When you mention the term cat allergies, most people think of the sneezing and congestion of humans who are allergic to cats. However, 15-20% of our furry friends suffer from feline allergies.
Inhalants causing an allergic response may be pollen that cause the membranes of the nasal passages and the lungs to become irritated. Contact allergies are just what the sound like - and appear when the pet comes into contact with a material or substance he is sensitive to.
Some felines will have an allergic reaction to certain medications such as antibiotics. This can also include a reaction to anesthesia which can present a critical problem in a surgical situation. Food allergies are not a big problem for cats and when there is a reaction to a food it most often is to a grain or a dairy product rather than to preservatives in commercial pet food.
Flea allergies are the most common complaint of felines and their owners. The sensitivity to flea bites often increases as the cat ages. The immune response may be so severe that the pet's entire body seems to be covered with irritated skin. Eliminating the fleas is the first priority and prednisone is often used to control a bad reaction. The prednisone may be in pill form or a fast acting injection.
When a cat's immune system becomes overly sensitive to certain substances, an allergic reaction is the result. The substance may be one the cat has been exposed to for some time with no problem. For some reason, the feline system throws a switch and a formerly innocuous food or cleaning agent or pollen triggers an immune reaction. This is similar to adult onset allergies.
Symptoms are varied and can also be clues to other feline diseases. The most common symptoms are:
* Frequent sneezing or coughing
* Irritated, itchy skin
* Fur loss
* Runny eyes
* Severe itch at base of tail (symptom of flea allergy)
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Unusual noises such as snoring when sleeping
* Chewing at paws, swollen or tender paws
* Irritated ears or frequent ear infections
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Food allergies often cause cats to scratch their necks and head and will cause digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea. If the allergy is to a meat or grain and has been identified by your vet it is not enough to simply avoid that food product as any products containing that food will trigger a reaction.
The list of substances that can cause feline allergic reactions is almost identical to a list that might lead to the same results in the cat's owner. That list would include:
* Pollen from grass, weeds, or trees
* Mold, dust and mildew pollens
* Food
* Fleas
* Flea control products
* Prescription medications
* Cleaning products (floor cleaners, in particular)
* Perfumes
* Cigarette smoke
* Fabric finishes
* Plastic materials
For a cat with a flea allergy, the bite of one single flea can trigger 2-3 weeks of itching and skin irritation. When flea allergy dermatitis is present in your cat, the only solution is total prevention of fleas. Topical flea medicines are best for cats with this problem. Frontline Plus, Advantage and Advantage Multi for cats and Revolution act to break the flea life cycle to keep your pet flea free.
Use unscented, dust free litter in your cat's box as he may be sensitive to the chemicals in the scent and to the dust. Wash the pet's bedding weekly and vacuum carpets, rugs, curtains and upholstered furniture to avoid dust that may be inhaled.
One recommendation is to bathe your cat once or twice a week. As any cat owner knows, most felines do not respond well to bathing. If baths are started when your pet is a young kitten, bathing will not be a problem. An alternative way to remove pollen and dust from the animal's coat is a quick cleaning with unscented baby wipes.
Your cat does not have to suffer from feline allergies. Removing the source of the allergen, protecting your pet from nasty fleas and parasites and following your vet's advice for treating the skin itch of allergies will add comfort to your cat's life.
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