Could Your Cat be Suffering from an Allergy? Yes! It’s Very Possible
If your cat has been sneezing and wheezing, it’s reasonable to consider that he/she may be allergic to something. Cats can definitely have allergies and if this is the case, they will likely have a noticeable reaction to whatever it is they’re allergic to.
Fortunately, these can be easily managed by you in consultation with your vet. You do not want to try to figure this out on your own. So, if you have a good veterinarian, they are the ones you’ll want to turn to for a definitive answer and the proper treatment.
How to Tell if Your Cat Has an Allergy
If your cat is experiencing an allergic reaction to something, you will likely notice the symptoms, which could be one or more of the following:
- Diarrhea
- Ear infections or itchy ears
- Increased scratching from itchy skin
- Itchy, teary eyes
- Repeatedly scratches base of tail or back, often due to a flea allergy
- Sneezing or coughing
- Snoring due to an inflamed throat
- Swollen paws or repeated paw chewing
- Wheezing, often due to asthma
What types of things are cats allergic to?
There are all kinds of things that can cause an allergic reaction in cats, which are as follows:
- Cigarette or cigar smoke
- Dust and dust mites
- Fabrics
- Fleas
- Flea-control products
- Food ingredients
- Grass, trees, and weeds
- Household cleaning products
- Mold and mildew
- Perfumes
- Plastic materials
- Pollen
- Prescription medications
- Rubber
What to Do if You Suspect Your Cat Has an Allergy
Write out a list of all the symptoms you’ve observed your cat having, as well as any changes in eating habits or behavior. This way you can clearly explain your observations to your vet when you call him/her. Most likely they will want you to bring your cat in for an examination.
If your kitty has been experiencing severe allergic reactions, your vet will likely prescribe some medication with instructions on how to and how often it should be administered. He/she should also be able to give you a good idea of what your cat may be allergic to.
You may be instructed to play detective when you return home in order to find out for sure what your cat is allergic to. This will require patience and some good record keeping.
Your vet will likely tell you to eliminate one-at-a-time each item on the above list. This way you can find out if your kitty’s symptoms get better after he/she is no longer being exposed to that item. For example, if you suspect that your cat is allergic to grass, you can keep him/her inside for several days to see if the symptoms go away.
Many cats are allergic to flea and tick bites. What they’re actually allergic to is the saliva. To prevent the itching and discomfort that comes with fleas and ticks, we recommend that you apply a good flea and tick treatment like Innovative Flea & Tick.
Many cats can be helped by wearing a (100% natural) Flea and Tick Collar for Cats. These do a fairly good job of keeping fleas and ticks at bay. Some kitty parents also use an Electric Flea Comb for Cats, which works quite well if your cat will sit still for it.
We hope you got the information you were looking for in this article and here’s hoping your kitty has an allergy-free summer!
Take care!
made with 🧡 for cats - AmazinglyCat