Seasonal allergies can affect cats just like humans. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for cat allergies is vital for keeping your feline friend comfortable. This post by our Ypsilanti vets will cover different cat seasonal allergies, their causes, treatments, and common symptoms, and address whether indoor cats can have seasonal allergies.
What causes cat seasonal allergies?
Cat seasonal allergies occur when a cat's immune system overreacts to substances in the environment, known as allergens. These allergens are usually harmless but cause issues when inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin of sensitive cats.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen: Trees, grass, and weeds release pollen, which can trigger cat allergies.
- Mold spores: They thrive in damp, warm environments and release spores that cats can inhale.
- Dust mites: These microscopic creatures live in household dust and can cause allergic reactions.
- Fleas: These bites can cause flea allergy dermatitis, especially in sensitive cats.
Common Symptoms of Cat Seasonal Allergies
Recognizing the symptoms of cat seasonal allergies can help you take action sooner. Symptoms may vary but commonly include:
- Itchy skin: Cats may scratch excessively or groom themselves more than usual.
- Sneezing: Frequent sneezing, often accompanied by a runny nose.
- Watery eyes: Allergies can cause red, watery eyes in cats.
- Ear infections: Recurrent ear infections can be a sign of allergies.
- Respiratory issues: Wheezing or coughing, although less common, can also occur.
How are allergies in cats diagnosed?
If your cat is experiencing itching, scratching, or wheezing, your vet will thoroughly examine and review your cat's medical history. They may also recommend performing laboratory tests to confirm your cat's diagnosis.
Cat allergy testing can be done using a blood or skin test. For a blood test, the vet will take a blood sample from your cat and send it to a lab for analysis.
The vet will administer small injections just beneath the cat's skin for the skin test. If your cat is allergic to a specific substance, it typically develops a hive on its body.
Can Indoor Cats Have Seasonal Allergies
Even indoor cats that primarily stay indoors can develop allergies. They can be exposed to various allergens, such as dust mites, mold, and pollen, that enter the home through clothing, shoes, or open windows.
Cats living indoors can also be allergic to household items like food and cleaning products. Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation in cats.
Cat Seasonal Allergies Treatment
Veterinarians use a multifaceted approach to treat pet allergies, addressing clinical signs such as excessive itchiness and secondary bacterial or yeast skin or ear infections.
Treatment options vary depending on the allergen and the reaction it triggers.
- Prescription shampoo (antibacterial or antifungal)
- Prescription ear flushes
- Anti-inflammatory topical medications
- Oral antibiotics
- Itch relief medication, such as Apoquel for dog allergies or Atopica for cats
- Injectable monoclonal antibody therapy
- Corticosteroid therapy
If your pet is experiencing mild seasonal allergies without a skin infection, you may consider using over-the-counter antihistamines to provide relief. Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin are commonly used allergy medicines for pets.
However, always consult your vet before giving your pet over-the-counter medication to ensure the medication and dosage are safe for your cat.
What can I give my cat for allergies?
There are home remedies that can help alleviate certain symptoms. Lifestyle changes that can make a difference include:
- Making your home as hypoallergenic as possible can help your cat with allergies. Consider installing an air cleaner with a HEPA filter and ensuring your fabric surfaces are cleaned often.
- Your veterinarian may recommend bathing your cat with a pet shampoo containing oatmeal. (If your pet is on a flea medicine, check with your vet to ensure the topical flea or tick medication won't be washed away, reducing the effectiveness.
- Supplementing your pet's diet with fish oil can reduce flaky or itchy skin. Probiotics can also relieve cats from skin allergies by restoring balance to bacteria levels in their GI tract.
- A simple intervention for itchy pets is to have them wear clothing to cover the itchy areas. This has been shown to reduce their need to scratch.
The right approach can effectively manage seasonal allergies in cats. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and following appropriate treatments can help your cat enjoy a more comfortable life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.