Cat Allergies Treatment

Just like humans, cats can also have allergies. If you are noticing that your cat seems to be irritable, itchy or sick there is a possible chance that an allergic reaction could be to blame. Allergies in cats can be caused from several different things. Some of these things could be fleas, foods, insect bites, pollen, medications, sunlight and even plastic. If you are noticing a change in your pets behavior you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible since some reactions can be severe.

With certain allergies your cat will have excessive itching, resulting in scratching and biting at the fur. There is a possible chance that your cat may have a rash or hives under the fur. Other signs of allergic reaction could be swelling of the face, around the eyes or muzzle. Sometimes a reaction can cause the throat to swell, and you will see your pet having a hard time breathing. If this happens you need immediate medical attention. Other signs could include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. You will want to get your pet to the doctor right away if you see him or her acting out of the ordinary and having any of these symptoms, especially if this has happened following a vaccination, antibiotic treatment, hormone treatment or an insect bite. Some allergic reactions can be severe enough to cause shock, heart and respiratory failure and even death in a pet. So do not hesitate to seek help.

Some reactions can be mild or some severe, but whatever the allergy, your pet will not be feeling his or herself and is probably uncomfortable. Your veterinarian will be able to determine what type of allergy your pet is suffering from and can get him or her started on the proper treatments. If the reaction is a dermatitis allergy your vet may take a skin scraping or do blood work in order to find what the underlying allergy is. Sometimes treatment may be as easy as switching a few things in your cat’s routine and environment. Other times you may be prescribed a dose of steroids or antihistamine to help your pet feel better until a diagnosis is made.

You know your pet better than anyone and will be the first to notice if your pet is having a problem or an allergic reaction to something. Be sure to take note of anything different in your pet’s diet or environment that may have caused a change in his behavior. Going into a veterinary clinic with any information you may have about your pet can help the vet understand what may be going on. The first step to getting your pet back on the path to recovery is getting him or her evaluated by a professional and getting the proper treatments started right away.