How To Treat A Cat With Allergies

Introduction

Cats are wonderful pets and they are also very susceptible to allergies. Just like people, cats can have allergic reactions to pollens, dust mites, or foods in their diets. While we can’t see the environment through a cat’s eyes, we can see the effects of allergies through redness around the eyes or welts on their skin. In this informative article we’ll cover how to identify symptoms of allergies in cats and what you can do to treat them.

Allergies are a common cause of itchy skin and an inflamed coat in cats.

Allergies can be caused by many different things, such as pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander. Allergens may penetrate the skin or irritate the respiratory system; they can also be ingested through food or water. When your cat comes into contact with an allergen, his immune system responds by producing antibodies to fight off the invader. This causes inflammation on his body’s surface—especially around his paws and face—and can even result in hair loss as he tries to scratch away at itchiness (as is often seen in dogs). Allergic reactions will typically begin with redness and swelling followed by thickening of skin or hair loss if left untreated for too long.

Common symptoms of allergies in cats include itchy skin, an inflamed coat, hair loss, mild to severe ear infections, and eye irritation.

If you suspect that your cat has allergies, look for any of the following symptoms:

Itchy skin. Cats may scratch their skin repeatedly or rub it against objects in an attempt to relieve irritation and discomfort.
Inflamed coat. Cats with allergies often have red-tinged fur that is dry and thickened across the body, particularly around the face and ears. This is because allergy medications tend to dry out a cat’s fur over time by reducing oil production in its skin. The same phenomenon can occur on cats who are not receiving treatment for their allergies—and it will be more pronounced if they were never treated beforehand!
Hair loss. Depending on your cat’s breed, some hair loss is normal—but if you notice patches of bare skin where there used to be fur before (or even worse…all over), then it may be time for medical attention! This symptom can also indicate other conditions such as ringworm infection or hypothyroidism which require veterinary assistance as soon as possible

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, consider taking them to the vet for an allergy test.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your cat, consider taking them to the vet for an allergy test.

Skin issues such as inflamed skin, dandruff and hair loss
Eye problems such as watery eyes and itching around the eyes
Swollen paws or feet (especially after having been outside)

Once your cat is allergy-free, help them maintain a healthy coat by giving them a high quality diet and cleaning them with medicated shampoos.

Once your cat is allergy-free, help them maintain a healthy coat by giving them a high quality diet and cleaning them with medicated shampoos.
Take care of their fur. Giving your cat regular baths will help keep it clean, soft, and healthy—and will help prevent skin infections because dirt can get into their pores. Bathing more often than once every two weeks is not recommended because it can dry out their skin; however, if they are particularly dirty you may need to bathe them more frequently than this.
Give the right foods: Your cat should have access to fresh water at all times (some cats prefer running water) in addition to wet food at least twice per day (more often if they are kittens). Canned food provides more moisture than dry food so make sure that’s what you buy!

The sooner your cat gets treatment the sooner they’ll feel better

Your cat’s condition will likely improve more quickly if you treat the underlying cause of the allergies. The longer you wait to treat your cat, the more time they’ll have spent scratching their skin and licking their paws. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections that require antibiotics.

You should try to get a diagnosis as soon as possible so that you know what type of treatment is needed. Once you’ve determined what’s causing your cat’s allergies, it will be easier for you to decide which medications (if any) are right for them.

Conclusion

If your cat has allergies, it’s best to get them tested as soon as possible. Some cats are going to be more prone than others depending on their genetics and environment, so having your cat tested will let you know what type of allergy they have and how likely they are to experience an allergic reaction. Many people think that allergies in cats can only be treated with medication but there are other ways like changing their diet or keeping the home clean that could also help alleviate symptoms. There’s also a wide variety of medicated shampoos on the market which can help treat mild cases without having any side effects. If you notice any symptoms mentioned here please contact your local veterinarian immediately because they’ll be able to diagnose what type of allergy is causing these symptoms and recommend treatment options for you