Common Cat Allergies

Like people, cats are affected by several types of allergies brought on by a host of environmental factors. These allergies affect different parts of the cat's anatomy, from the nose to the stomach. If you have a cat with allergies, its discomfort may be caused by one of these factors.

  1. Environmental Factors

    • Cats can suffer from allergies brought on by pollen, dust and other particulate matter in the air. These allergies may manifest themselves as coughs or shallow breathing. A wheezing sound, sneezing and frequent coughing are often signs for this type of allergy. Bringing your cat inside during the spring pollen season and installing a home air filter are two ways to mitigate these allergies.

    Food

    • Some cats may be allergic to certain types of foods including chicken products, dairy and chocolate. To determine which food your cat is allergic to, keep track of what your cat is eating and see if allergic reactions occur after he ingests a particular food. He may suffer from digestive problems and stool issues. To be safe, do not give your cat any human food.

    Plants

    • Cats may be allergic to some outdoor plants common in many areas. These allergies are brought on when the cat rubs against or has any contact with the plants. Rubber plants are one of the more common plants known to cause an allergic reaction in cats. Itchiness, dryness of the skin and fur reduction are all symptoms of a possible allergic reaction to a plant.

    Insects

    • Another cause of allergic reactions are insects. While fleas are the most common, other insects like bees or wasps may also trigger symptoms in some cats. If your cat experiences itchiness, irritated or inflamed skin, bumps on the skin or patches of missing fur, it may be due to fleas or another insect.

    Chemicals

    • Cats may be allergic to chemicals in household cleaners or other products. The symptoms include excessive itching, dry or irritated patches of skin and loss of fur. The best way to prevent these allergic reactions is to keep your cat away from household chemicals.