You hear a lot about people being allergic to cats, but cats themselves can have allergies that make their lives miserable. Imagine your whole body having an itch that's impossible to stop, and it's caused by the food you're fed every day or some common substance in your home that's inescapable. That's the lot of many allergy-prone cats.
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Fleas
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Flea allergies are fairly common, grow worse as cats age, and cause itching so severe that the cat may scratch or chew a flea bite until it's a bald, open sore. The most common sites for bites are the rump above the tail and around the head and neck.
Treatment involves eliminating fleas with a monthly flea killer applied to the back of the cat's neck. Warm baths with anti-itch shampoo soothe the skin. A vet may prescribe antihistamines or a corticosteroid injection to relieve the itching. Infected bites may require antibiotics.
Food
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Cats can become allergic to commercially prepared food they've eaten for years. Usually, it's protein such as poultry, beef or pork, dairy products, or grains like wheat, corn and soy. The reaction will cause licking or chewing itchy skin, digestive or respiratory problems.
The remedy is to feed the cat a hypoallergenic diet (usually venison or duck) exclusively for eight to 12 weeks until the allergen leaves the cat's system. If it works, foods are gradually reintroduced until the culprit is pinpointed. Some vets may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve symptoms, but they're not cures.
Inhalants
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Cats can be allergic to airborne substances that affect their respiratory system and nasal passages, but more often they develop a powerful itch on their face, feet, chest or stomach . Sources could be smoke, perfume, household cleaners, tree, grass and weed pollens, mold, mildew and dust mites. The cat's reaction may be seasonal or year-round.
Steroids given orally or injected provide some relief, and since cats tolerate steroids better than people, they may solve seasonal allergies. Soothing hypoallergenic shampoos and frequent bathing reduce itching and remove allergens from the skin.
If the allergen can be identified through skin or blood tests, the cat can get weekly desensitization shots. However, it's an expensive remedy and cats can develop new allergies, so they must be retested every few years. These shots aren't used to treat food allergies.
Contact
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Cats may become allergic to substances they touch, such as household cleaners, wool or the chemicals used on flea collars. The skin becomes irritated and itchy. The remedy is usually just to keep the irritating substance away from the cat.
Drugs
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Cats may be allergic to certain medications such as neomycin, penicillin, tetracycline, and anesthesia. They can have vaccine reactions ranging from loss of appetite, fever and hives to anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening collapse that requires immediate veterinary intervention. The remedy is to avoid these drugs.
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