Cat Food & Skin Allergies

Food allergies are the third most common allergy experienced by cats, according to Drs. Foster and Smith. No specific factors determine what animal will develop allergies, as all breeds and both genders are equally affected. A food allergy should not be confused with a food intolerance, as an allergic reaction appears as a skin problem, and a food intolerance exhibits a more gastrointestinal reaction, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

  1. Cause

    • An allergy occurs when your cat's immune system mistakes a usually harmless substance as something dangerous and harmful. It then releases chemicals into his bloodstream to fight the danger, including antibodies and histamine, which causes the body's reaction to the allergen. Food allergies can develop at any time in your cat's life, and he may become allergic to the food he has been eating for years.)

    Symptoms

    • Food allergies produce reactions in your cat's skin when the trigger allergen is ingested. These include extreme and persistent itchiness, red patches of skin and hair loss. The symptoms of a food allergy will remain constant throughout the year, unlike a flea allergy, and usually do not respond to the typical allergy treatments, such as steroids or medication.

    Diagnosis

    • Your vet will examine your cat's skin, perform a physical examination and record her medical history and current diet. Once a food allergy is suspected, food elimination trials may begin by feeding your cat a new food consisting of a protein and carbohydrate for three months to fully cleanse her system of the allergen. She can then resume her normal food. If symptoms return, the food allergy is confirmed.

    Treatment

    • Once the trigger food or ingredient is identified, the only sure way of curing the allergy is to avoid that particular substance. Antihistamines and topical ointments can help relieve the itch and irritation caused by the allergy, but new allergies may develop and new food elimination trials may be required. You will need to pay strict attention to the ingredients in any food or treat your cat receives to reduce the chance of a new allergic reaction.

    Common Culprits

    • There are certain foods that are more likely to cause an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, the ingredients most likely to cause an allergy are those most commonly found in commercial cat foods, such as beef, lamb and seafood. Corn, soy and wheat gluten are also high on the list of food allergens for cats.