Feline Allergies

It is not uncommon for allergies to affect cats, regardless of the breed. Those afflicted often present varied symptoms, as there are several different types of allergies that a cat can have. Common symptoms are itching, diarrhea and vomiting. Fortunately there is treatment available that can help cats with allergies.

  1. Function

    • Cats experience an allergic reaction when their immune system overreacts to the presence of foreign substances (usually antigens or allergens), according to Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. The allergic reaction can manifest in many ways, from severe itching to vomiting. How the allergic reaction manifests is usually tied to what kind of allergy the cat has. There are four types: contact allergy, flea allergy, inhalant allergy and food allergy. Each allergy requires a different treatment.

    Contact Allergy

    • It is very rare for cats to have a contact allergy, according to Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. In this type of allergy, the skin develops a local reaction to some object or substance. Flea collars, types of bedding and fabrics such as wool can cause a reaction in some cats. It can often be difficult to find the cause of the reaction. The treatment is usually as simple as removing the object so the cat no longer encounters it.

    Flea Allergy

    • Flea allergies are one of the most common types of allergic reactions cats have, according to Fanciers.com. Cats become more susceptible to this type of allergy as they age because sensitivity to flea saliva increases. Cats that have an allergic reaction to a flea bite experience severe itching and scratching to the point where even one flea bite can cause the cat to injure itself, warns Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. Open sores and scabs left from scratching can result in secondary infections. Treatment involves ridding the cat of fleas. According to Fanciers.com, Prednisone is often used for cats with a severe allergic reaction.

    Inhalant Allergy

    • Inhalant allergies are also very common in cats. Cats with this type of allergy are often affected by the same allergens in the air that affect humans, such as pollens, mold and dust mites. This type of allergy usually causes itching. Unlike other allergies, this one is seasonal, and some cats are only affected for a few weeks out of the year. Treatments include hypoallergenic shampoo, antigen injections and sometimes, steroids.

    Food Allergy

    • Only about 5 to 10 percent of allergic reactions in cats are caused by reactions to food, according to Fanciers.com. Food allergies can produce itching, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, there is hair loss and ear inflammation. Cats are not born with food allergies; instead they develop them for foods they have eaten for an extended period of time. The veterinarian usually treats this type of allergy by placing the cat on a special diet that eliminates the cause of the allergy.