Holistic Allergy Solutions for Cats

Although there are several allergy solutions that bring relief to cats suffering from allergies, the type of treatment option selected is based on the type of allergy exhibited. Felines in general are more sensitive than canines and develop allergic reactions when they come in contact with allergens present in the environment.

Common allergens that trigger an immune system response in cats include dust, smoke, pollen and mold. Apart from this, cats are also allergic to certain ingredients present in food. It's important to find out the type of allergy your pet is suffering from before looking for holistic allergy solutions.

Symptoms of Allergic Reactions in Cats

Most cats suffering from allergies will show signs of itchiness, redness of the skin, inflammation and loss of hair. Since your pet will start chewing affected areas on the body, he will lose hair in patches. The pet's skin is exposed as a result of this hair loss and the condition of the skin will worsen due to the exposure to UV rays.

Diagnosis of Allergies in Cats

In order to start treating the pet you will have to first find out the cause of the allergic reaction. The vet will adopt a trial and error approach to determine the allergen that the pet is sensitive to. A food trial is performed on pets suffering from food allergies, and the cat will be fed a hypoallergenic diet for the entire duration of the food trial.

Treating Allergies with Conventional Medicines

Most medicines that are administered to pets suffering from allergies only treat the symptoms. Since allergies can't be completely cured, the vet will prescribe antihistamine drugs to reduce the histamine levels in the cat's blood. If the allergic reaction is accompanied by skin inflammation and bacterial infection, the vet will also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or topical antibiotics to kill infections. While these medicines bring relief from the symptoms exhibited, they are known to cause several side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, immune system suppression, drug interactions and nausea.

Holistic Solutions for Allergies

Since most conventional medicines cause different adverse reactions, pet owners are now looking for holistic solutions to treat allergies. Such holistic solutions are a safer option because they don't solely rely on medicines. The holistic method is a multi-pronged approach and calls for dietary modification, exercise and a change in lifestyle. This approach offers long lasting results. Although you could take your pet to a holistic vet to control allergic reactions, there are a few things you could keep in mind to prevent allergies from recurring.

Holistic Solutions:

  • Identify allergens that your pet is sensitive to and take measures to prevent your pet from coming in contact with them.
  • Feed your cat a diet that's free from additives, preservatives, colors and fillers.
  • Give your pet nutrient supplements to boost his immune system. Supplements that contain antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids are a good option.
  • Avoid vaccinating the pet frequently. Since vaccines trigger an immune system response, conduct a titer test to find out if your pet really needs to be vaccinated for any particular disease.
  • Keep your home and surroundings free from fleas and don't use harsh flea preventive medications on your cat's body.
  • Groom your cat by brushing his fur daily and bathing him occasionally with a hypoallergenic shampoo.
  • Keep the cat in a smoke-free environment and prevent him from roaming outdoors in plants and grass.

Although you won't see immediate results when you adopt the holistic approach, your pet will not suffer from frequent allergic reactions in the long run.

 

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