Cats can be highly susceptible to allergies and intolerance. These can be derived from environmental factors, as well as aversions to certain foods. While many of these allergies can be seasonal, some may persist throughout your cat’s life, and will need the relevant care to minimize the impact on your precious pet’s physical health and overall well being. The most prevalent symptoms include sneezing, wheezing and skin irritations, and the cause must be treated in order to give your cat some relief.
Dust, mound and pollen are the most common allergens for cats, and while they are primarily linked to the summer and spring seasons, their effects can be diminished by making sure your house is clean. Regular dusting and keeping a dry, moisture free home is the first step. If you find that after this, your cat is still sneezing for an extended period, seek the advice of your vet, as your cat may need a feline antihistamine.
When it comes to food allergies, you have to be a bit more careful. While some allergies are developed from when your cat is a kitten, others develop later in life. It’s best not to handle these yourself, as you may aggravate the symptoms further.
The best course of action is to take your cat to the vet immediately, and make sure that you can supply the vet with as much information about the food your cat is eating, their feeding schedule and when the symptoms are most prevalent.
Usually, vets will place your cat on a diet which individually eliminates one ingredient at a time, in order to figure out which foods trigger particular symptoms. These symptoms may include inflamed skin or itching. If this is the case, your vet will advise on the best course of action to manage these symptoms. This may involve switching to a hypoallergenic food option.
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