![]() While cats can have allergies to grains, corn, or gluten, it is far less common than the main protein sources. The most frequently reported allergies are beef, fish, and chicken. Typically, a cat’s immune system is overstimulated by a protein. Any protein, carbohydrate, preservative, additive, or dye can be potentially allergenic. The cause of food allergies in cats is poorly understood. Cats will typically wheeze, cough, and have labored breathing. This type of allergy is uncommon in cats.Īllergic bronchitis is also known as asthma. Cats most often experience itchiness, rashes, redness, swelling, inflammation, hives, and in severe cases, cellular death and sloughing of the skin in sheets. They vary in clinical signs, location, and severity. Itching at these locations may be moderate or severe.Ĭutaneous drug eruptions are allergic reactions to any type of drug. Most cats with contact dermatitis show redness, swelling, pustules, and crusts at the site of exposure. The location is determined by direct contact. Often, cats have intense itching resulting in self-induced trauma from itching, chewing, and rubbing to relieve the itch.Īllergic contact dermatitis occurs as lesions on the skin after exposure to a certain trigger such as pollen, yeast, or mites. The head and neck are most often affected, as well as the inner thighs and abdomen. Historically, cats with flea allergies either have poor or no flea control. Atopy can also cause asthma-like respiratory issues, and conjunctivitis.įlea allergies only affect the skin. Often, cats have relapsing secondary bacterial and yeast infections. Itchiness is the most reported clinical sign, in addition to ear infections, hair loss, skin plaques, and pustules. Food allergies are typically non-seasonal, meaning they occur all year round.Ītopy, or environmental allergies, can mimic food allergies. Many will have skin symptoms, including itchiness, especially around the face, head, and neck. Not all cats with a food allergy will have gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and hypersalivation. These symptoms vary in intensity and may develop over years.įood allergies can look very similar to environmental allergies. Veterinarians recognize these six major types of allergies in cats:Ītopic dermatitis, or environmental allergiesĪll types of allergies can cause similar, overlapping clinical signs in cats. As soon as you notice your cat may be suffering from allergies, call your veterinarian for an exam. Early intervention is critical to long-term success. While some breeds may be more prone to allergies, they can occur in all cats. Ocular: Allergens often cause conjunctivitis.Īllergies are extremely common in cats and it’s typically a life-long condition that can impact the cat and pet parent’s quality of life. Respiratory: This includes the lower and upper airways, often with nasal discharge. Gastrointestinal: Symptoms usually show as vomiting or diarrhea. The skin is the most affected organ system. Skin: Itchiness can cause cats to lick, chew, or rub their skin and fur, leading to infections and hair loss. Our feline companions may also have these issues, but more commonly display allergies in a combination of the following body systems: Humans with allergies typically have symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. Typically, allergens are inherently harmless (like pollen, foods, or dust), but in certain individuals, the body overreacts and stimulates an inflammatory response that causes allergy symptoms. ![]() These are classified as antigens or allergens. An allergy is an immune response sensitivity to certain substances that cause allergic reactions.
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