Yes, cats can most definitely get allergies. Just like humans, cats can develop seasonal, environmental, and food allergies, and they can develop allergies to fleas too. Most allergies in cats are mild, but they can get severe and even fatal in rare cases. Knowing what allergies can affect cats can help you prevent and treat them before they become serious.
In this article, we look at the different types of allergies that can occur in cats, how to diagnose them, and how to treat them. Let’s get started!
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What Causes Allergies in Cats?
There are three main types of allergies found in cats: environmental, food, and fleas. All of them produce the same result: an immune response. Please note that a food allergy should not be confused with food intolerance (which does not have an immune response). Many cats are food intolerant, though some may have a true food allergy. Consult with your veterinarian if you’re not sure about your cat’s reaction to their food.
Your cat’s immune system will react to a substance by producing antibodies, even if it’s not harmful. Harmless substances like pollen can be perceived as a threat by your cat’s immune system, triggering a defensive response and causing inflammation, or an allergic reaction. This reaction is your cat’s body’s way of protecting itself from harm — even when there is none — and this causes their allergies.
Because there are so many things that can cause an allergic reaction in your cat, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.
- Fleas (the most common cause of allergies in cats)
- Pollens (grass, tree mold, etc.)
- Food (most commonly animal proteins like fish, beef, and chicken)
- Cleaning products (detergents and sprays)
- Medications (shampoos, flea medication, etc.)
- Cat litters made with chemicals or fragrance
- Certain plastics
- Perfume
- Smoke and other aerosols
- Dust
Seasonal allergies to pollen are the easiest to diagnose, as they will come and go with the seasons. Flea allergies are also fairly easy to spot, because a flea bite will only cause an itch if your cat is allergic to the flea (enzymes in a flea’s saliva trigger the reaction).
What Are the Signs of Allergies in Cats?
There are various signs that your cat may be suffering from an allergic reaction, and the signs will vary depending on the severity of the allergy.
- Itchiness
- Loss of hair
- Skin irritation and redness
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
If your cat has itchy skin or redness and loss of hair around their face or neck and is vomiting or has diarrhea, this is likely a sign of a food allergy. If they are scratching their back and biting their paws constantly, they likely have a flea allergy. Itching, sneezing, and coughing are common signs of environmental allergies.
How Are Cat Allergies Diagnosed And Treated?
Because the signs of an allergic reaction are somewhat vague and not unique to any specific ailment (for example, other health issues may elicit the same signs), you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose your cat with an allergy. Instead, you should always consult with your veterinarian to confirm a suspected allergy. Attempting to self-diagnose your cat can be very detrimental to your cat’s health and can do more harm than good. Your veterinarian can diagnose an allergy, determine the extent of its severity, and prescribe a treatment plan for your cat. This process may also involve some tests, such as a blood test or tests involving injecting your cat’s skin, or the discussion of a dietary change.
The best treatment for a true allergy is avoiding the allergen. However, if this isn’t possible, your vet will likely discuss options involving medication, other supplements, or supportive therapies for your cat.
Flea allergy dermatitis usually resolves quickly once your cat’s flea problem is addressed. This involves both medication and proper environmental control to eliminate fleas from your house. In many instances, your veterinarian will likely recommend keeping your cat indoors as this makes environmental control much more easier and practical. It is best to follow your veterinarian’s prescribed treatment and prevention protocol if your cat has fleas.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent your cat from getting allergies, but feeding them a healthy diet that supports their immune system, keeping their environment clean and dust-free, using natural cat litters, using ceramic or metal feeding bowls, and keeping them away from detergents and perfumes will all help prevent allergies in your cat.
Lastly, while these precautions can help and eliminating any potential causes may reduce your cat’s allergic signs, a consultation with your vet is always recommended.
Featured Image Credit: Susan Santa Maria, Shutterstock
