Like people, cats can be allergic to things in their environment, their food or flea bites. Allergies in cats usually show up as itchy skin, but they can also cause digestive or breathing problems. Here’s how to recognize the signs and why it’s important to work with your vet to find the cause.
Common Types of Allergies in Cats
- Flea allergy dermatitis, the most common allergy in cats. Cats with this allergy react to flea saliva, so even a single bite can cause intense itching. Read more about fleas on cats.
- Environmental allergies (atopic skin syndrome) to things like pollen, dust mites and mold.
- Food allergies, usually to a protein in the diet, such as chicken, beef, fish or dairy.
- Contact reactions and irritants, such as certain cleaning products, perfumes, cigarette smoke or scented litter.
Signs of Allergies
- itching, scratching and excessive licking or chewing;
- hair loss, often on the belly, inner thighs, neck or head (read more about hair loss in cats);
- small scabs, especially around the neck and back (“miliary dermatitis”);
- red, raw or crusty skin;
- ear problems, such as itchy, red or dirty ears;
- sneezing, watery eyes;
- vomiting or diarrhea, especially with food allergies;
- coughing or wheezing in cats with asthma.
Go to a vet immediately if your cat has sudden swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting or collapses, for example after an insect sting or a new medication. These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Diagnosis
Many conditions look like allergies, including parasites, ringworm, skin infections and stress-related overgrooming. Your vet will first rule these out. To find the cause of an allergy, your vet may recommend:
- a strict flea control trial for all pets in the household;
- a food elimination trial: feeding a special hydrolyzed or novel-protein diet, and nothing else, for usually 8 to 12 weeks, to see whether the symptoms improve;
- skin or blood tests for environmental allergies, usually to plan treatment such as allergy shots.
Treatment
Allergies usually can’t be cured, but they can be managed well. Depending on the cause, your vet may recommend:
- year-round flea prevention;
- a prescription diet for food allergies;
- medication to control itching and inflammation;
- treatment for any secondary skin or ear infections;
- allergen-specific immunotherapy (“allergy shots” or drops) for environmental allergies;
- skin and coat supplements or special shampoos.
Never give your cat antihistamines, steroids or other human allergy medicines without your vet’s advice, and don’t try home remedies or essential oils. Only your vet can tell you what’s safe and at what dose.
How to Help at Home
- keep up with your vet-recommended flea treatment for all pets;
- stick strictly to any prescribed diet, with no treats or table scraps;
- vacuum and wash bedding regularly to reduce dust mites and pollen;
- use unscented, low-dust litter, and avoid smoking, air fresheners and strong cleaning products around your cat;
- keep follow-up appointments, so your vet can adjust treatment.
Read also: dandruff in cats.
