Understanding Cat Allergies and Intolerance: Causes and

Why Do Cats Experience Food Allergies and Intolerances?

Ⅰ What Does It Mean to Be Allergic or Intolerant?

When we talk about allergies, we're referring to an overreaction of the immune system to foreign substances, known as allergens or antigens, which can lead to discomfort.

Various triggers, such as certain materials, parasites, pollen, and, of course, food, can cause symptoms like itching, coughing, abnormal eye and nose discharge, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Intolerance, on the other hand, occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as harmful and mounts a protective response.

Some food components may not be welltolerated by the body, leading to difficulties in digestion and absorption.

Ⅱ Understanding Food Intolerance

Besides the food components themselves, there's another potential issue: a food that was once tolerated may become intolerant due to bacterial contamination or spoilage.

It's crucial to store your cat's food properly. Once opened, cat food should be transferred to a vacuumsealed container to maintain freshness.

Ⅲ Food Allergies in Cats

① According to "Dr. Cat's Feline Medicine":

Most cats develop allergies to certain food components over time, which can accumulate and lead to sensitivities.

It's a bit like the adage 'quantity leads to quality change.' The most common allergens are proteins, such as beef, pork, chicken, and turkey.

② Symptoms:

Itching, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, and asthma are among the common symptoms.

Ⅳ Solutions for Cat Allergies and Intolerances

For general intolerances, adjusting the diet can help. A combination of smaller, more frequent meals and probiotics can be observed.

Wondering what food to switch to to avoid allergies? This might require an allergen test.

For instance, allergic dermatitis is a condition where the 'allergen' accumulates over time, exceeding a certain tolerance threshold, leading to itchy skin issues.

Based on the allergen test results, it's important to avoid the main allergens and opt for a suitable hypoallergenic prescription diet for observation. Typically, this observation period lasts for two months, during which the cat should only eat cat food (for more accurate results).

Of course, if necessary, a veterinarian may use corticosteroids to block the allergic response and alleviate skin abnormalities caused by the allergy.

In Conclusion

Every cat is unique, with varying preferences and compatibility with different types of food.

When choosing cat food, consider these three practical points:

① The primary ingredient should be animalbased protein, with an additional meat or fish as a secondary option.

② Start with trialsized portions, feeding your cat in small, frequent meals to observe their appetite and digestion (watch for the consistency and amount of feces).

③ Combine these observations with your personal financial situation to make the final decision.