Other ways that you can help your cat include:
- Wiping his paws and coat with a damp towel to get pollen off of him. This can be done several times a day
- Wet your cat’s fur with a spray including oatmeal and aloe
- Provide your cat with fish oil caplets; these contain omega-3 fatty acids which can decrease the inflammation he is experiencing and minimize his reaction to the pollen
How can I Help my Cat with pollen allergies?
Pollen allergies are usually treated either conservatively or with a variety of prescription medicines, depending on the severity of symptoms. If your cat suffers from mild discomfort seasonally, your vet may advise to keep your pet indoors in order to limit exposure to pollen.
Can cats get pollen poisoning?
Most cats can be exposed to normal environmental factors such as pollen or other inhalants without suffering any negative consequences. The immune response manifests as inflammation and excessive production of water and fluid as the body attempts to protect its various systems by encapsulating or flushing out the irritants.
What should I do if my cat has been exposed to toxins?
Many people will wait until their cat shows signs of sickness, but if you know your cat has been exposed to a toxin, or if your cat is showing any signs of poisoning, the best thing you can do is call your vet immediately.
How do I know if my cat has a pollen allergy?
Common signs that may indicate your cat is suffering from pollen allergies may include: Scratching at eyes. Watery eyes. Runny nose. Coughing or sneezing. Orange discoloration around eyes. Chewing on paws. Vomiting.
How do you treat a cat with pollen allergies?
How Are Cat Allergies Treated?Use veterinarian approved flea and tick control.Use dust-free cat litter.Bathe your cat to relieve itching.Keep your home clean of dirt and dust.Wash your cat's bedding regularly.Provide your cat with a healthy diet.Avoid smoking around your pets.
What antihistamine is safe for cats?
Benadryl“Benadryl is just an antihistamine, and it's relatively safe for both dogs and cats.” Benadryl is the brand name for the drug. The active ingredient is diphenhydramine, which you also can buy if you're looking for a generic form of the medication.
Can pollen make my cat sick?
Unlike humans who usually experience respiratory issues, seasonal allergies typically manifest as a condition known as atopic dermatitis in felines. Your cat will likely not develop a runny nose, itchy eyes and watery sinuses like you would. Instead, you may see signs of allergies on the skin or coat.
How do you treat environmental allergies in cats?
Other things you can do for your allergic cat, including home remedies, include:Keep your kitty indoors. ... Keep the home clean, change air filters regularly, and use dust-free litter.Skin and allergy supplements, such as omega fatty acids or probiotics.Use antihistamines such as Benadryl.
What can I give my cat for respiratory allergies?
Veterinarian-formulated with respiratory sensitivities in mind, Dr. Elsey's R&R™ Respiratory Relief Litter is an ideal solution for an allergy-friendly litter box.
Is there an OTC allergy medicine for cats?
If your pet has mild seasonal allergies without a skin infection, over-the-counter antihistamines might be an option for allergy relief. Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Claritin (loratadine) are commonly used allergy medicine for cats and dogs.
How do I know if my cat is allergic to pollen?
These are the most common signs of pollen allergies in cats:Scratching at skin and ears.Overgrooming.Head shaking.Ear infection or odor.Chewing on their paws.Vomiting or hair balls.Hair loss.Sore-like lesions on the skin (also called eosinophilic plaques)More items...•
How long do cat allergy symptoms last after exposure?
Once the allergen is removed, symptoms usually settle within a few hours but can last for 2-3 days, for example if there has been significant eye swelling, the use of antihistamines and on some occasions even oral steroids can help this settle more rapidly.
How do you give a cat Benadryl?
Benadryl Dosage for Cats Typically, cats take 1 mg of Benadryl for each pound of body weight two to three times a day. This means a 12.5-pound cat will take 12.5mg (or half of a 25 mg Benadryl tablet) up to three times a day, depending on your veterinarian's recommendation.
What can I give my cat for allergies sneezing?
Treatment depends on the cause of the sneezing. In mild cases, the vet may suggest taking steps to simply help your cat be more comfortable -- like using a humidifier. In other cases, antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, or fluids may be needed. Rarely, cats that don't respond to medical therapy may require surgery.
Do baths help cats with allergies?
Bathing a cat suffering from allergy-related skin irritations can help control the symptoms of the allergy, but it's important to note that baths alone will not cure the allergy. Baths can help remove some of the allergens from your cat's skin and help reduce its itching, as well as decrease smells if they are present.
Can indoor cats have seasonal allergies?
Just like people, cats can develop allergies to things like pollen, grass and dust. Cats who spend time outside are more likely to get seasonal allergies than strictly indoor cats.
What are the symptoms of a cat with allergies?
Most cats with allergies suffer with itchiness and skin lesions (bumps on their back and neck). They may also have bald areas where they have pulle...
How do you treat a cat with allergies?
Treating allergies is something that should be undertaken with your vet. Most cats need a combination of allergen avoidance, fatty acid supplements...
What are the most common allergies in cats?
The most common allergy in cats is Flea Allergic Dermatitis, followed by environmental allergens such as pollen and dander. Food allergies are comp...
Can a cat have seasonal allergies?
Yes! Cats that have an allergic reaction to pollen will often have signs of allergies in the spring and summer, and fewer or no signs in the winter.
How to diagnose pollen allergies in cats?
Diagnosis of Pollen Allergies in Cats. Your veterinarian will need to conduct a thorough physical exam of your cat in order to accurately diagnose pollen allergies. Since most allergies present with similar symptoms, your vet will need to rule out other potential aggravating environmental, food or toxins they may have come in contact with.
What happens when a cat's body ingests pollen?
An allergy response occurs when your cat’s body ingests, inhales or otherwise comes in contact with a substance that triggers an inappropriate immune response. Most cats can be exposed to normal environmental factors such as pollen or other inhalants without suffering any negative consequences.
Why is it important to give a vet a history of your cat?
If your cat has recently had any changes in food, bedding or has been exposed to unusual chemicals, this information could help differentiate between allergies to pollen and something else.
How long does it take for a cat to be injected with allergens?
In these tests, your cat is injected with a tiny amount of many common types of allergens directly into the skin and then reexamined after several days to determine if any of the substances caused an allergic reaction. Your vet may also take a small smear from the tissue inside your cat’s nose and mouth.
Why do cats have allergies?
An allergy response occurs when your cat’s body ingests, inhales or otherwise comes in contact with a substance that triggers an inappropriate immune response. Most cats can be exposed to normal environmental factors such as pollen or other inhalants without suffering any negative consequences. The immune response manifests as inflammation and excessive production of water and fluid as the body attempts to protect its various systems by encapsulating or flushing out the irritants. In some cats, pollen allergies may be hereditary, while in others the cause is of unknown origin.
What is the best medicine for cats?
If your cat’s symptoms are severe, your vet may prescribe medicines known as antihistamines. These drugs act by inhibiting the immune response to allergens. Long-term use of antihistamines may result in your cat’s system adapting and the drug no longer being effective.
Can pollen allergies cause respiratory infections in cats?
While initially, pollen allergies may pose only a minor inconvenience to your cat, if left untreated they may result in respiratory infections, colds, and other secondary conditions when the reaction becomes chronic, or long-term and repetitive, in nature.
What to do if your cat has allergies?
If you notice your cat showing any of the symptoms associated with allergies, it is time to see the vet, who will thoroughly examine your cat to rule out or differentiate between any environmental triggers, food ingredients, or skin parasites that may be responsible for the symptoms. It is best to provide your vet with a thorough medical history, including if there have been any changes to your cat’s housing, diet, bedding, or if there have been other changes within the home environment.
How to tell if my cat has pollen allergies?
Symptoms. These are the most common signs of pollen allergies in cats: Scratching at skin and ears. Overgrooming. Head shaking. Ear infection or odor. Chewing on their paws. Vomiting or hair balls. Hair loss.
Why does my cat have a pollen allergy?
Pollen allergies surface when your cat inhales (inhalant allergy) or comes into direct contact with a substance (epicutaneous allergy), in this case pollen, which triggers an inappropriate response in the immune system. The over-reacting immune response typically manifests as inflammation of the skin and ears which can lead to itchiness and obvious redness or lesions at the skin. The inflammation and itchiness then makes the cat uncomfortable if it persists for a significant duration of time, leading to potential for self-trauma, secondary infection, and irritability.
What is intradermal allergy testing?
If pollen allergy is identified, intra-dermal allergy testing (similar to the scratch test for allergies in humans) will help identify the pollen causing the problem so that appropriate therapy can be designed for each individual cat.
What is the pollen released by trees?
Pollen is released by trees, grasses, and weeds during the appropriate pollination season. Depending on the season, multiple types of vegetation may be pollinating at the same time, leading to a pollen-rich environment.
Can a vet test for pollen?
Your vet may conduct simple tests or treatments before determining if there is a need for evaluation of environmental allergies including pollen. A referral with a pet dermatologist is often discussed as an option at this time, or even before starting diet changes in some situations.
Can cats become allergic to other cats?
Our cats can indeed become susceptible to environmental triggers and inhaled substances that cause allergies. Some cats may not develop these allergies until they are older, while for other cats their aller gy symptoms may be exhibited early in life.
How to keep cats from getting allergens?
Allergen avoidance involves reducing your cat’s exposure to any offending allergens- try keeping your cat indoors with the windows closed on high-pollen days, ensure the house is clear of mildew, and use hypoallergenic bedding. Using cat litters that are dust-free can also help.
How to treat a cat with a flea allergy?
Feeding a diet with lots of fatty acids may help to prevent allergens from working their way under the skin and causing problems. For all allergic cats, flea treatment is essential. Even if your cat’s allergy isn’t to fleas, the extra itch caused by a flea infestation can set them off with a flare-up.
What are the allergens that cats have hypersensitivity to?
This is an allergen to things in the environment- pollen, cleaning products, weeds, trees, dust mites, dander, and cigarette smoke are all possible allergens your cat might have a hypersensitivity reaction to.
Why does my cat itch after breathing?
When your cat’s body contacts an allergen through their skin or after breathing it in, a chain reaction starts that’s out of proportion to the danger your cat is in—a hypersensitivity reaction. Immune system sentinel cells release cell signals that cause itching, swelling, and redness. Cats are not usually born with allergies- they develop as your ...
What is the most common allergy in cats?
The most common allergy in cats is Flea Allergic Dermatitis, followed by environmental allergens such as pollen and dander. Food allergies are comparatively rare, making up 1-5% of skin diseases in cats.
What to do if my cat doesn't have fleas?
If your cat doesn’t improve despite flea control, the next rule-out is food. To diagnose a food allergy, a hypoallergenic exclusion diet must be fed. This must either be a prescription hydrolysed diet or a novel protein diet.
What is the most common cat allergen?
Most Common Cat Allergens. Flea saliva is by far the most common cat allergen. By far the most common allergy in cats is to flea saliva. This may be called ‘flea allergy’ or ‘flea allergic dermatitis’ (FAD). Flea allergies are thought to be the cause of around a third of skin problems in cats, and some cats are so sensitive they may react ...
Do Cats Have Allergies?
If you’ve noticed your cat sneezing, scratching or gagging, there’s a good chance you’ve seen feline allergies in action. Just like their pet parents, cats can sometimes develop allergies to a wide variety of irritants inside the home or out in nature.
What Are Cats Allergic To?
Pollens, molds, chemicals, dust or eggs—they’re not just potential irritants to people with allergies, they’re some of the things that can sometimes cause cat allergies to flare up.
What Are Symptoms Of Cat Allergies?
If you know what symptoms to look for, you’ll be able to help relieve a range of common cat allergies. Keep an eye on your cat with allergy symptoms like the following:
Is My Cat Allergic To Fleas?
You’ll never meet a cat who enjoys hosting a flea infestation, but fleas are even worse for felines with flea allergies. For these cats, flea bites are particularly unpleasant, as they’re dealing with the regular itch from the bites as well as their allergic reaction to the fleas’ saliva.
Can My Cat Have Seasonal Allergies?
Hay fever isn’t just for humans—as you may know if your cat gets wheezy in the spring. Cat allergies can strike at any time, but they might worsen during the blooming season, when all those lovely trees, grasses and plants release their pollens.
What Are Common Cat Food Allergy Symptoms?
It’s no surprise that gastrointestinal symptoms could be a sign of food sensitivity in your cat, and both diarrhea and vomiting could indicate that your cat’s food isn’t agreeing with them. You might be less aware that symptoms like ear infections and skin itching can also point to something in your cat’s diet.
Can My Cat Be Allergic To Catnip?
While a cat allergic to catnip isn’t unheard of—it’s very rare. It is more common for cats to feel some gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume too much catnip. Cats don’t typically get the chance to overindulge in the good stuff, but if they do happen to eat a lot of catnip, they may have some diarrhea or vomiting for a short period of time.
How to treat cat allergies?
It involves one of two approaches: The first approach involves the use of corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), as well as improving the health of the hair and skin coat using spot-ons, sprays and/or shampoos.
What is the goal of a cat allergy treatment?
The aim is to 'reprogram' the body's immune system response to the allergen. It is hoped that as time passes, the immune system will become less reactive to the allergens. For most cats, a realistic goal is for the itching to be significantly reduced in severity rather than be completely cured.
What happens if a cat is allergic to a flea collar?
If the cat is allergic to such substances, there will be skin irritation and itching at the points of contact.
What is the best treatment for cat fleas?
Modern monthly flea preventives have made it easier and less expensive than ever to prevent fleas from affecting your cat. Corticosteroids (cortisone or steroids) can also be used to block the allergic reaction and give immediate relief to a cat suffering from the intense itching of flea allergy dermatitis.
What is the most common allergy in cats?
Flea allergy is the most common allergy in cats. In spite of common belief, a normal cat experiences only minor skin irritation in response to fleabites. On the other hand, a cat with flea allergies has a severe reaction to even a single fleabite. This reaction is an allergic response to proteins or antigens present in the flea's saliva.
How long do you have to take antibiotics for flea allergy?
If a secondary bacterial skin infection occurs from the flea allergy dermatitis, appropriate antibiotics must be used, generally for two to four weeks. See handout "Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Cats" for more detailed information about flea allergies in cats.
What is atopy in cats?
When humans inhale these allergens, we express the allergy as a respiratory problem. In humans, atopy is also sometimes called 'hay fever'. The cat's primary reaction to atopy is severe, generalized itching.
How to prevent cat from getting allergic reaction?
Keeping a clean home, using dust -free and unscented cat litter, not using excessive perfumes or deodorizers, not smoking in the house, using regular flea prevent atives, and using metal or ceramic food and water dishes can help prevent your cat from having an allergic reaction. If you notice signs of allergies in your cat, ...
What is the reaction of a cat to an allergen?
When antibodies are produced in response to allergens, they can lead to an immune system response in the cat. Therefore, this response and the symptoms that are exhibited are referred to as allergies. Depending on what type of allergies a cat has, symptoms can vary from irritating to life-threatening. 1 .
Why does my cat sneeze?
In addition to breathing issues, a cat may have runny eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing if it is exposed to something it is allergic to. Allergens can be irritating to the mucous membranes and cause these symptoms. Itching, hair loss, redness and irritation of the skin, and chewing at the paws or tail may all also be seen in a cat with allergies.
What are the most common allergies in cats?
Food: Food allergies are the third most common type of allergies in cats. There are many types of food that a cat can be allergic to but animal proteins such as chicken, beef, dairy, fish, and eggs are the most common culprits. Fleas: The most common cause of allergy in cats, flea bites cause cats to have irritating allergic reactions ...
Why does my cat cough?
This swelling can be serious and cause coughing, especially if a cat already has asthma, gagging, wheezing, and even collapse and ultimately death if not quickly addressed. 2 Oxygen is necessary for life so if a cat cannot breathe due to allergies then it is a life-threatening situation. In addition to breathing issues, a cat may have runny eyes, ...
What are the reactions of cats?
What Are Allergies in Cats? The immune system of a cat reacts if it is exposed to something it is allergic to by producing antibodies, even if the substance is not harmful. Antibodies are meant to tell the body that there is something attacking it and are usually used to fight off things like infections.
Why does my cat chew on his own hair?
The allergens cause the body to be irritated and inflamed which causes a cat to itch and chew at itself in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. Hair loss and sometimes even open wounds result. Finally, sometimes the gastrointestinal tract is affected by inflammation and irritation due to allergies.
How to help a cat with itching?
To help to immediately relieve your cat's itching, your vet may give an injection of a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids can be very effective in keeping itching and inflammation at bay, but they aren't without their drawbacks. They have side effects with both short-term and long-term usage.
What is the second most commonly diagnosed allergy in cats?
In fact, feline atopic dermatitis is the second most commonly-diagnosed allergy in cats, behind flea allergy dermatitis. Feline atopic dermatitis occurs when they inhale an allergen, such as pollen, mold spores, and dust particles, or ingest an allergen, such as beef, chicken, fish, or even dairy. Since allergens can be inhaled or ingested, feline ...
How long does it take for a cat to digest hydrolyzed food?
Your cat will need to be fed this diet exclusively for 8 to 12 weeks as you wait to see if their symptoms resolve.
How long do cats need to be on a prescription diet?
Your cat will need to be fed this diet exclusively for 8 to 12 weeks as you wait to see if their symptoms resolve. This means no other foods or treats. If your cat's symptoms resolve while they are on the prescription food, their allergies are most likely due to a food allergy.
Can cats get flea allergy?
Unfortunately, as with allergies in people, we don't fully understand why cats get allergies.
Can a cat have atopic dermatitis?
Since allergens can be inhaled or ingested, feline atopic dermatitis may be seasonal or non-seasonal. Seasonal flare ups may be indicative of an inhaled allergen while non-seasonal may be indicative of an ingested allergen, but that's not always the case. Most cats with feline atopic dermatitis are diagnosed in early adulthood as this is ...
Can cats have allergies?
Cats can have allergies just like humans. Unlike allergies in people, though, a cat suffering from inhaled or ingested allergies will exhibit signs of itching, including scratching, chewing, and biting. One such allergic condition is called feline atopic dermatitis.
How to protect your cat from poisoning?
By educating yourself about what is not safe for your cat, and making mindful changes in your environment to keep your cat away from these substances, you and will protect your cat from accidental poisoning . Who knows – you may even save a friend’s cat’s life as well.
How to protect cats from toxic substances?
Make sure your cat is protected from toxic substances by keeping all potentially toxic substances in your home, including chemical, insecticides, pesticides, locked away out of reach of animals. Check your yard for toxic plants, and bar your cat’s access to these plants.
How to tell if a cat is poisoned?
Typically, if signs of poisoning are going to show up they tend to occur all of a sudden, i.e. the cat was fine and now he is not, however, in some cases, the response can be delayed 24 hours or longer. The most common signs of poisoning in cats include: 1 Vomiting 2 Drooling 3 Diarrhoea 4 Difficulty breathing 5 Lethargy or weakness, wobbly gait 6 Unresponsive 7 Tremors, seizures, or twitching 8 Appetite loss 9 Drinking more than normal or excessive urination 10 Red or raw skin or paw pads due to a chemical burn 11 Bloody vomit, saliva, and/or stools 12 Pale gums 13 Excessive sneezing 14 Hiding or decreased social behavior 15 Yellowish tint to skin and whites of eyes (jaundice) 16 Racing heartrate or excessively slow heartrate (resting normal heartrate in cats is 130-150 beats per minute)
What to do if your cat is poisoned?
The best thing to do if your suspect your cat has been poisoned is to call your local veterinarian, a local veterinary emergency clinic, or the pet poison hotline at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Make sure your cat is in a safe place, and remove any access to toxins.
What is the normal heart rate for a cat?
Racing heartrate or excessively slow heartrate (resting normal heartrate in cats is 130-150 beats per minute) If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or if neither are available, the ASPCA 24 hour poison hotline.
Why are cats at higher risk for toxic substances?
Kittens are at even higher risk because they are so small. Cats metabolize chemicals differently than dogs, which can make it more difficult or even impossible to eliminate the toxic substance from their body. Many cats live unsupervised and outdoors, where they can come into contact with toxic substances.
What is the best medicine for fleas?
Common drugs like Ibuprofen, acetaminophen (also called paracetamol), antidepressants, cannabis products, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers. Topical insecticides designed to kill fleas and ticks and all products containing permethrin.