Much like humans, cats can develop reactions to allergens like food, grass, pollen or even flea bites.

If you do suspect your cat has allergies, it’s important to see a veterinarian early! This helps you prevent further symptoms by identifying the specific allergen and cutting it out.

But what are the most common allergies cats might have? What symptoms might they exhibit? And how do you combat these allergies? Let’s take a look!

Signs of Cat Allergy

If your cat has any allergies they may exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Increased scratching 
• Increased licking or overgrooming 
• Coughing 
• Wheezing 
• Sneezing 
• Hair loss 
• Diarrhoea 
• Vomiting

In order to find out exactly what allergens your cat is allergic to, your local veterinarian can perform allergy tests. Through these tests, they can identify everything from house dust mite allergy to insects and tree pollens.

While not all allergies can be completely cured, veterinarians can help reduce your cat’s sensitivity to the allergen. They do so by administering small doses of highly diluted allergens to your cat. Over time, your cat’s body will get used to it.

If your cat has chronic itchiness or ear problems, allergy testing and treatment can be beneficial!

#1 Fleas

While fleas are never a good thing to have on your cat, some cats are especially sensitive to flea bites. This is called Flea Allergy Dermatitis or FAD.

FAD causes intense itching and, if left untreated, can lead to bald patches, sores or scabs. If you notice your cat overgrooming, it’s best to bring them to a vet. However, to prevent flea bites, regularly treat your house and your cat with anti-flea and cat allergy treatment products like Frontline’s Spot On for cats.

#2 Food

Another common allergen comes from your cat’s diet.

In fact, common cat food allergies include beef, dairy, soy, wheat and other products. In order to shortlist the specific cat food allergies your cat has, your veterinarian can also perform a food trial. If your cat does have a food sensitivity, make sure to change your cat’s food.

To help with this, Curious Cat Peoplehas an excellent selection of special diets that are great for kitties with allergies. All you need to do is pick the food type your feline friend requires!

#3 Atopy - Grass, Dust Mites or Pollen

Atopic dermatitis is a type of cat skin allergy commonly occurring as a result of contact with allergens like grass, dust mites or pollen. If your cat has atopy, a vet will be able to conduct tests to identify specific allergens.

Once you have the specific allergen specified, make sure to limit your cat’s contact with that allergen and administer any cat allergy medication your vet may prescribe. Shampoos like NaturVet’s Aller-911 Skin Care Shampoo may also alleviate cat skin allergies.

#4 Household Cleaning Products

Cats may also be allergic to the chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products. If you notice your cat feeling itchy after you use a particular floor cleaner or bathroom spray, you may want to avoid that product. You should also make sure your cat is safely stowed away in another room when you’re cleaning. Skin care lotions like NaturVet’s Septiderm-V Skin Care Lotion can have a good impact on your cat’s skin health.

#5 Perfume

Cats have a strong sense of smell - so strong perfume and scents can easily cause allergic reactions. Thankfully, it’s easy to prevent this. Simply avoid wearing perfume or colognes that your cat is allergic to. If you’re expecting any guests, make sure to also let them know about your cat’s perfume allergies.

In particular, specific plants like lilies can cause very severe allergic reactions that can even be fatal! If you notice your cat foaming at the mouth, drooling or vomiting make sure to get them to a vet right away!

Allergic reactions in cats don’t always seem very severe and it can be hard to identify if your cat is having an allergic reaction. However, it’s important to monitor your cat and consult a vet if you catch any allergies developing.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways we can help make our feline friends comfortable by preventing allergies or helping them cope better with their allergies! All it takes is a little bit of research and patience in sending your feline friend to a veterinarian when needed.

TAMMI CHNG

Tammi is an avid writer, but especially loves learning and writing about animals! She spends her free time visiting cat cafes, playing video games and having plenty of cuddle time with her pup.