- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Allergies in cats are common. Both indoor and outdoor cats can have allergies to insects, food, and things in their environment, like certain plants or flowers.
Because allergies in cats can be serious, it’s important to understand them and address them appropriately, says Dr. Grant Little, DVM, Veterinarian Expert at JustAnswer.
When it comes to treating and preventing allergies in cats, you have a few options. Read on to learn about the causes and signs of allergies in cats, plus tips on getting a diagnosis and treatment from your vet.
What Causes Allergies In Cats?
Some of the most common causes of cat allergies include:
Fleas
“Fleas are one of the most common cat allergens,” Dr. Little says.
A flea bite can make any cat itchy, whether they have an allergy or not, but cats with a flea allergy will have a more severe reaction.
Cats who don’t have a flea allergy may develop redness and other skin irritation after several flea bites. If your cat is allergic to fleas, you may notice them scratching constantly and biting at their skin after just a few bites.
Environmental allergens
Your cat may experience allergies if exposed to environmental factors they’re sensitive to. A non-food sensitivity to something in the environment is also called atopic dermatitis.
Dr. Little says environmental allergens include the following:
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Grass and weeds
- Pollen
- Mold
Environmental allergens may cause itching and secondary infections due to allergy-related inflammation.
Food
According to Dr. Little, most cats with food allergies become allergic to the protein in their food. For example, they may develop an allergy to chicken, beef, or salmon.
It’s possible for cats to develop a food allergy as they get older, even if they’ve eaten the same food for years, Dr. Little explains.
If you think your cat might be allergic to an ingredient in their food, you can ask your vet for guidance on switching to a different flavor or brand.
Signs Of Allergies In Cats
While cats with allergies can have a number of different symptoms, Dr. Nita Vasudevan, Veterinary Consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, says you might notice:
- Scratching
- Hair loss due to excessive scratching
- Red or inflamed skin
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Running eyes or nose
- Ear infection
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Your cat’s symptoms will also depend on the type of allergen. Fleas and other environmental factors often cause skin irritation, while food allergies in cats can lead to an upset stomach.
Are some cat breeds more prone to allergies than others?
“Although allergies can occur in any purebred or mixed-breed cat, certain breeds appear more prone to allergies than others,” says Dr. Vasudevan.
For example, Siamese cats may be more likely to develop allergies.
Evidence also suggests purebred cats are more likely to have allergies than domestic shorthair cats.
How Do Vets Diagnose Allergies In Cats?
“Diagnosing allergies in cats can be challenging as vets must figure out what the allergen source is, which can require different tests,” Dr. Vasudevan explains. She goes on to say that some cats may have multiple allergies, and then the diagnostic process may take several steps.
Depending on your cat’s symptoms, your vet might perform the following to diagnose allergies:
- Flea comb: Finding fleas and flea dirt isn’t always easy, but a flea comb may help.
- Intradermal skin testing: A veterinary dermatologist may inject small amounts of potential environmental allergens into the skin and observe for reactions.
- Elimination diet: This involves feeding your cat a hydrolyzed protein diet for 8-12 weeks. In this type of diet, the protein source has been broken down to identify a possible food allergy.
- Serological allergy test: Your vet will order a blood draw and send the blood to a lab to test it for allergens.
Tip: Check your pet insurance plan to find out whether it covers allergy testing.
Treatments For Allergies In Cats
If your cat has allergies, your vet can recommend the right treatment.
According to Dr. Elizabeth DeLomba, DVM, MBA, Senior Veterinary Services Consultant at VetriScience, some helpful approaches include:
Treating fleas
If your cat is allergic to fleas, your vet may recommend flea treatment for your cat and your home. They may also prescribe medication, such as a topical treatment, oral corticosteroids, Oclacitinib (Apoquel), or allergy shots.
Dr. DeLomba says your vet may also suggest flea sprays and powders, along with flea combing and bathing. However, these treatments less commonly recommended. They don’t break the flea life cycle, so they’re less effective than flea control with preventative medications.
Treating environmental allergies
Dr. DeLomba says treatments for atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies, like pet dander or pollen, will usually work through the whole body.
Atopic dermatitis or environmental allergy treatments include:
- Oral corticosteroids or antihistamines: These steroids block the allergic reaction and help relieve your cat’s symptoms.
- Cyclosporine: This oral medication adjusts the immune response that causes the allergic reaction.
- Oclacitinib: This oral medication helps manage symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Treating food allergies
“Once a food allergy has been diagnosed, you should eliminate that food from your cat’s diet,” Dr. DeLomba says.
You can also offer your cat supportive therapy to help them feel more comfortable as their body eliminates the allergen. You can do this by providing other foods they’ll like, giving them extra attention, and monitoring their symptoms as they recover.
If your cat’s symptoms don’t improve within a few days of removing the allergen from their diet, let your vet know so they can provide additional recommendations.
How To Prevent Allergies In Cats
You can’t always prevent allergic reactions, especially before you know your cat has an allergy. However, Dr. DeLomba says the following tips may help keep your cat from having a reaction:
- Flea control: Oral or topical flea preventatives for every pet in your house should stop fleas from entering your household. Since some of these medications kill fleas before they bite, they may help prevent an allergic reaction if your cat does pick up a flea or two.
- Skin-supportive supplements: These supplements can give your cat’s skin the nutrients and resources needed to maintain an effective barrier to allergens. Supplements may also help reduce symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- Allergen avoidance: If you know your cat has a specific allergy, do your best to avoid it. For example, once you find a food that works for them, stick with it and avoid feeding them foods with known allergens.
“The ultimate goal is to be mindful of your cat’s health and well-being,” Dr. DeLomba says. And of course, scheduling regular check-ups with your vet can go a long way toward keeping your cat happy and healthy!