Anyone with seasonal allergies knows how unpleasant they can be, but animals go through similar experiences. As the top veterinarian in Fort Worth, TX, our team at Penny Paws Animal Clinic is here to answer the question, “Can cats have allergies?” Find out what ailments often affect our feline friends, how to provide treatment, and tips for helping your cat avoid allergy symptoms in this guide.Â
Allergies That Commonly Affect Cats
When it comes to allergies in cats, any number of substances can impact their health. Food allergens, for example, can lead to digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Sensitivity to environmental allergens like pollen can affect a cat’s skin or respiratory system.Â
Your cat may live a long, healthy life without any allergies but not all felines have the same luck. How can cats have allergies? All it takes is a heightened sensitivity to certain substances such as:
- Food ingredients
- Insects or fleas
- Outdoor allergens like wood, grass, or pollen
Veterinarians can diagnose these allergies following a physical exam. They’ll document your cat’s medical history and possibly perform blood or skin tests to confirm the diagnosis.Â
Allergy Symptoms in Cats
Many of the seasonal allergy symptoms that humans experience also affect cats with allergies. These include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
In addition, cats often experience skin irritation. You might notice your cat scratching their neck more often because of itching fleas or a rash. Scabbing and hair loss can also occur after exposure to certain allergens.Â
It’s possible for your cat to contract an infection either through these skin or upper respiratory conditions. That’s why it’s vital that you bring your cat to a vet to properly diagnose and treat their allergies. Treatment may include medications like antihistamines or special shampoo to soothe irritated skin.Â
Eight Ways to Prevent Allergies in Cats
Not only can cats have allergies to their food but also to particles within their environment. Find out how you can prevent these conditions from affecting your cat below.Â
1. Close Your Windows
Indoor cats can experience allergy symptoms when pollen flies around outside. Leaving your home’s windows open during the blooming season exposes your cat to pollen from plants around your home. Close the windows during this time of year to protect your animal from unwanted side effects.Â
2. Limit Your Time Outdoors During Allergy Season
Even if you don’t suffer from seasonal allergies, it’s smart to limit your own exposure to pollen. Spending time outside when plant and tree pollen is excessive can lead to particles landing on your clothes, hair, and shoes. You’ll then track the particles inside your home and expose your cat to them.
If you know your cat has a pollen allergy or suspect one, play it safe. Reduce the amount of time you spend outside when pollen counts are high. This will keep your cat safe from unnecessary exposure.Â
3. Keep Your Cat Out of Allergen-Prone Areas
How can cats have allergies if they remain indoors and have little exposure from you? Environmental allergens can even affect indoor cats depending on your home’s indoor air quality.Â
Say your cat has access to your basement. Many homes have musty basements due to excess moisture that can lead to mold growth. Cats who frequent these areas can incur skin and upper respiratory conditions because of the mold, mildew, and other allergens present.Â
4. Clean Your Cat’s Belongings
As much as you try to limit their exposure to allergens, small particles can make their way into your home. These substances, like pollen, dust, and grass clippings, can end up reaching your cat’s bed, toys, and scratching posts. Check these areas frequently and wipe them clean to remove any visible allergens.Â
5. Maintain Their Flea Medications
Not only can cats have allergies to outdoor substances but fleas as well. Keep them safe by sticking to a regular flea and tick prevention routine. Consult your veterinarian about medications that keep fleas and ticks at bay, especially if you have an outdoor cat who likes to roam in grassy areas.Â
6. Bathe Your Cats
We don’t expect all cats to cooperate when you try to give them a bath. However, waterless shampoos and pet-friendly moist towelettes will be your best line of defense when allergens impact your cat’s sensitive skin. Use these products along your cat’s coat to penetrate their skin and ease any rashes or itching.Â
Doing this regularly not only protects your cat from allergy symptoms but also helps to maintain a healthy, shiny coat.Â
7. Clean Your House Regularly
Dusting and vacuuming your home regularly can be beneficial and improve your indoor air quality so you can breathe easier. By removing dust mites, pollen, and other allergens from your home, you’ll reduce the risk of coughing and sneezing.Â
Your cat will also enjoy living in a clean environment. Any airborne allergens that affect them won’t be an issue when you stick to a routine cleaning schedule.Â
8. Test and Maintain Their Diet
Food allergies can wreak havoc on a cat’s digestive system. Unfortunately, the only way for your pet to overcome these allergies is by testing certain ingredients and adjusting their diet accordingly. Pay attention to the ingredients on your cat’s food label.
Try feeding them that food for several weeks to see if they continue having allergic reactions like vomiting or diarrhea. If the symptoms persist, use a different food with other ingredients. Repeat this process until you find a food that doesn’t irritate their stomach and feed them that going forward. Â
Let Our Veterinarians Care for Your Sick Cat
Not only can cats have allergies but severe cases can cause significant changes in your cat’s health. Bring them to Penny Paws Animal Clinic for accurate and compassionate veterinary care. Whether you have a cat passed out and in need of emergency care or a feline friend who needs a routine check-up, our team is happy to help.Â
Contact our Fort Worth office at (817) 522-1992 to schedule an appointment today.