Allergies in cats: everything you need to know

By Charlotte Francesca Stiles, DVM

We’re all familiar with allergies in humans; however, did you know that cats can also suffer from allergies? If you or your veterinarian suspects that your cat may have an allergy, you may be looking for some more information as to what that actually means.

So, in this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about allergies in cats, by answering the following questions:

• What are allergies?
• What are the symptoms of allergies?
• How are allergies diagnosed in cats?
• How are allergies treated in cats?

Disclaimer: Please refer to the information in this article as a guide only. If you think that your cat may be suffering from allergies, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.

What are allergies?

You and your four-legged friend’s bodies have amazing mechanisms within the immune system, which help keep us protected from diseases. However, sometimes these mechanisms don’t always react the right way.

When it comes to allergies, it’s good to understand that they are the result of an over-the-top or unwanted reaction by the immune system. This often means reacting to things which are of little threat to the body or that don’t actually warrant a response from the immune system (we’ll talk more about that later).

There are different types of allergies, and they are usually classified according to how long it takes for the reaction to begin, and the types of cells involved. In this article, we’re focusing more on longer-term allergies, such as food, environmental and flea allergies.

Short-term allergic reactions, such as those involving insect stings or vaccinations, are a different type of allergy than what we’re talking about in this article, however, are definitely worth recognizing.

If your cat shows any of the following symptoms, it’s best to take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Neurological symptoms.
• Sudden violent vomiting or diarrhea.
• Fast and uncontrolled swelling.
• Uncontrolled drooling.

With our Lifetime Protection Membership, you can access veterinary professionals anytime by phone, email or live chat. So, if you’re worried about your pet, you can quickly get the help you need.

What are the symptoms of allergies and what can my cat be allergic to?

Symptoms of longer-term allergic reactions can vary, often depending on the part of the body affected and what is causing the reaction (the stimulus).

We’ve listed some examples of things cats can be allergic to below, along with some of their most common associated symptoms:

• Food-associated allergies - it’s often the protein (meat) part of the diet which can affect the skin, respiratory or digestive system, giving symptoms such as itching, flatulence, diarrhea and difficulty breathing.
• Environmental allergies - for example, pollen, dust and mold, often causing skin problems leading to itchy, sore and irritated skin.
• Flea-associated allergies - chewing, scratching or itching the skin. It’s actually the flea’s saliva which causes the irritation; however, this is easily prevented by protecting your pet against fleas.

How are allergies diagnosed in cats?

Diagnosing allergies can be a tricky business. This is because, as you can see, many of the symptoms associated with allergies are non-specific. This means that they aren’t necessarily associated with a specific cause.

Diagnosing allergies will start by your vet asking you a detailed history of your pet’s condition, which may include some of the following questions:

• Is your cat treated against parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms?
• How long has your cat had the symptoms?
• Have you noticed the symptoms to be related to any particular events or changes?
• Do the symptoms occur all year round?
• Are any other animals or pets in the household affected?

After that, your veterinarian will examine your pet from toe to tail, paying particular attention to problem areas. Depending on their findings and the information you discussed with them, they may recommend one of the following:

• Dietary trial - this involves feeding your cat a special type of food for two months. The food must contain a protein source which they have not eaten previously (vets call this a ‘novel’ protein).
• Taking sample s - such as fur and skin and looking at them under the microscope, to rule out parasites or bacteria and look at the type of cells involved.
• Skin test - this involves your specialist veterinary dermatologist injecting potential allergens into your cat’s skin and monitoring for a reaction. This is considered as the ‘gold standard’ in allergy testing, however, it is often expensive and requires your cat to be sedated.

Diagnosing allergies in cats is often tricky and can take a long time. It’s best to give your veterinarian as much information as possible and follow any instructions or advice as carefully as possible.

How are allergies treated in cats?

Just as is the case in dogs, allergies in cats are usually treated symptomatically. This often involves using a variety of methods to help relieve symptoms and get your pet to feel more comfortable.

We’ve listed some examples below of how allergies can be managed in cats:

• Hypoallergenic or an-allergenic food - as we explained earlier, this can be both curative and diagnostic.
• Creams, shampoos and ointments - to soothe itchy or irritated skin if your cat’s skin is affected by the allergy.
• Medication - such as tablets or injections which help control your cat’s symptoms.
• Avoidance - keeping your cat away from the allergic stimulus (if possible).
• Supplements - to help support your cat’s overall health.

Always check with your vet

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it’s helped you understand a little more about allergies in cats. If you’re worried about your pet’s condition, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for proper diagnostics and treatment.