Common Cat Allergies
Cats suffer from allergies in much the same way that humans can, however unlike humans, cats are not able to tell us when they are suffering so they rely on us humans to notice when something is wrong.
There are 4 main types of allergies.
Inhalant Allergies
These are allergies caused by airborne particles such as pollen or sometimes even aerosols or sprays. They can cause sneezing, watery eyes, irritated nasal passages and respiratory problems so your cat should be checked over by a vet if any of these symptoms present themselves. There is medication available including eye drops to stop eyes from watering.
Contact Allergies
There are a number of common household items that some cats are allergic to. These include certain plants, particularly those with oily leaves (for example rubber plants), carpet cleaners, wool, newsprint, carpet and sometimes even cat litter. The symptoms tend to be itching and developing skin problems. Depending on the severity of the allergy, hair can fall out or bumps can develop on the skin.
Affects of contact allergies are most prevalent on the abdomen, under the tail, in the ears and on the inner thighs. There is treatment available so take your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect your cat has a contact allergy. You must try and figure out what the offending item is in your home so it can be removed.
Food Allergies
The most common type of food that cats are allergic to is poultry. Often prescription food will need to be given to a cat suffering from food allergies. It is also vital that you never feed a cat scraps from the table, as a lot of food that humans eat is very bad for cats – especially dairy products and chocolate.
Insect Allergies
Fleas are the most prevalent type of insect allergy in cats. Symptoms include itching and excessive scratching can make the hair fall out and the skin to become dry and flaky. Your vet should be consulted so that medications can be sought to combat the itching. Also flea treatments should be given to your cat and your home to make sure the insects have gone for good.
If you have noticed any itching, scratching or watery eyes, your cat could very easily be suffering from a common allergy. Fortunately there are treatments available so don’t hesitate to contact your vet straight away.
