Cats, although they act regal, are not immune to allergies. Cat allergy remedies are available with a prescription from a veterinarian or at the local drug store. However, many cats respond well to natural allergy remedies.
Type of Allergies Cats May Have
Atopy, or an inhalant allergy, most often causes a cat to groom too much, causing hair-loss or skin lesions. This type of allergy may be seasonal or year-round. Atopy can be caused by dust, mites, mold, pollen and fleas.
Cats may also suffer from food allergies. Food allergies may cause a cat to have an upset stomach, itchiness and difficulty breathing. Cats may have an intolerance to poultry, beef, pork, dairy products, wheat, corn or soy.
Contact allergies are not very common in cats. Contact allergies are when a cat touches something he is sensitive to and it causes an allergic reaction (for example, like a human getting a rash from touching poison ivy). Cats usually get contact allergies from medicated flea collars.
Natural Remedies for Cats with Allergies
Avoidance may be one of the best cat allergy cures to relieve a cat from his or her symptoms. Avoidance is when a particular item is taken away from the cat's environment. An example of this would be to not allow a cat outside when there is a lot of pollen out if the he is allergic to pollen. Avoidance is also beneficial when a cat has a food allergy: do not allow a cat to eat a food he does not tolerate well.
Many cats have allergic reactions to foods found in supermarkets that are offered commercially. Hypoallergenic food choices should then be offered that include meats such as venison or duck. The cat should stay on the hypoallergenic diet for 8 to 12 weeks. If one wants to investigate this allergy further, foods can be introduced in to a cat's diet-one at a time-until the food the feline does not tolerate can be found.
Fatty acids have been proving to be more and more effective for treating allergies in cats. Omega-3 fatty acids work in the cat's skin to help reduce not only the amounts, but also the effects of histamines and chemicals reactions that present themselves in response to an allergic reaction. Noticeable effects will be apparent within a few weeks of taking omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis.
Biotin, a form of vitamin B, has proven to help cats find relief from dry, itchy skin as a result of allergies. A cat that suffers from allergies can benefit greatly when biotin is taken daily with omega-3 fatty acids. This supplement may be found in a powder form.
Providing natural remedies to a cat that suffers from allergies can be an easy way to help control symptoms in a way that is effective and has fewer side effects for the feline and your finances. Consult your veterinarian to see what natural allergy cures he or she recommends for your feline friend.