Allergies in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments.

Feline allergies are a prevalent issue faced by pet owners and veterinarians. These allergies can manifest in various forms, including skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal reactions, and are triggered by allergens such as food, environmental factors, or flea saliva. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial for maintaining your cat’s well-being and minimizing discomfort. This article offers a systematic exploration of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for allergies in cats.

Quick Overview: Allergies in Cats

• Other Names: Non-flea non-food-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFNFIHD), Atopic dermatitis, cutaneous advere food response (CAFR), flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
• Common Symptoms: Itching and scratching, hair loss, scabs on skin, scratch marks on skin, ulcers or open sores on skin.
• Diagnosis: Treating effectively for fleas to rule out FAD, skin or blood allergen testing, novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diet trials.
• Requires Ongoing Medication: Yes
• Vaccine Available: No, but allergy testing can be used to develop allergy immunotherapy, which works on similar principles to vaccines.
• Treatment Options: FAD can be resolved by treatment and prevention effective for fleas. Food allergy can be managed with an appropriate hypoallergenic diet with oral medication sometimes also needed. Environmental allergy can be managed with oral medication and allergy immunotherapy if testing has been done.
• Home Remedies: Keeping a cat indoors may reduce outdoor allergen exposure, especially during spring and summer. Rarely, a particular allergen may be indentified and removed (allergen avoidance).

Causes of Allergies in Cats

Feline allergies can be grouped into three primary categories: flea allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis).

1. Flea Allergies
   Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most frequent allergy in cats, triggered by a hypersensitivity to flea saliva. Even a single flea bite can induce severe itching and discomfort in cats predisposed to FAD. Studies estimate that flea allergy is responsible for a significant proportion of feline dermatological issues. Proper flea prevention is essential in controlling this condition.
2. Food Allergies
   Food allergies in cats usually develop as a reaction to specific proteins in their diet, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Over time, cats can develop an immune response to these proteins, resulting in skin or gastrointestinal symptoms. Unlike dogs, which may have more varied diets, cats are obligate carnivores, which can limit the variety of protein sources that are safe for them to consume.
3. Environmental Allergies
   Atopic dermatitis, caused by environmental allergens, is also common in cats. These allergens include pollen, dust mites, molds, and dander, which can cause reactions in the skin, respiratory tract, or both. Environmental allergies can worsen in certain seasons, especially during periods of high pollen exposure. Unlike food or flea allergies, environmental allergens are harder to avoid, making management more complex.

Symptoms of Allergies in Cats

The symptoms of feline allergies vary depending on the allergen and how the cat’s immune system responds. They typically manifest in the following ways:

1. Skin Symptoms
   Feline allergic dermatitis is a common presentation in all types of allergies. Symptoms include excessive grooming, itching, hair loss, scabs, and lesions. Cats often develop miliary dermatitis, characterized by numerous small, crusted lesions, primarily around the back and neck. Some may experience eosinophilic plaques, which are raised, inflamed skin areas.
2. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
   In cases of food allergies, cats may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. These gastrointestinal issues are due to an immune response in the digestive tract, which can also lead to inflammation.
3. Respiratory Symptoms
   Environmental allergens often cause respiratory issues in cats, such as sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing. In severe cases, cats may develop asthma-like symptoms that can be life-threatening if not treated. Cats with respiratory symptoms may also exhibit watery eyes or nasal discharge, particularly during allergy flare-ups.

Diagnosis of Feline Allergies

Diagnosing allergies in cats requires a comprehensive approach, combining clinical evaluation, allergy testing, and elimination trials.

1. Clinical Evaluation
   Veterinarians begin by evaluating the symptoms and examining patterns of skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or respiratory issues. A detailed medical history is taken to help identify possible allergens.
2. Elimination Diet Trials
   For food allergies, veterinarians often recommend an elimination diet, which involves feeding a novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diet exclusively for 8–12 weeks. If the cat’s symptoms improve and then return upon reintroducing the previous diet, a food allergy is diagnosed.
3. Allergy Testing
   Intradermal skin testing or blood (serum) allergy tests are used to identify specific environmental allergens. These tests can help pinpoint allergens, such as pollen or dust mites, that are triggering the immune response.
4. Flea Exclusion
   Flea allergies must be ruled out first. A strict flea prevention regimen is prescribed, and if the symptoms resolve after continuous flea treatment, the diagnosis is confirmed. Flea exclusion typically requires 12 weeks of treatment to ensure that the flea life cycle is completely broken.

Treatment Options for Allergies in Cats

Once diagnosed, treatment strategies depend on the type of allergy involved and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment may include medication, dietary changes, and allergen management.

1. Flea Allergies
   Flea allergies can be managed effectively with continuous flea prevention. Prescription flea control products, such as fipronil, imidacloprid, or selamectin, are recommended to ensure complete protection from fleas. In severe cases, antihistamines or corticosteroids may be necessary to control the allergic reaction.
2. Food Allergies
   A hypoallergenic diet is the cornerstone of managing food allergies. A diet that consists of either novel proteins (such as rabbit or venison) or hydrolyzed proteins (which are broken down into smaller components to avoid immune detection) is essential for long-term management. In some cases, oral corticosteroids or cyclosporine may be necessary to manage flare-ups.
3. Environmental Allergies
   Managing environmental allergies often requires a combination of approaches, including:
   • Immunotherapy: This involves allergy testing followed by allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) to desensitize the cat to the allergens. AIT is similar to vaccines in that it helps the cat’s immune system adapt to allergens.
   • Corticosteroids and Antihistamines: These medications help reduce inflammation and itching but are often reserved for more severe or chronic cases.
   • Environmental Modifications: Reducing allergens in the home environment can be beneficial. This includes using air purifiers, frequent cleaning, and avoiding known irritants like cigarette smoke.

Immunotherapy and Future Treatments

Advancements in immunotherapy, including peptide desensitization, offer promising results for cats with severe allergies. Peptide-based immunotherapy works by introducing specific peptides that help reduce the immune system’s hypersensitivity to allergens. Studies have shown this to be an effective long-term treatment for managing allergy symptoms in cats.

Conclusion

Allergies in cats are a common and often frustrating issue, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many cats can live comfortable, symptom-free lives. Flea control is essential for all cats, and for those with food or environmental allergies, targeted treatments like elimination diets, immunotherapy, and medication can provide significant relief. By working closely with a veterinarian, cat owners can develop a tailored plan to manage their cat’s allergies effectively.

View Sources

• Klinische Merkmale, Diagnose und Therapie des felinen Atopie Syndroms
• Worsening of Asthma in Children Allergic to Cats, after Indirect Exposure to Cat at School
• Cat peptide antigen desensitisation for treating cat allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
• Cat Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Diagnosis
• Allergies in Cats

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