If you have a cat with allergies, you'll likely notice that your pet gets very uncomfortable at certain times of year or in response to various stimuli. This can be a food allergy, an atopical allergy, a contact allergy or some other type of reaction. The first step toward successfully accomplishing this goal is to learn what your pet is allergic to, if possible. Determining an allergy can be a difficult thing to do, so you'll need to work with your vet. Read on for some tips on how to deal with a cat that has allergies.
Know the Symptoms of a Cat with Allergies
Know how your own pet responds to the allergy that he suffers from. You should be able to recognize his allergy symptoms as early on as possible. By knowing when your cat is suffering from a reaction, you'll be much better able to promptly treat his condition and to deal with his allergy appropriately.
Keep Cat Allergy Medicine around the House
If your vet has diagnosed your pet with a particular allergy and has provided you with a medicine to help reduce his allergic reaction, keep a small quantity of that medicine around the house. Ensure that it hasn't gone bad before you give it to your cat. This can be an especially good idea if your cat suffers from a severe allergic reaction.
Use Topical Solutions for Cat Allergies
If you don't have a quantity of remedy for your pet's allergic reaction around the house, keep in mind that some types of solutions may be a good intermediary step to take while you wait to take the cat into the vet's office. There are many different topical solutions that are available for your pet if he suffers from a contact allergy. Keep some around the home and use them when your cat suffers from a reaction, but keep in mind that they are limited in their ability to help your cat over the long term.
Avoid the Allergens that Affect the Cat
Once you've determined what your cat is allergic to, you will need to do everything possible to keep that allergen from entering into his environment. If he suffers from an atopical reaction, keep the appropriate air purifiers in the home, as well as hypo allergenic bedding and other materials. If he suffers from an allergic reaction to his food, experiment with new foods under your vet's guidance until you have found something that works for him. Knowing what will bring about the reaction in your pet is an important step in limiting his contact with that allergen.
Respond Quickly to an Allergic Reaction
If your pet does suffer from a reaction, take him to the vet quickly so that you can deal with his allergies as fast as possible and in an appropriate manner. Ask your vet for additional information.