Allergies in Cats

Just like humans a common health problem in cats isthey have trained to tend them.
allergy. It's strange that we always worry aboutA big difference between humans and cats, however
humans being allergic to cats, but so seldom hearis that while humans will most commonly react to
about what cats are allergic to!inhaled allergens by sneezing or coughing, a cat will
In this way, cats aren't that much different frommore commonly react by scratching an itch caused
humans. Some foreign substance, commonly referredby those same allergens. Unlike a contact allergy, the
to as an allergen or antigen, triggers a situation incat's reaction to inhaled allergens will be a general
which the cat's immune system goes into hyper driveitching of the skin as opposed to a severe reaction
and produces symptoms of an allergic condition.at a specific spot. If your cat seems to be scratching
When a cat is allergic to something, commona lot and it doesn't appear to be local, as in reaction
indications will be itchy skin, coughing and/or sneezingto a flea collar for example, there is a good chance
in the case of a respiratory problem, or vomiting orthat he or she is experiencing a reaction to some
diarrhea in the case of a digestive allergy.inhaled substance.
Allergies in cats seem to fall into these majorAs in humans, true food allergies in cats can be
categories. Allergies to fleas, foods, things inhaled, orextremely difficult to pinpoint. One reason is that
something they have come in contact with.they commonly demonstrate many of the symptoms
Contact allergies generally result in a fairly localizedof distress seen in the other groups. True food
reaction on the skin. The cat may scratch a lot andallergies in cats can cause itching and/or respiratory
or there may be an indication of irritation at the placeproblems. Additionally, true food allergies can cause
of contact. Most common causes of contact allergiesdigestive difficulties as can other illnesses or toxic
in cats would obviously be items with which theysubstances. In cats, food allergies are usually not
come in close contact such as flea collars, bedding,present from birth, but are developed after long
toys, etc. The simplest cure is to remove theexposure to foods that have been eaten for long
contact. Take the collar off or change the bedding,periods. Most food allergies will center around the
for example. If the irritation persists, or if you stilltype of protein common in the cat's diet, such as
need effective flea control, consult with yourbeef, pork, poultry, or lamb. Simply eliminating that
veterinarian.type of protein by changing to another type of food
Some cats may also experience allergic reactions towill usually take care of the problem.
certain plastics and/or metals. If you suspect this inThere are two difficult points for the cat owner
your cat, you may wish to change to a ceramic orwhen they begin to detect signs that lead them to
glass feeding bowl. Another problem which may mimicbelieve that their cat may have an allergy.
a contact allergy can occur if you simply do not rinse1. The cat may actually be reacting to an irritant,
your cat carefully and completely after its bath.rather than an allergen, and
Residual shampoo or soap on the skin can cause2. The symptoms may be the result of some other
dermatitis which can be mistaken for an allergiccondition, possibly one more dangerous.
reaction.For example, a flea infestation may cause flea bites
Happily, contact allergies in cats are the leastwhich will itch and the cat will scratch. This is normal.
common type.You would scratch too, and extensively, if fleas were
Flea allergies, on the other hand, are very common inmunching on you! However, if your cat is allergic to
cats. Any normal cat will commonly experiencethe flea's saliva, they will actually inflict damage on
irritation from flea bites, but a cat with a genuine fleathemselves in an attempt to relieve themselves of
allergy will have a more severe itching reaction to thethe intensified itch. However, the itch could be, as
flea's saliva. A normal cat may simply bite or scratchpointed out, the result of a food allergy, a contact
for a while and then go on to other things, but a catallergy, or some undiagnosed medical condition such
with a flea allergy may scratch, chew, and worry atas a fungal infection (perhaps caused by ringworm,
the spot until large amounts of fur are lost. Thisfor example), mange, or some other type of skin
constant attempt to relieve the maddening itch orinfection which might have been caused by bacteria.
irritation may result in open sores which can add theWhile a little astute detective work on the part of
risk of infection to the allergy's list of evils. In mostthe pet owner may often alleviate the problem, only
cats, the most common area to be affected is goingthe veterinarian will usually be able to tell for sure
to be on the back just before the tail. The cat maywhat the cause and effect may actually be...and how
also create spots of sores or scabs on the neck andto best deal with the situation. However, the vet
head.does not live with your cat, so it is important to note
Inhalant types of allergies (atopy) are even morecarefully what the symptoms are, when they began,
common cat allergies than flea and contact allergies!how they have progressed, what steps you have
In fact, this type of allergy is probably the mostalready taken, and what happened as a result of
common allergic problem in cats. It is possible thatthose steps. All of this information will help your vet
your cat may be allergic to the exact same allergensin getting to the truth behind the apparent allergy in
that you are! Tree pollens, grass pollens, and weedyour cat. Your cat's veterinarian will also have
pollens along with the rest of the items we humansdiagnostic tools at his or her disposal for getting at
fear; mold, mildew, dust mites, and dust itself can allthe cause of your pet's apparently "allergic" reactions.
trigger allergic reactions in both cats and the humans