| Many people get allergic reactions to cats, but cats | | | | dairy products are often the worst offenders. Some |
| can also suffer from allergies. These are some of the | | | | cats are allergic to meats, dyes, preservatives, and |
| more common feline allergens and what causes them | | | | other additives found in cat foods and treats. |
| in cats. | | | | Sometimes it takes years for a food allergy to show |
| -Inhalant allergens are airborne particles that can | | | | up in a cat. |
| irritate a cat's respiratory system, causing symptoms | | | | -Drug allergies also occur in some cats. There is no |
| that are similar to asthma. In some cases inhalant | | | | way to predict when a cat is allergic to a particular |
| allergens lead to hair loss and skin lesions. The dust | | | | drug, so it is important to observe your cat carefully |
| from kitty litter is often a cause. Other offenders | | | | when administering any medication or drug. |
| include pollen, tobacco smoke, perfumes, household | | | | Removing the source of an allergy in your cat can |
| cleaners, and dust. | | | | sometimes control the problem. If your veterinarian |
| -Contact allergies are caused by physical contact with | | | | suspects that your cat has a food allergy, he or she |
| a substance that causes a reaction in your cat. | | | | will often recommend a bland hypoallergenic diet until |
| Common contact allergens include household cleaners, | | | | the symptoms clear up. Vets will often use |
| plants, dust, wool, synthetic fibers, and wool. | | | | antihistamines to control the symptoms. In some |
| -Flea allergies are very common in cats. The allergy | | | | severe cases, steroids are administered on a |
| often becomes worse as the cat gets older, as it | | | | short-term basis. |
| becomes more sensitive to flea saliva, which is | | | | Do not ever give your cat antihistamines, or any |
| injected when the flea bites. Some cats can have a | | | | other medication, without the advice of your |
| massive allergic reaction from just one flea bite. | | | | veterinarian. |
| -Food allergies are also common in cats. Grains and | | | | |