Alternatively, you may be able to work with your veterinarian to find a different food that will provide similar relief from symptoms. About 10% of allergic cats have a food allergy. If your cat has food allergies or food intolerance, you may notice some of the following signs: Vomiting or diarrhea Flatulence Frequent scratching or hair loss Red, inflamed skin Chronic ear problems Poor growth in young dogs Coughing, wheezing and sneezing Veterinarian approved Allergy Support products. Clinical symptoms of an allergy are usually a year-around symptom, and the most obvious indicator is that when a food is eliminated from the diet and the symptoms clear up. Diarrhea. © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Affected cats may also develop recurrent infections of both the skin and ears. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!. The foods most commonly associated with food allergies in cats include beef, fish, chicken, and dairy products. Genetic predisposition plays an important role in food allergies. Both situations can be treated by eliminating the problem food from the diet. An allergic cat will typically display the following symptoms: Itchiness Cat Food Allergy Symptoms. Time and patience are needed to sort out food allergies but it is worth the time involved to cure your kitty and keep him happy. Food sensitivity usually affects a cat’s digestion (think vomiting and diarrhea); but a food allergy often appears as a skin problem. Itchy, runny eyes. Food allergy testing is conducted by feeding an elimination or hypoallergenic diet. Food allergies develop when the immune system mistakenly sees a food type as dangerous and overreacts to it. The main symptoms of food allergies in cats are as follows: Skin irritations or lumps. If your cat's symptoms improve after the food trial, a presumptive diagnosis of food allergy is made. Itchy skin/increased scratching. Apply Licorice Paste. Diagnosis of food allergies can be tricky as there are many conditions that produce similar symptoms. Typical symptoms of cat food allergies include: Skin problems - itching and redness, bald areas or actual abrasions of the skin, usually caused by the cat scratching themselves. There is a difference between and food intolerance and a food allergy. We're here for you and your pet in 43 states. Food allergies in cats are often accompanied by itchy, irritating skin problems, with 10 to 15 percent of affected cats suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Food intolerance happens when the body is sensitive to a particular food. Allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and skin, sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, and rash. Signs of Food Allergies in Cats. may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Excessive scratching. The well-known ‘’elimination diet’’ is the only proven method to determine what food is causing the problem. Elimination diets rely on changing your cat’s diet and giving them food which they have not had before. Once your pet has been diagnosed with a food allergy, you may choose to continue the food that you used during the food trial for long term maintenance. Flea allergy is a response to proteins or antigens present in the flea's saliva, and just one fleabite may cause such intense itching that the cat may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair. Cats with food allergies typically develop skin or gastrointestinal symptoms, sometimes both. … In many cases, cat owners are willing and able to administer these medications at home. This handout provides step by step instructions. If your cat's signs resolve with the food trial AND return within one week of a food challenge, your cat has been definitively diagnosed with a food allergy. Dull, brittle, or coarse fur. Ear infections. In cats with food allergies, certain ingredients can trigger an immune-system response. Food allergies are the third most common type of allergy in cats (behind flea allergy and inhalant allergy). Your cat at first may be a little wary of the new diet, but will soon adjust and adapt to new tastes and sensations. Loose Stool. The time honored and proven method for treating allergies of your cat remains the elimination diet where the usual everyday diet is replaced by new and never before tried foods and ingredients. Food allergies can also present with digestive signs like vomiting, diarrhea and increased gas. Food allergies in … One of the most common medical conditions affecting cats is allergy. At this point, there is no simple or accurate test to diagnose food allergies in dogs and cats, Dr. Siegel says. Limited research has been performed in this area, and there may be other common allergens that we have not yet identified. Intolerant or aggravated cat attitude because of the irritated skin and upset digestion system. The symptoms of cat food allergy are similar to other types of allergies. Cats excrete several other proteins that allergic individuals may become sensitized to, so the cat food – and any treatments targeting Fel d1 – may not get rid of allergy symptoms completely. The first sign of allergies is normally the presence of an itchy, scratching kitty. Now that you have a list of the most common food allergens for cats, you might be tempted to simply find a food that does not contain any of them. 10 Common Allergy Triggers. In some cats, these infections may be the only clinical sign of food allergies. Blood tests are available for allergies but the general consensus from medical and dermatology circles suggest that the tests are too nonspecific, and as such, are nowhere near the effectiveness of the elimination diet. ©Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. Diarrhea. Most cats do not seem to mind routine injections which are given in the subcutaneous tissue. Increased scratching. And like humans, those allergic responses can range from itchy and irritating to severe and dangerous. Vomiting. Ear concerns. In some cases, cats with food allergies develop gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in addition to their skin issues. Flea allergy, food allergies, atopy, and contact allergies are examples of allergies in cats, with flea allergy being the most common cause. The most commonly affected areas include the lower spine, around the base of the tail, face, ears, neck, flanks, and belly. Slow and steady is the name of the game. The itchy patches may be localized or all over your cat’s body. Weight or hair loss. Flea allergies happen at the base of the tail or neck and on the hips, groin and thighs. Cat food allergy symptoms in cats include: Sneezing, coughing or wheezing. Your veterinarian will rule out these other conditions prior to diagnosing an allergy. The most reliable test for diagnosing food allergies is a food trial. Itchy Skin. As the third most common type of feline allergies behind flea bites and inhaled substances, food allergies in cats are nothing to sneeze at. Swollen paws. This test involves feeding a special diet, one which does not contain any proteins that your cat has been previously exposed to, for 6-8 weeks. Cat Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Symptoms: Food allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a specific food component (there are 40 ingredients in the typical commercial cat diet). Cats will have a very itchy rash and may lick, bite, and scratch at the affected skin. Symptoms include skin and tummy problems, and will develop every time your cat eats something they are allergic to. While your cat is on a food trial, she must eat ONLY the food that has been recommended by your veterinarian. Snoring caused by an inflamed throat. These cats may develop itching around the rectum, which leads to scooting. Many inexpensive cat foods add artificial food coloring to their foods. Common Signs And Symptoms. Artificial Coloring. Treatment involves removing the offending irritant or allergen and reducing the cat's clinical signs. Vomiting. Live in harmony with your cat or dog. Dermatologic food reactions are non-seasonal reactions which occur following ingestion of one or more allergy causing substances in an animal’s food. Be vigilant about cleaning dishes off the table after your family meals, because even licking a plate clean may interfere with the results of a food trial. It is very important that no other treats, supplements, or other edible products be fed during the food trial. Lastly, cats with allergies to their diet may have some gastrointestinal symptoms as well, such as loose stools, excessive gas, and occasional vomiting. This itching typically affects the face, ears, belly, groin, armpits, and the legs/paws. Although itchy, irritating skin problems are the most common signs of this allergy, an estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of affected cats also exhibit gastrointestinal signs, such as … In order for a cat to develop a food allergy, the food must be one to which the cat has been previously exposed. Food allergies and airborne allergies cause itching on the face, ears, belly, and feet. A good variety and mix of foods will ensure your cat’s health returns to what it once was. Allergies affect both male and female cats, and are indiscriminate about age or breed. The most common food allergens for cats are chicken, beef, dairy, egg, and fish. Symptoms of Food Allergy in Cats. It pays to focus on the response to new additions to your cat’s diet, keeping in mind that allergies take a while to become obvious. Some cats may react dramatically to even trace levels of an offending allergen, requiring carefully controlled hypoallergenic foods, while other cats may have a higher tolerance and may do well on a different ‘flavor’ of a typical cat food. Your cat’s fur will fill out and gain condition and his skin will recover with the skin irritations receding and clearing. Food allergies usually develop by 4-5 years of age. Food allergies in cats most often present as skin reactions, itchy, flaky, bumpy, and sometimes hairless skin reactions. Feline miliary dermatitis is a general term used to describe a skin condition in cats that most commonly results from an allergic reaction. See handout “Inhalant Allergies (Atopy) in Cats” for further information on atopy. These cats may develop itching around the rectum, which leads to scooting. The physical reaction is frequently excessive itchiness, with resultant excessive scratching at the skin. Salt water (saline) is used to rinse your nasal passages, reducing congestion, postnasal drip, and sneezing. Vomiting. Diagnosis is based primarily on medical history and clinical signs. Runny eyes and nose. Cats that are allergic to airborne allergens such as pollen might also show allergy symptoms such as runny eyes, itchy eyes, sneezing, or even coughing and fast breathing. We’re committed to keeping clients and staff safe during COVID-19 with NEW admittance and check-out processes. Paw licking is a common sign of food allergies in dogs, try to keep Capone from eating the cat’s food or place the cat’s food in a place where he doesn’t go (garage, shed, utility etc…); also check his paws for any signs of injury, foreign bodies sand etc… Allergies to mites cause itching and lesions on the ears, elbows, belly, and legs. Cats most commonly develop food allergies between the ages of 2 and 6, and must be repeatedly exposed to the offending allergen (for example, by eating it every day) to develop signs of a problem. We took her to a cat-only vet and she suspected food allergy, not ear infection. Sneezing, coughing (if the cat has asthma), wheezing. Male and female cats are both equally likely to develop food allergies. These cats are so itchy that they often over-groom themselves, causing significant trauma (wounds, abrasions) and hair loss. If your cat's allergy symptoms resolve while on the food trial, the next step is to perform a food challenge. Those signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, loss of appetite, itchy skin, hair loss or reddened skin. In some cases, cats with food allergies develop gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in addition to their skin issues. Irritated itchy skin that does not respond to steroid treatment. Regardless, once you have found a diet that works for your cat, you will need to continue that diet long-term, avoiding cat treats and other foods that may trigger an allergic reaction. Cats with allergies often present with chronic, year-round itching and skin inflammation. Food allergies, like other allergies, cannot be cured. Dispose of the used needles and syringes properly. Less of an appetite. This is accomplished by removing the offending food, and then once your cat’s condition improves you start adding back a food at a time to see which foods react with your cat. Diarrhea. An example may be replacing beef and lamb protein with turkey or even kangaroo meats. *Wag! Instead, they are managed through avoidance of foods that trigger allergy flare-ups. Understanding Food Intolerance Differentiate between food intolerance and food allergies. While the precise reason for the reaction causing allergies is mostly unknown, there are many ways that your cat can be treated to minimise the effects. With diet the main line of defence, your cat can recover and enjoy life again without the incessant itching that comes with allergies. Allergies can be overcome or controlled using a lot of observation, veterinary support and of course, patience. The natural cortisone in licorice root helps regulate the immune system … You might also notice that their eyes are itchy or runny, or that they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Certain medical conditions can be controlled by the use of drugs that are only available in an injectable format. If these medications clear the problems, then the specialist may reintroduce the normal diet to see if any signs of the allergy reoccur. Coat appears dull. Cat food allergy symptoms include: Itchy skin, especially excessive scratching or rubbing of the face and neck; Skin scabs; Diagnosing Food Allergies. Food allergies are also often related with atopy (inhalants allergies) – many cats are allergic to both food ingredients and environmental allergens. A food allergy isn’t quite the same thing as a food sensitivity. She only eats novel proteins - mostly Nature's Variety Instinct rabbit wet food, some RadCat raw venison and wild caught Alaskan salmon that I … The most common causes of food allergies are fish, beef, chicken, eggs, and wheat. It is a long process, and requires patience and veterinary consultation throughout but the results that have been received using this process have been well and truly worth it. This involves re-introducing your cat's old food. Your cat can only receive the prescription food, water, and unflavored prescribed medications (which cannot be disguised using food) during a food trial. It does take a while for your cat to adjust to a new diet and it will take a while for the allergy to slowly withdraw, but after a couple of weeks you should see the improvements starting to happen. An allergic reaction can happen within minutes of eating, ... 5 Tips to Cut Pet Allergies. Your veterinarian may treat your cat for secondary skin infections and for any gastrointestinal symptoms at the beginning of the diet trial.