Are you sad and confused at the same time, seeing your feline companion itching incessantly and looking for a quick solution? Well, this itching and irritation could be a symptom of a food allergy that your cat might be suffering from. Yes, just like humans, cats can also develop food allergies that can impact their skin, digestion, and overall well-being. Therefore, it is essential to understand what can trigger these allergies so you can treat them promptly and keep your furball hale and hearty.
Continue reading to explore everything related to feline food allergies, ranging from causes to solutions, and ensure the vitality and longevity of your feline friend.
When Whiskers React – Understanding feline food allergies
Food allergies in cats develop when their immune system overreacts to certain proteins in food by mistaking them as harmful invaders. This may cause the immune system to build antibodies against certain foods, leading to inflammation, itching, and digestive problems.
Cat food allergies develop over extended periods of time (months or years). The most common allergens include beef, fish and chicken. Although cats of any age, breed, or sex can develop food allergies, breeds including Siamese and Siamese Mix are more susceptible.
Signs of food allergies in cats
Mentioned below are a few common signs that your cat might exhibit while suffering from food allergies:
- Skin redness, itching and irritation
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Coughing or sneezing
- Digestive issues
- Dull or dry coat
- Inflammation
- Bald patches
- Sores, scabs or rashes on the skin
- Recurrent ear infections
- Constant scratching, biting or licking
- Fluid-filled skin lumps
Causes of cat food allergy
Let’s have a quick look at the common reasons that cause food allergies in cats:
- Certain food items including beef, fish, chicken, lamb, corn, rice, soy, gluten, potato or dairy products
- Artificial colors or preservatives
- Added flavors or dyes
- Seasonal allergy
- Environmental triggers
- Genetic predisposition
Simple ways to manage food allergies in cats
Here are some easy ways to manage food allergies and keep your feline companion hale and hearty:
1 Identify & eliminate the allergens
The first and foremost step in managing cat food allergy is identifying the allergy-causing triggers and then excluding them completely from their diet to prevent the problem in the future.
2 Keep an eye on the symptoms
Make sure to watch out for symptoms such as over-scratching, loss of appetite, swelling, redness, or vomiting to diagnose the allergy before it becomes severe and provide timely treatment to your cat.
3 Feed a high-quality diet
Focus on feeding your cat a high-quality diet with a perfect blend of nutrients to boost their immune health and reduce the risk of allergies. You can also consider a “novel” protein diet (a protein that is completely new for your cat) to identify and prevent common ingredients that may provoke an allergy. This diet can be commercially prepared or home-cooked with the best-quality and human-grade ingredients as per vet recommendations. Don’t forget to rotate the protein type every 3-6 months to provide variety and eliminate new allergies.
4 Add probiotics
Adding probiotics to your cat’s diet goes a long way in promoting digestion and restoring a healthy balance of gut bacteria, resulting in improved immune health and reduced risk of potential allergens.
5 Introduce new foods gradually
Work on introducing new foods slowly into your cat’s diet by mixing them with old food to identify the allergens while making your cat accustomed to the new diet. Make sure to avoid added colors, flavors, or preservatives and stick to a hypoallergenic diet for optimum results.
6 Seek veterinary help
If your cat’s allergy is getting severe even after following the above-mentioned tips, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary help for tailored recommendations. Your vet may prescribe a course of antibiotics to eliminate any secondary bacterial infection and antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms.
Keep your cat itch & irritation free
While food allergies are common in cats, they can’t always be prevented, but can be managed with the right knowledge and approach. Identifying potential allergens, observing the symptoms, slowly introducing the new foods, and consulting the vet regularly are a few effective ways to keep your cat protected from food allergies.
Cat Food Allergies – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the most common food allergens in cats?
Ans. The most common food allergens in cats are beef, chicken, fish, and dairy products.
Q2. How do I help my cat with food allergies?
Ans. Identifying the allergens, following an elimination diet, and sticking to a high-quality, homemade diet under professional guidance are some easy yet effective ways to help your cat with food allergies.
Q3. Can cat food allergies cause diarrhea?
Ans. Although cat food allergies commonly cause itching, irritation, and skin issues, they can also lead to diarrhea and vomiting if your cat is experiencing digestive symptoms.
Q4. How long does it take for food allergy symptoms to go away in cats?
Ans. Cat food allergy symptoms usually take 8-12 weeks to go away after the allergen is eliminated from their diet, followed by a strict hypoallergenic diet and water for a few weeks. Make sure to avoid feeding treats, snacks, and other foods during this time to clean the allergens from their system.
