You might think your cat has a cold when he’s suddenly sneezing and having trouble breathing. It could be cat allergies. Some cats are allergic to their lives with humans, and those allergies can manifest through asthma, respiratory problems, and skin problems.
Only a small percentage of cats experience this. Recent studies have shown that some cats are indeed allergic to their human environment. An allergic reaction by a cat is a serious situation and the more you know about it the more easily you can help your cat get relief.
The most common allergic responses are the respiratory issues and the skin issues, but your cat might also suffer other symptoms. If your cat is having an asthma attack they will have trouble breathing and you might notice him coughing as he would with a hairball. Many cases of cat asthma have been mistaken for just hairballs.
Cat Allergies — Breeds:
Some breeds of cats are more inclined to have this allergic reaction than others. One of these breeds is the Siamese cat. They are very vulnerable to this type of allergic reaction. Siamese don’t get skin issues, but they do get asthma. It is the human environment with its allergens and irritants that affect the Siamese so much.
Cat Allergy Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Conjunctivitis
- Urinating issues
- Inflammation of the skin
- Itchy skin
- Muscle Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Lethargic
Minor allergic reactions might not need medical treatment, but asthma and severe skin inflammations require a trip to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian will help by examining your cat’s allergies, asking about symptoms, providing a diagnosis, and getting the proper medication your cat will need to treat the allergies and asthma. The most common prescribed medication for cat allergies is steroids.
Find the Source of Your Cat’s Allergies:
You must find the source of your cat’s allergies and eliminate it so the symptoms do not return. What is irritating your cat? It can be something as simple as the clay or dust from the kitty litter you are using, or it can be as serious as the bacteria mycoplasma that infects both cats and dogs. There is no vaccine for mycoplasma, and if a cat gets it, they need immediate medical treatment. If you think your cat might be infected you need to bring him to an emergency animal hospital right away.
What is Your Cat Allergic to?
Think about what your cat is exposed to in your home. Some allergens your cat might be exposed to include dust mites, cigarette smoke, pollen, cleaning supplies, mold, foods, and dust.
Start by eliminating any possible allergens. Clean your home from top to bottom using natural cleaners. Get rid of any household cleaners with chemicals. You can clean everything with vinegar and other natural products. Check your home for mold, especially in the kitchen and bathroom where the environment is moist. You could also have a mold inspector come to your house to check out it. Another thing your cat might be allergic to is his food, especially if you’re feeding him human food. Eliminate human food. Stick to the same wet and dry cat food instead of buying a different brand each time. Switch to a new brand when you find out your cat has allergies, and then stick to that brand. Your veterinarian can recommend good cat food brands.
Your cat’s allergies should let up after getting rid of these common allergens. If the symptoms stay the same or get worse see your veterinarian. You should have a follow up appointment to make sure everything is going well.
Have you noticed cat allergies in your kitten?
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