11 Frequent Cat Allergies, What Are Their Symptoms & Causes

Environmental Allergies

Environmental allergies are those brought on by allergens in a cat’s surroundings. This can encompass both their indoor and outdoor surroundings, and these allergies are the most frequent for cats.

They are also among the most difficult to recognize, which makes their treatment very challenging. Typical instances to watch out for include:

1. Pollen

Pollen or seasonal allergies are comparable to hay fever in humans since they are caused by plant and grass pollen.

The symptoms of pollen allergies in cats differ from those in humans. Cats typically acquire a condition known as atopic dermatitis, which causes their skin to become itchy, dry, and red when it comes in touch with pollen.

Treatment involves keeping your cat indoors to reduce pollen exposure and/or administering antihistamines, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

2. Grass

Grass allergies are a subset of pollen allergies. Cats can be sensitive to pollen from any grass, however Bermuda grass pollen is the most prevalent allergen.

Grass allergies, like other pollen allergies, typically cause dermatitis-like symptoms, such as itching and skin irritation. It is crucial to note that pollen is airborne and, as such, can affect any part of your cat’s body. This can occur around the feet and legs where your cat wandered through the grass and stirred up pollen.

Because they alleviate symptoms and prevent your cat from continuing to scratch and bite at the response site, topical creams can be quite helpful against this sort of allergy.

3. Mold

Mold produces spores, which your cat’s immune system may see as a harmful intruder. This can cause lung issues when breathed, stomach issues when consumed, and dermatitis when handled.

On sometimes, mold can be detected on pet food, particularly dry food stored in sheds or wet pantries.

Due to the fact that cats groom themselves by licking their fur, mold spores are more likely to be transmitted from the body to the stomach via the throat and digestive tract.

Determine the origin of the mold. Even if their food is not stored in the shed, it is still susceptible to mold growth. Don’t forget to consider outside spaces in your search of spots where your cat likes to rest.

4. Dust

Dust allergies are prevalent in both humans and felines and canines. This is an allergy to the protein Der p1, which is present in the feces of dust mites. This protein can cause respiratory issues, including coughing and wheezing, if consumed or inhaled. In addition, skin and dermatitis concerns, such as skin lesions, might be included.

Cats who prefer to sleep in basements and attics are more likely to come into touch with dust mites, necessitating more frequent thorough cleaning. You may even require a specialized vacuum or cleaner that addresses this particular allergy.

5. Chemicals

Chemicals are prevalent in cleaning goods, fragrances, and other things, and cats can be just as allergic to them as humans. If it is your perfume, this suggests that your cat’s loving rubbing on you might be making them sick. Due to an allergy to laundry detergent, lying on the bed or amid heaps of laundry might trigger rashes.

You should attempt to determine the allergen’s trigger before searching for alternate items. To stop your cat’s allergic reactions, try a different washing powder or use a different scent.

6. Flea Allergies

Flea allergies are sadly prevalent in cats and are triggered when a flea bites your cat in order to draw blood. Some of the flea’s saliva is injected into the skin, causing an allergic response due to the protein it contains. A single flea can trigger a serious response in certain cats.

You may need to administer steroids or strong antihistamines to your cat in order to guarantee that he or she receives the appropriate therapy. Flea allergies can be a significant problem for your cat, and you need act promptly to prevent difficult skin conditions.

Food Allergies

Cats, like humans, can be sensitive to certain foods, but food allergies are less frequent in felines than flea and environmental allergies. If your cat has a food allergy, you will likely need to implement an elimination diet in order to determine which food or foods it is allergic to.

7. Dairy

Many cats are lactose intolerant, while some have a severe allergic reaction to milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Owners are cautioned against feeding cats dairy products, although certain felines may steal milk. This allergy is best treated by avoidance, as there is no incentive to feed cats dairy products.

8. Grain

Grain is not considered a species-appropriate component, and your cat may be allergic to or sensitive to grains. Despite the fact that certain commercial meals include grains as fillers and binders, there are several grain-free options on the market that make this a simple remedy.

Other Foods

Additionally, cats might be allergic to animal proteins and other dietary components. Typical symptoms include respiratory and dermatological manifestations.

If you suspect that your cat is allergic to a common animal protein, such as chicken, you can give a novel protein, such as buffalo, or you can switch to a different common protein. Your cat was allergic to anything in the original meal if the symptoms disappear.

Notably, if the symptoms persist, it is conceivable that your cat is allergic to another common element in both feeds, or possibly to many common ingredients.

Examples of common feline food allergies:

9. Beef

10. Fish

11. Chicken

Conclusion

Despite the fact that cats can develop food allergies, environmental and flea allergies are the most prevalent types of allergy.

Regardless of the allergen, cats often exhibit both respiratory and dermatological symptoms, such as itchy and irritated skin.

We believe “11 Frequent Cat Allergies, What Are Their Symptoms & Causes” by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) helps your attempt to identify and eliminate allergens much easier.