Cat allergy symptoms and treatment

When we think of allergy symptoms, we might think of swelling, sneezing, and sore eyes. Allergy symptoms in cats can be similar, but there are many behaviours and conditions that we might not be familiar with.

According to Cats Protection, if your cat displays the following cat allergy symptoms, it may be having an immiditate allergic reaction:

• Sneezing
• Itchy skin, rash or hives
• Watery eyes
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulties
• An eczema flare-up

If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a vet to diagnose the cause.

There is a range of allergies that can affect both outdoor and indoor cats . Cats can suffer from the following types of allergies:

Food

In cats, a food allergy is an adverse immune system reaction to a specific food substance. They can develop at any age, even if they’ve consumed those ingredients before. Examples of fods that can cause allergic reactions include:

• Beef
• Fish
• Chicken
• Wheat
• Corn
• Dairy
• Barley
• Rabbit
• Lamb
• Egg

Despite research, no relationship has been found between age, gender, or breed that suggests a tendency toward food allergies. It is estimated that only a small percentage of all cats suffer from food allergies, making them incredibly rare.

Flea allergy dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common skin disease in cats. It can impact cats of any age, breed, or gender. If left unchecked, it can lead to immense discomfort for your cat, requiring urgent care. 

Cats are great at grooming, so identifying fleas  or flea faeces can become difficult. However, that excessive licking and grooming could be a symptom of FAD. If you notice hair loss, irritated, crusty, or scabbed skin, as well as tapeworms, your feline could have flea allergy dermatitis. 

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is an uncommon allergy due to the amount of fluff on your feline. While fur naturally protects your cat, areas with less fur are at higher risk, such as the belly or armpits. Usually, these allergies are triggered by shampoos, plants, insecticides, detergents, and dyes. 

Atopic dermatitis

Allergies in your cat can trigger another condition known as atopic dermatitis – a type of skin irritation disease classified as a form of eczema. It can cause skin sores, scabbing, hair loss, and dryness. Symptoms are triggered by environmental factors, including mould, pollen, mites, and dust.

Environmental allergies

Environmental allergens are irritants such as mould, pollen, mites, dust, grass, and fungi. However, it can also include cigarette smoke, perfume, diffusers, fresheners, candles, and cleaning products. 

Asthma

Allergic bronchitis, also known as feline or cat asthma, is a respiratory condition that makes it difficult for your cat to breathe. When a cat inhales an allergen, for example, cigarette smoke, mildew, or household cleaning products, it can cause your cat’s lungs to swell and their airways to narrow.

Cat asthma is characterised by difficult, wheezy breathing coming from the belly instead of the chest and coughing, which may appear as though your cat is gagging.

Drugs

Sometimes, cats can be allergic to certain drugs, causing an adverse reaction in cutaneous drug eruptions. They can vary in severity, from mild rashes to serious conditions.

Cat allergy treatment depends on the allergies your cat is suffering from. Treatments vary based on a range of factors, but these may include:

• Adjusting your cat’s diet (as advised by the vet) to remove and slowly reintroduce different foods
• Steroid prescription depending on the allergies
• Anti-diarrhoea methods, such as a bland diet, probiotics, and fibre supplementation
• Anti-nausea medication
• Allergy vaccinations or immunotherapy
• Antibiotics or antifungal drugs for secondary infections caused by cat allergies
• Pain medications and topical creams
• Antihistamines
• Flea and tick treatment
• Hypoallergenic shampoos and wipes
• Oxygen support

In extreme situations, your pet may be hospitalised to receive treatment.

You won’t always know what allergies your cat has before the symptoms are present. However, there are steps you can take to tackle the more common issues, including:

• Bathe your cat. Bathing your cat can relieve itching. Try to use hypoallergenic, pet-friendly shampoos, which can help avoid allergies from flaring.
• Use dust-free cat litter. Dust-free cat litter reduces airborne particles, which can help avoid sneezing or triggering respiratory issues.
• Wash your cat’s bedding. Regularly washing your cat’s bedding can mitigate cat allergies from environmental irritants. Use hypoallergenic, unscented cleaning supplies.
• Don’t smoke around pets. Smoking can trigger allergic bronchitis in cats, which can cause them difficulty breathing.
• Monitor your cat's diet. Provide your cat with a healthy diet. If you change foods and symptoms follow, try to determine what about that food changed. Be aware of what you’re feeding your cat, so you can determine what to remove if they start exhibiting symptoms of food allergies. 
• Keep your home clean. Removing dust and dirt from your home can reduce the severity or risk of triggering your cat's allergies. 
• Use vet-approved flea and tick products. Certain chemicals could cause an allergic reaction on contact with your pet’s skin.

Your vet may suggest dietary supplements or a prescription, depending on your feline friend’s history, if they are at increased risk of certain allergies.

Yes, you can give your cat an antihistamine, known as chlorpheniramine. Don’t worry, it’s easier to swallow than it is to say. You can get chlorpheniramine over the counter, and it’s best taken long-term to prevent allergies, rather than to combat flare-ups. 

While it’s not a cure-all, it may relieve symptoms such as itching or inflammation. It can also be used alongside other allergy management treatments. Always talk to your vet first.  

Cats taking antihistamines may become drowsy, though the effect should diminish over time. Additionally, feeding it to your pet can be challenging due to its bitter taste. If you miss a dose close to the next planned dose, it’s best to skip rather than double up on doses.

Your cat may experience side effects from antihistamines, including vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, constipation, dry mouth, excitement, or drooling. If the side effects are severe or you suspect an overdose, contact your vet.