Cats can be allergic to many things, and even cats can be allergic to themselves. Certain allergy symptoms in cats can be severe, uncomfortable, and even fatal. We need to understand what allergies cats can have, how to tell if your cat has allergies, and what you can do to prevent problems. What about cat allergies? What is a cat allergy? A cat’s immune system will develop antibodies if it comes into contact with something it’s allergic to, even if the substance is harmless. Antibodies are designed to tell the body that something is attacking it and are usually used to fight diseases such as infections. When antibodies are raised against the allergen, they cause the cat’s immune system to react. Therefore, this reaction and the symptoms exhibited are called allergies. Depending on the type of allergy your cat has, symptoms can range from irritating to life-threatening.
Cats with cat allergies, itching, hair loss, difficulty breathing, red or irritated skin, swelling, sneezing, vomiting or gagging, coughing, wheezing, watery or runny nose, diarrhea, chewing paw or tail allergies will behave differently symptoms, but the most severe symptoms are those that affect breathing. Cats may have difficulty breathing due to swelling of the face, throat, or nose due to the body’s reaction to the allergen. This swelling can be severe and can cause coughing (especially if the cat already has asthma), gagging, wheezing, and even collapse, which can eventually lead to death if not resolved quickly. Oxygen is necessary for life, so if a cat is unable to breathe due to allergies, this is a life-threatening situation. In addition to breathing problems, if a cat comes into contact with something to which it is allergic, it may have watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Allergens may irritate the mucous membranes and cause these symptoms. Allergic cats may also experience itching, hair loss, skin redness and irritation, and chewing on their paws or tail. These symptoms are very common in cats with flea, food and other environmental allergies. Allergens can cause irritation and inflammation in the body, which can cause cats to itch and chew on themselves to relieve discomfort. The result is hair loss and sometimes open wounds. Finally, sometimes the gastrointestinal tract can be affected by inflammation and irritation due to allergies.
If this happens, diarrhea and vomiting can occur. Causes of Cat Allergies Cats can be allergic to many things, and most are easily found in and around our homes. In some cases, this can make it difficult to eliminate the cause of your cat’s allergy.
- Pollen: Tree, dust, grass, weeds, mold and mildew pollen can all cause cat allergies. These environmental allergens are difficult to control.
- Food: Food allergy is the third most common type of allergy in cats. Cats can be allergic to a variety of foods, but animal proteins such as chicken, beef, dairy, fish, and eggs are the most common culprits.
- Fleas: A common cause of cat allergies, flea bites can cause irritating allergic reactions in cats, including hair loss, redness, and itching. Even indoor cats can have fleas.
- Medications: Cats may be allergic to flea medicines, shampoos, and other medications.
- Cleaning products: Detergents, floor cleaners, and disinfectant sprays can all cause cat allergies.
- Perfume: Strong perfumes and colognes are inherently irritating, but some cats are actually allergic to them. Inhaled allergens are a common cause of cat allergies.
- Smoke: Just like other inhalants, some cats are allergic to cigarettes and other types of smoke.
- Various Surfaces: Fabric, rubber and plastic are all types of surfaces that cats may be allergic to. Some beds, food trays, and floor mats can be a problem for cats allergic to these specific surfaces.
Diagnosing Cat Allergies It can be difficult to find out what a cat is allergic to. If the allergic reaction is not obvious, elimination diet and elimination testing with different cleaning products, food trays, beds, and medications may be required to discover what is causing the allergic reaction. Some blood and skin tests are available to detect certain types of allergens. Treatment Depending on the type of allergy your cat has, treatments will vary. Eliminating allergens from a cat’s environment is ideal for treating allergies, but of course it’s not always possible. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the cause of the allergy, long-term medication or allergy therapy may sometimes be required for your cat. How to Prevent Cat Allergies There is no way to prevent cat allergies, but you can often help limit its exposure to allergens. Keeping your home clean, using dust-free and odorless cat litter, not using too much perfume or deodorant, not smoking inside the house, using regular flea preventers, and using metal or ceramic food and water trays can help prevent your cat Allergic reaction. It is best to consult a veterinarian if you notice signs of allergies in your cat.
