Effective Solutions for Cat Food Allergies: What to Do!
Food allergies in cats exhibit clinical symptoms that are often similar to those of other types of allergies. These allergic conditions can affect the same areas of the body. In some cases, distinguishing between inhalant allergies and food allergies based solely on symptoms can be challenging.
When a cat shows signs of allergies, it's crucial to first consider a food allergy, as this type of allergy is relatively easy to manage. Simply removing the offending food component from the cat's diet can often control the symptoms. But how do you identify the allergen? The answer lies in a simple yet effective method: introduce a new diet that the cat has never been exposed to. This trial should be conducted before any other allergy tests.
Here are the common symptoms of food allergies in cats:
Itchy skin, particularly around the face, paws, and ears.
Unusual odors emanating from the skin.
Red bumps or hives.
Ear infections.
Selfmutilation due to severe itching.
Diarrhea and vomiting. While most cats with food allergies will only show skin issues, a small percentage may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
Diagnosing Food Allergies in Cats
Diagnosis of food allergies involves several tests to identify the allergy and rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. These include:
Comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Your veterinarian will closely inspect your cat's skin and inquire about its recent diet. It's often noted that cats with food allergies haven't changed their diet significantly, and they've been on the same food for a long time.
Food elimination trial. This test involves identifying a food the cat has never been exposed to and feeding it exclusively for 812 weeks. If the cat's itching and scratching decrease and there are no further skin or ear infections during this period, it suggests the cat is likely suffering from a food allergy.
Treatment for Food Allergies in Cats
Treatment for cat allergies can include one or more of the following:
Avoidance of the problematic food.
Use of antihistamines to reduce itching.
Treatment for secondary bacterial or yeast infections.
Home Care
New food allergies can develop over time. If your cat has previously been diagnosed with a food allergy and has been wellcontrolled through dietary therapy, but now shows signs of skin allergies again, it may indicate a new allergic reaction. In such cases, it's best to consult your veterinarian promptly to determine if a new allergy has emerged or if another condition is at play.
To differentiate, you may need to conduct another food elimination trial. This process requires patience, as it can be lengthy. Additionally, you must strictly monitor your cat's diet and ensure no one inadvertently "ruins" the trial by giving the cat extra food or table scraps. Adhering to the trial's requirements is crucial for obtaining an accurate diagnosis, meaning the cat should not be given "flavored medications" or "vitamins" during this period.
Preventive Care
Food allergies seem to have a genetic predisposition, with certain cat breeds being more prone to them. However, since the causes of food allergies are unknown, prevention can be challenging.