Does My Cat Have Allergies?

The warmer weather is here (on and off) and already some people are beginning to struggle with hay fever. Cats can have allergies too, but unlike us humans, they aren’t able to tell us about their suffering or pop to Boots to buy some allergy medicines. It’s down to cat owners to look out for the symptoms and to help cats to find relief from their suffering, but what are the signs?

Allergy Symptoms in Cats

The symptoms of allergies in cats are very similar to those exhibited in humans.

• Sore eyes
• Runny eyes
• Itchy skin
• Runny nose
• Mucus
• Upset tummy

Allergies in Cats

There are three main causes of cat allergies, fleas, environmental triggers and food.

• Flea Allergies

Many cats and dogs live with flea allergies in the UK. Just one little bite from a flea will cause a flare up and leave your pet suffering. A common sign that the allergy is caused by fleas is overgrooming, often resulting in the loss of hair in patches. Help to prevent flea allergies by ensuring that the flea treatments are religiously maintained for your pet and your house. Fleas tend to love the spring and summer months, but because of central heating the fleas can now thrive all year round in the home. Cats can even be allergic to other parasites such as ringworm and mites, so a trip to the vet is a must for correct diagnosis.

• Environmental Allergies in Cats

Dust mites, pollens, grass and other environmental factors can cause misery for cats that are allergic. If you notice your cat’s allergies are only present at certain times of year the allergy is seasonal, the common culprit being pollens and grasses.

• Food Allergies in Cats

Cats can develop food allergies at any time. The most common foods that cause flare ups even include things like fish and beef. Vets will try to work out the food that is causing the problem with a dietary trial. Over a set period your cat will have to eat a specific food and nothing else other than water. Vets will often recommend keeping cats indoors to ensure that no other food is consumed over the trial period.