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ALLERGIES IN CATS
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One of the most common reasons that I see cats is for allergies.
SIGNS
The most common is itching of the skin, usually localized. Your cat may have coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be an associated nasal or ocular (eye) discharge. Some cats have vomiting or diarrhea. Most cats have noticeable hair loss, epecially at the tail base in flea allergy. Food allergy often shows up as severe itching at the face.
CAUSE
Think of biting parasites first - FLEAS!!!
In the allergic state, the immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed.
Flea Allergy
This is the most usual cause of allergy - it is common in cats. Most cats experiences only minor bumps in response to flea bites, often without any itching. On the other hand, the flea allergic cat has a severe, itch-producing reaction when the flea's saliva is deposited in the skin. Just one bite causes such intense itching that the cat may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair. There will often be open sores or scabs on the skin, allowing a secondary bacterial infection to begin. The area most commonly involved is over the rump (just in front of the tail). The most important treatment for flea allergy is to get the cat away from all fleas. Therefore, strict flea control is the backbone of successful treatment. The topival flea treatmenys work best. Unfortunately, this is not always possible in warm and humid climates, where a new population of fleas can hatch out every 14-21 days.
Inhalant Allergy
Cats may be allergic to all of the same inhaled allergens that affect people. These include tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens (especially Bermuda), weed pollens (ragweed, etc.), molds, mildew, and the house dust mite. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens. However, others are with us all the time, such as molds, mildew, and house dust mites.The cat's reaction, however, usually produces severe, generalized itching. Most cats that have inhalant allergy react to several allergens. If the number is small and they are the seasonal type, itching may last for just a few weeks at a time during one or two periods of the year. If the number of allergens is large or they are present year-round, the cat may itch constantly.
Food Allergy
Cats are not likely to be born with food allergies. More commonly, they develop allergies to food products they have eaten for a long time. The allergy most frequently develops in response to the protein component of the food; fish or dairy products are the most common food allergens. Food allergy may produce any of the clinical signs previously discussed, including itching, digestive disorders, and respiratory distress. We recommend testing for food allergy when the clinical signs have been present for several months, when the cat has a poor response to steroids, or when a very young cat itches without other apparent causes of allergy. Testing is done with a special hypoallergenic diet. Because it takes at least eight weeks for all other food products to get out of the system, the cat must eat the special diet exclusively for 8-12 weeks (or more). If positive response occurs, you will be instructed on how to proceed. If the diet is not fed exclusively, it will not be a meaningful test. We cannot overemphasize this. If any type of table food, treats or vitamins are given, these must be discontinued during the testing period.
SOLUTIONS
THE SUPPLEMENT CONNECTION. Fatty Acid supplements are very helpful in decreasing the level of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are most important. Cats are unable to metabolize Flax, so I only recommend the liquid supplement for them. Other sources include fish oil, primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.
ANTIHISTAMINES. Benadryl is the most commonly used antihistamine. It is give at a dose of 1mg per pound of body weight, 2-3 times a day. Cats respond well to Chlortripolon at 2mg, 2-3 times a day. It is best to consult your veterinarian before using these medications. It often takes 14 days of using these to see if they are helping.
ANTIOXIDANTS. Vitamin E and Vitamin C may help: the Vitamin E dose is 100 IU per 10 lbs of body weight once daily; the Vitamin C dose is 100mg per 10 lbs of body weight once daily.
TO THE BATH.( If you Can!!) An oatmeal shampoo with cool water will ease the itchiest skin. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet twice weekly.
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