A Guide to Cat Allergies: Dealing with an Itchy Kitty!

1. A Guide to Cat Allergies: Dealing with an Itchy Kitty! CANADAVETCARE.com

2. Just like humans, cats also get allergies which can be easily transmitted to humans if care is not taken in advance. Any kind of allergen can trigger this reaction and may result in severe consequences, therefore, it is best to stay informed and prevent your cat as well as yourself from unnecessary trouble.

3. Flea Allergy Cats that are allergic to flea saliva can get severely troubled by the allergic reaction that develops as a result of a flea bite. The symptoms generally include – Itching Licking Scratching of the neck, belly, thighs, base of the tail and flanks. Flea Allergy can be treated and prevented by using products like Bravecto spot on, Capstar, Credelio that are formulated for flea treatment in cats. Regular use of these products helps cats to stay flea free and also prevents Flea Allergy Dermatitis (a skin condition caused by flea bite).

4. Contact Allergy Contact allergy happens when an allergic object comes in contact with the skin of the cat such as wool, beddings, etc. As the cat comes in contact with that item, it causes skin irritation, itching, and inflammation. To prevent this kind of allergy in cats it is first important to figure out the item that is causing the allergy. Once the reason is known, you can remove the item from the household or keep your cat away from it.

5. Pollen Allergy • This kind of allergy is generally caused by pollens present in the air. The cat with pollen allergy shows symptoms like – • Licking • Chewing • Scratching • Sneezing • A blood test can be conducted to determine whether your cat has a pollen allergy or not. Anti-histamines and immunosuppressive treatments can help with such allergies. Other than that, grooming the coat of the cat with a damp cloth can help remove pollen from the fur.

6. Dust, Mold and Mite Allergy Household items collect dust easily, develop molds and mites if not cleaned regularly and thus become one of the risk factors for your cat. Therefore, it is important that your house is vacuumed weekly. Also, ensure upholstery, beddings, and clothes are washed regularly to avoid the risk of development of such allergies in your cat. Perfume Allergy The scent of perfumes can cause sneezes in cats just like in humans. The best way to prevent this kind of allergy is to refrain from using scented products.

7. Drug Allergies Some drugs can cause serious allergic reactions if the ingredient is not accepted by the cat’s body. The consequences can be serious and may lead to anaphylactic shock, vomiting, diarrheal, itching, hives, seizures or even collapse. So, in case the cat hasn’t reacted properly to treatment, professional assistance must be taken immediately.

8. Food Allergies Though food allergy is not as common as other allergies in cats, at times cats can be allergic to certain proteins like chicken, beef, turkey etc. These allergies can develop at any point in time in the cat’s life and even though your cat might be eating the same food for years, he can suddenly become allergic to it. A cat with food allergy generally show symptoms like – • itchy skin near the mouth and neck region • Skin and ear infections • Vomiting • Diarrheal • Bloating

9. Cats that develop food allergies are recommended a diet that contains novel ingredients like potato or duck or hydrolyzed food for 6-8 weeks. You can continue the diet further or can resume the previous diet gradually, to figure out the causative agent of your cat’s food allergy. Allergies can make life miserable for cats therefore, it is necessary for pet parents to take precautionary measures in advance. Being a little careful about your cat’s diet, treatments and vaccinations can solve most of these problems. So, try and give the best care possible and spend enough time with your cat to get hold of any emerging health issues easily.