Similarly to humans, cats can experience allergic reactions to substances in their environment. Whether your cat inhales, ingests, or comes into contact with an allergen, it will likely have several uncomfortable symptoms impacting its daily life. Fortunately, your “veterinarian near you” at Connolly Animal Hospital in Florence, AL, can diagnose and treat cat allergies to help your pet feel its best again. Learn more about cat allergies and how we can treat them below.
Common Causes of Cat Allergies
Cats experience allergies primarily through food ingredients or substances in their environment. Food allergies develop when a cat’s immune system becomes sensitized to a specific protein source, such as beef, chicken, dairy, or fish. Environmental allergies occur when an allergen gets inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Frequent environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and cigarette smoke. Other causes of cat allergies include flea bites and contact allergies.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
Your cat’s allergy symptoms may vary based on the specific allergen type. For example, food allergies often cause digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea. Most cats experience skin problems like itchiness, excessive licking, and hair loss. Skin lesions, scabbing, and inflammations may also occur due to skin symptoms. Other cats may have respiratory problems like sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Red, watery, or itchy eyes can also indicate allergic reactions.
Diagnosing and Treating Cat Allergies
Our veterinarians typically diagnose cat allergies through a physical exam and testing. Skin and blood tests help identify specific allergens causing your cat’s symptoms. We may utilize a food elimination trial to isolate ingredients leading to reactions. Once our veterinarians pinpoint the cause of your cat’s symptoms, we can recommend the following cat allergy treatment methods:
• Dietary modification: We can help develop a hypoallergenic diet that excludes offending food ingredients.
• Medications: Antihistamines and corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and itching associated with allergies.
• Flea control: Consistent flea prevention is crucial for managing flea allergies.
• Environmental control: We can recommend steps to reduce your cat’s exposure to environmental allergens. This may involve using air purifiers, regularly vacuuming, and removing potential allergens like dust mites.
• Immunotherapy: Our vets may recommend allergy shots to increase your cat’s resistance to allergens over time.
Get Veterinarian Dermatology Treatment From Connolly Animal Clinic Today
If your cat is struggling with allergies and requires cat dermatology treatment from a “veterinarian near you,” look no further than Connolly Animal Clinic in Florence, AL. Our vets will diagnose the cause of your cat’s symptoms and provide effective cat allergy treatment to help it remain healthy and comfortable. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (256) 757-5376 to protect your pet’s long-term health and happiness.
