The 4 Most Common Types of Allergies in Cats

There are different types of allergies that cause your cat a lot of discomfort. These allergic reactions take place when the cat comes in contact with some type of allergen. The pet’s immune system perceives certain allergens as foreign bodies. Histamines are then produced by the body and this gives rise to the symptoms of allergic reactions. If your pet exhibits any of the symptoms given below, he may be suffering from an allergic reaction.

Common Symptom of Allergies

Common symptoms of allergies are:

  • Itchy skin
  • Hives
  • Reddened skin
  • Secondary skin lesions
  • Hair loss
  • Diarrhea 
  • Vomiting

1. Contact allergies

These allergies develop when the cat’s skin comes in contact with certain allergens. These allergens penetrate the skin and cause skin reactions. There are several substances that are present in your home that can lead to contact allergies. These include certain chemicals and disinfectants that are used in the household.

You must therefore exert caution when you’re buying disinfectants for the home and make sure you the ventilate the home well so that the cat isn’t exposed to toxic fumes that are emitted by chemicals.

2. Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea saliva contains a substance that acts as an allergen when it touches your pet’s skin. If your cat is suffering from a flea infection he may get repeated flea bites. This can make your pet’s skin itchy. The cat will end up biting and chewing the affected areas and this can lead to skin lesions, inflammation and loss of hair in patches.

3. Inhalant Allergy

Inhalant allergy develops when the pet breathes certain allergens that are present in the air. Mold, dander, spores and cigarette smoke are common allergens that cause inhalant allergy. If you own a cat and wish to smoke, you should make sure you don’t smoke in the presence of your pet. Also avoid taking your pet out on walks when the allergy forecast for your area is high. Pets suffering from this type of allergy may show signs of watery eyes, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing and cough.

 4. Food Allergy

Cats generally develop allergies to foods that have been fed to them for a long period of time. Foods like chicken and dairy products are the most common allergens. To find out which food is an allergen to your pet you will have to feed your cat a hypoallergenic diet for several weeks. Once you find out the main culprit that’s causing the allergic reactions you will have to stop feeding it to your pet.

There are several commercially available antihistamine medications that reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions. These medications should be administered under the supervision of the vet. If you don’t find out the cause of the allergic reaction the allergy will recur. You should also give your pet nutrient supplements to boost the immune system and the pet's overall health.

 

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