Cats are no changed than human beings they can be allergic. When your cat still scratches, sneezes or licks excessively then the cause could be the allergies.
The awareness of the reasons why an allergy to cats happens, and how this condition may be treated can make a significant contribution to the well-being and health of your pet.
You will also be taught in this guide on how to know whether a can cats have allergies?, what is causing the allergies, and what you can do to make the cat feel better.
To get more professional tips and advice on pet health, go to Animals Pet Health.
What Are Cat Allergies?
Allergies are caused when the immune system of your cat responds to a substance that the cat regards as toxic, but which is not.
When your cat comes in contact with an allergen, it will release histamines in its body and consequently, the cat will be itchy, sneezing, etc.
Pollen, dust, mold, food constituents or even flea bites are the most prevalent allergens. What makes your cat allergic, you should also be aware of that so that you are able to take certain actions.
Common Types of Cat Allergies
Flea Allergies
One of the most frequent problems of cats is a flea allergy. A single bite by the flea is sufficient to cause severe itching.
The cats which are allergic to fleas tend to scratch or chew around their neck, tail or back.
Have your cat flea-prevented regularly all the year around. Clean your house properly and wash the bedding of your cat regularly to get rid of the eggs and the larvae of fleas.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental Allergies such as pollen, dust, mold or household cleaner. Such allergens may afflict your cat either on the skin, eyes or respiratory system.
Symptoms are normally seasonal but they may occur any time provided that your cat is indoors and exposed at all times. Attempt air purification and the maintenance of your house to minimize allergens.
Food Allergies
The occurrence of food allergies in cats arises when the immune system of the cats reacts to some ingredients. Juveniles of food items are chicken, beef, fish and dairy.
Food may be a cause of the difficulty of cat vomiting regularly, diarrhea, or itchy cat skin after eating. To consider the trigger food, your vet might advise an removal diet.
Contact Allergies
Contact allergies occur in cases whereby the skin of your cat is in contact with an irritant. It may be a newly developed detergent, plastic food bowl or some cleaning items.
Watch out in places where your cat touches the allergen and look out to see whether they are red or itchy. This issue can be addressed by just switching bowls and fragrance free cleaning products to stainless steel.
How to Tell If a Cat Has Allergies
The most popular symptoms that can make you know How to Tell If a Cat Has Allergies:
- Continuous scratching
- Licking
- Biting of the skin.
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Scabs or sores
- Watery eyes or sneezing
- Red or inflamed skin
- Eardrums, shaking of the head.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Note the time and place of appearance of the symptoms. This may assist your vet in determining whether your cat is allergic to the season, allergic to food or allergic to the environment.
How to Treat Cat Allergies
It is dependent on the cause though what you want to do is to maximize exposure of your cat to the allergens as well as controlling the symptoms.
Step 1: Visit Your Veterinarian
Your pet provider is your greatest source in cat allergies. They are able to run tests to identify the cause specifically including blood tests or skin allergy tests.
Do not experiment with human allergy medications that are sold over the counter on your cat.
Step 2: Manage the Environment
In case your cat is allergic to the environment, then make efforts to reduce contact. Close the windows during the season of pollens.
Indoor air should be purified using air purifiers. Wash the bedding of your cat every week and vacuum your cat.
Use litter that does not smell and use no strong air fresheners or cleaning sprays around your cat.
Step 3: Control Fleas Consistently
The interior cats also have chances of acquiring fleas. Treat your home and other pets to stop the breeding of the fleas.
Step 4: Adjust the Diet
In the case of food allergies, your veterinarian may suggest elimination diet. This involves putting your cat on special diet that has few ingredients before the symptoms are better.
Adhere to a high-protein, hypoallergenic diet in order to avoid reactions in future.
Step 5: Use Medications Safely
Antihistamines, steroids or other drugs can be enlisted by your vet, to decrease inflammation and itching.
In other situations, your cat can be given allergy shots (immunotherapy), which will allow him or her to be tolerant to certain allergens.
You should never ignore the instructions of your vet. Should not prescribe medication without consultation.
Home Remedies for How to Help a Cat with Allergies
Your cat will be able to get back on his feet with some natural care and the changes of the lifestyle that are rather simple.
- Omega-3 supplements: Improve the inflammation or the skin condition.
- Frequent cleaning: Wastes coat and gets rid of allergens.
- Eat right: Gives good health and immunity.
- Reducing stress: Cool cats deal with allergies. To reduce stress, playtime and enrichment may be employed.
Conclusion
To conclude can cats have allergies the answer is Yes, cats are allergic, and how to know whether the cat is allergic is meaningful to allow making the fast action. Most cats can live without any trouble or challenge when they are well.
Remember, every cat is unique. One may perform well in work but this is not the case with the other and thus patience and observation is important.
Animals Pet Health can be visited today to get more help guides on how to keep your pets healthy and happy.
FAQS
Are cats allergic to humans, such as human beings?
Yes. The cat allergies consist of pollen, dust and food or flea bites. Such symptoms as itching, sneezing, or digestive problems can occur to them.
Should I tell you whether my cat was allergic or my flea?
Whenever your cat is scratching on the back part or tail area, then it can be attributed to alligator fleas. Look through the remnant of the fleas.
Allergies can be of food or of the environment in case the symptoms manifest themselves during the whole year.
What is the right food that should be given to allergic cats?
Hypoallergenic diets or limited ingredient foods are generally working. Request your vet to suggest a brand that is appropriate in cat needs.
Can the allergies of cats be treated?
Some seasonal allergies are minor and they disappear when the offender is not there but most of them need some solution or management that can enable your cat to be comfortable.
When can I take a vet due to allergies in my cat?
Visit your vet when you find your cat scratching after each time, when he/she has sores or stomach issues.
