Differences Between Cat Allergies and Asthma

When it comes to diagnosing a pet, such as a cat, many owners assume that symptoms that occur in a human are the same symptoms that occur in a cat. Unfortunately, this is not true. When it comes to allergies or asthma in a cat compared to a human, there are significant differences that many owners would be surprised to learn.

  1. Identification: Allergies

    • Allergies only cause a problem in a cat when the cat comes into contact with the allergen. Like humans, cats can be allergic to nearly anything: foods, dust, mold, various plants, milk products, fleas and fabrics, such as nylon. Feline allergies generally begin occurring sometime between one and three years of age.

    Identifying Asthma

    • Unlike allergies, asthma is an actual respiratory disease that affects the cat. However, it should be noted that the cat can develop asthma or suffer from an asthma attack because of allergies; so the two are inter-related in that aspect. Asthma occurs in cats when they are between 2 and 8 years old.

    Symptom Comparison

    • One of the main differences between allergies and asthma in a cat are the symptoms that occur with each condition. Cats with allergies will have a reaction of the skin, not any respiratory reactions like a person with allergies might experience. Symptoms of allergies in a feline include hair loss, crusty papules, mutilated skin tissue, skin plaques and red lesions. Asthma, on the other hand, causes the cat to cough or wheeze, with the occasional vomiting that may occur following a coughing spell.

    Allergy Treatment for Felines

    • Just as the causes and symptoms of each are different, so are the treatment methods. For a cat who is suffering from allergies, it may be necessary to completely remove the offending allergen from the cat's environment. For example, a cat who is allergic to dust may require more frequent washing of their bedding and vacuuming of the floors to remove dust in the home. Other treatments for allergies include topical anti-itch solutions, fatty acid supplements or medications, such as steroids and antihistamines.

    Asthma Treatment for Felines

    • As with humans, feline asthma must be controlled. A pet owner's main goal should be to reduce symptoms by controlling secretions and improving air flow. In fact, cats too, have bronchodilator medications that are delivered to them via a metered-dose inhaler.