Will Cats Really Have Food Allergies? A Comprehensive G

Research indicates that certain ingredients are more likely to trigger food allergies than others. In cats, the most common allergens include beef, lamb, fish, corn, soybeans, dairy products, and wheat gluten.

Unfortunately, while we understand the mechanism behind food allergies, we're still in the dark about why these allergies occur. Moreover, we're not sure why some cats develop food allergies while others do not.

Are Food Allergies and Food Intolerances the Same Thing?

Let's clarify the difference between food allergies and food intolerances, as many people often confuse the two.

Food allergies are genuine allergies that can manifest with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and itchy skin.

Food intolerances can lead to vomiting or diarrhea, but they do not produce typical allergic reactions, such as itching. A cat's food intolerance might be akin to a person experiencing diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort after eating spicy or fried foods.

Food intolerances can occur in cats of all ages. However, rest assured that both food intolerances and allergies can be managed through dietary adjustments.

What Causes Food Allergies in Cats?

Food allergies in cats can be triggered by more than just meats, such as fish (most cats love tuna, but fish is also becoming a more common allergen), beef, and lamb, which are common protein allergens in cat food.

Other common allergens that can cause food allergies in cats include artificial colors, cornstarch, dairy products (cats are actually lactose intolerant), meat byproducts (such as organs), and preservatives.

What Are the Symptoms of Food Allergies in Cats?

Food allergies, like environmental allergies, can cause skin itching, so it's essential to consider other symptoms to determine if a cat has a food allergy issue.

If a cat experiences allergic symptoms yearround rather than seasonally, food allergies are more likely.

Because environmental allergies, such as pollen allergies, are typically seasonal, mainly appearing in spring and summer.

Itchy skin caused by food allergies often does not respond to corticosteroid treatments.

This itching usually occurs on the face, ears, abdomen, groin, armpits, and paws.

If itching is not controlled, cats may excessively lick themselves, leading to hair loss and severe trauma (wounds).

In addition to itching, other symptoms may include:

Skincare issues, such as itching, frequent scratching, overgrooming, and dull, rough hair.

Gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Ear issues, such as infections and hair loss.

Rarely, respiratory issues may occur, including watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or wheezing.

How Can Food Allergies in Cats Be Diagnosed?

Veterinarians will conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including a skin examination.

It's necessary to rule out nonfoodrelated skin diseases and exclude other causes through blood tests, blood biochemistry, and endocrine tests.

Understanding the cat's health status, when symptoms appeared, and any events that may have occurred before, especially any changes in diet or introduction of new foods, even just a couple of times, is crucial for narrowing down the suspicion to food allergies.

The Most Reliable Test for Diagnosing Food Allergies

The most reliable test for diagnosing food allergies is a food elimination trial, not a test for food allergens.

Types of Food Elimination Trials

Food elimination trials can come in various forms, including:

Hydrolyzed protein diets (proteins are broken down into smaller pieces that cannot be identified by the cat's immune system)

Commercial novel protein diets (food ingredients the cat has never eaten), such as emu meat, kangaroo meat, and glutenfree cat food

Homecooked meals (food ingredients the cat has never eaten before)

It is often recommended to prepare homemade meals for animals because it allows for control over all ingredients.

Choose a single food ingredient that the cat has never eaten and ensure it is a lowallergen food, as it will not trigger an allergic reaction within 34 months.

How to Conduct a Food Elimination Trial

Step 1: Homemade Food

Find one type of meat (protein) and one carbohydrate that the cat has never eaten, along with a small amount of fat.

This will allow for a more balanced base food. If the cat has eaten everything, you can only choose foods that have been eaten rarely and have not been consumed in the past three months.

1. Read the ingredient lists of the cat's previous food and treats, and carefully recall what the cat has never eaten.

2. In terms of protein, options include rabbit meat, donkey meat, horse meat, etc. For carbohydrates, options include millet, Job's tears, etc., which are not typically added to pet food.

3. Add a small spoon of olive oil (a principle is to use an oil the cat has never eaten) to each meal.

4. Observe the cat's appetite and stool after eating. If there are any adverse reactions, please contact the doctor immediately.

Notes: During the process, avoid all other edible items except the selected food and plain water, including snacks, yogurt, pet milk, and flavored tablets (such as oral antibiotics) and other flavored products (such as flavored toothpaste) and other products with added flavorings.

Step 2: Duration

The trial usually lasts for: 412 weeks.

Step 3: Provocation Test

Suddenly introduce the original food and observe if symptoms worsen within one week.

Step 4: Result Evaluation

Food allergies can be diagnosed if symptoms improve only during the food trial and recur after the provocation test.

It is crucial to complete the above process under the guidance of a veterinarian to obtain an accurate diagnosis!

How to Treat Food Allergies in Cats?

Antihistamines, corticosteroids, omega3 fatty acids, and JAK inhibitors (Apoquel) can help cats shorttermly alleviate allergic reactions.

However, the only way to treat food allergies in cats is to avoid feeding them the allergenic food.

Once the food trial is complete, and the allergen is identified, ensure that this component is completely avoided from the cat's diet, including treats, medications, supplements, and other products.

There are two options for cat owners: feeding the cat a hypoallergenic diet or homemade meals.

If homemade meals are used, it is essential to ensure that they provide the cat with all the necessary nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Longterm homemade diets should be developed by a veterinarian nutritionist.

What is the Prognosis for Food Allergies in Cats?

Symptoms related to food allergies typically resolve within 12 weeks after eliminating the allergen.

Some cats with food allergies may develop an allergy to new foods if they are fed them for a sufficient amount of time.

If you notice any signs of food allergies in your cat, please consult a veterinarian.

There is currently no method to prevent food allergies. It is not possible to determine if a cat will have food allergies through testing.

Lastly, if you have a cat diagnosed with food allergies, it means you'll need to invest more effort into managing your cat's diet.

We need to carefully observe the cat's daily routine to prevent allergic recurrences. If you notice any signs of food allergies, the best course of action is to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.