Cat Allergies

Cats are not above acting a bit unusual at times, and it is certainly part of their charm. But, some behaviors can be signs of cat skin conditions or discomfort, and one possibility of why your cat may be acting a little more odd than usual could be allergies. At Central Texas Cat Hospital in Round Rock, TX, we treat cats exclusively, and we know them well. If your cat does have allergies, or if there is another problem, we will work hard to figure out what is wrong and get your cat back on the road to good health.

Signs of Cat Allergies

Cats get allergies because their immune system develops a sensitivity to substances that are common in their environment. There are several signs that may point to allergies in your cat.  Some of these include:

• Itchiness
• cat skin conditions
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing (may also be a sign of asthma)
• Snoring (due to an inflamed throat)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Common Cat Allergens

Cats with allergies may be vulnerable to allergens coming from multiple sources, including those that are airborne, those that touch their skin, as well as what they eat or ingest. Some common culprits are:

• Pollens
• Dust and mildew
• Food
• Fleas and products for flea control
• Perfume
• Cleaning products
• Cigarette smoke
• Fabric, rubber, and plastic

Diagnosing Cat Allergies

If you notice hair loss or sores where your cat may have been grooming an area a little too aggressively, it may be time to ask our vet about the possibility of allergies. In most cases, your cat will need pet skin treatment services and will undergo an intradermal skin test in order to try and figure out what substance may be causing irritation.

Food allergies are harder to pin down because your cat will need a specialized diet for 12 weeks and will not be allowed any treats during that time. The prescription diet is fed until allergy symptoms subside, and old foods are slowly reintroduced under close observation. If a reaction occurs, it is likely that an allergy exists.

Controlling Allergies in Your Cat

If your cat does have allergies, controlling those allergies becomes a team effort between you and your cat’s vet. These are some of the things you can do to limit reactions:

• Use proper flea control medications
• Make sure that you use unscented, dust-free litter
• Regularly vacuum to minimize dust
• Consider bathing your cat to wash away allergens

If you are doing what you can to minimize your cat’s allergic reaction, and your cat is still suffering from symptoms, they may need medication prescribed by our veterinarian. Depending on your cat, we may try:

• Cortisone or steroid medication
• Antihistamines
• Fatty acid supplements
• Sprays with natural ingredients, such as oatmeal and aloe

Contact Us Today To Get Your Cat Treated

Allergies are no picnic for anyone, especially your cat. If your feline friend is suffering, let us help you get your cat back to feeling like themselves again.  Contact us at Central Texas Cat Hospital in Round Rock, TX, at 512-388-1299 to schedule an appointment.