionship of a feline.
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
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Cat Allergy Treatments & Remedies
Are You Sure Its Your Pet Youre Allergic To
As an allergy sufferer, you know thesymptoms. But do you know the cause? Contrary to what many people think, its not dog hair that causes allergic symptoms in humans. Its a protein thats found in pet hair, shed skin cells , saliva and urine. But in some cases, it may be something else that your pet carries thats causing the problem. You may be reacting to allergens that pets carry inside on their coats namely grass, pollen or mold spores.
It may make sense to see an allergist. You might find that its not your pet thats triggering your allergic symptoms.
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What Are Common Animal Or Pet Allergy Symptoms
Cat, dog, and other animal allergens can land on the membranes that line the eyes and nose. You can also breathe in pet allergens into your airways. Animal allergy symptoms can include:
- Swelling and itching of the eyes and nose
- Other: sleep disruption, fatigue, itchiness of roof of mouth and throat, irritability
It is common to get itchy eyes after petting an animal and then touching your eyes. A pet scratch or lick on your skin can cause the area to become red and itchy. You may get hives. Pet allergy can trigger an asthma attack if you also have asthma.
People with pet allergies have different levels of sensitivity to pet allergens. Some people have very minor symptoms, while other people have severe symptoms. If allergen levels are low, symptoms may not appear until after several days of contact with the pet.
Animal allergens can get into the air. Many airborne allergens are small enough to get into your lungs. For some people, this exposure can make it very hard to breathe. An asthma episode can begin within 15 to 30 minutes of inhaling allergens. Learn more about allergic asthma.
