6 Signs Your Cat Is Allergic To Its Food
One of the most common and easiest diagnoses, cat allergies are a problem for both cats and owners. There are many reasons pets have allergic reactions to their food, each with varying causes and symptoms.
One of the most common and easiest diagnoses, cat allergies are a problem for both cats and owners. There are many reasons pets have allergic reactions to their food, each with varying causes and symptoms.
Whether your pet is allergic to chicken, beef, or something else, you must know the signs to help your furry friend get better as soon as possible. Cats are allergic to certain foods or other things that can trigger an allergic reaction, resulting in skin rashes, diarrhea, or other negative symptoms. The allergic reaction can be mild with no warning signs noticed by your pet, or it can be severe and life-threatening.
Excessive itching
A cat's skin is susceptible, and they are constantly grooming itself. If the cat food contains something the cat is allergic to, it will start to itch more than usual, causing hair loss from excessive scratching and licking. The symptoms may not be as noticeable on a long-haired cat as on a short-haired cat, making it hard to diagnose at first. Itching and hair loss are common signs of a food allergy, which you should take very seriously.
Swollen glands
Some cats will show swollen glands in their mouths and under the chin; this is commonly mistaken for something else, such as an illness that will have to be treated differently than the food allergy. Cats with allergies to their cat food may also have swollen ears due to ear infections as they try to clean off any residual food. A food allergy can also be the reason for lethargy and depression in cats.
Skin rashes
The most common sign of cat allergies is a skin reaction, which can include rashes, hair loss, or hairballs. These reactions usually appear on your pet's back, sides and stomach while eating their food. A cat might show signs of a scald mark on their body if there were any hot liquid spills or what otherwise caused burns.
Swollen stools/diarrhea
If your cat has eaten something, it is allergic to, it will develop inflammation and irritation in the stomach and intestines. The cat will eliminate this food in the form of diarrhea or vomiting, causing a lot of water to be lost through their excreting process. A cat allergic to dog food might have loose stools or an entirely different type of digestive problem. The stools are usually fatty, greasy, and have a strong smell.
Alopecia/hair loss
Alopecia is hair loss that occurs when the immune system is to blame. It is another symptom of food allergies that can affect cats very severely. Hairballs are also common in this case, as the cat licks itself excessively to relieve itself from itching and scratching caused by the food allergy. Allergic reactions can also cause scabs on specific areas of your pet's body.
Swelling
The most dangerous symptom of a food allergy in cats is swelling. It can be anywhere on your pet's body, but the most common areas are their ears, face, and paws. Infections spread quickly in cats with food allergies, and antibiotics usually treat the infection. Some cats even die from an allergic reaction. It's essential to start treatment immediately if you notice any signs of swelling.
Medication
Megacillin or Cosequin are well-known allergy medications that they can take orally. These are two examples of the many different medication options you can find at your local pet pharmacy. There is also a cream that comes in a tube and applies to your cat's skin to keep it hydrated while relieving itching.
Steroid injections
Injections are typically either a steroid or an antihistamine, depending on the cat's symptoms. A steroid injection can be beneficial in relieving the swelling and inflammation caused by allergies. An antihistamine will make the cat more comfortable by reducing the excess production of immune cells.
Change their diet
Changing the cat's diet is a surefire way to treat cat allergies, but it can be tricky if you have a picky eater on your hands. If your cat has been eating dry food for the past several years and suddenly starts refusing it, an allergy to dry food might be the culprit. You can try substituting a new food, such as a wet food diet or homemade cat treats, but those will require you to cook or make each batch carefully. Most cats won't take dried foods, and you may have to mix their new food with canned or cooked cat food. Don't give up on your finicky kitty; they need time to adjust after switching food.
There are many types of food allergies, and it is essential to review your cat's diet for any inconsistencies that may worsen its symptoms. Cats ingest raw poultry and other proteins in their diets due to their natural hunting instincts; however, if they have a solid allergy to poultry or another protein source, there will be an adverse reaction when they eat this food. The reactions will vary for each type of protein ingested and for particular breeds of cats.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.