Itchy skin is the most common symptom of allergies in cats, regardless of whether the allergy is triggered by food, seasonal elements, or insect bites. If you’ve noticed your cat scratching more than usual and experiencing other symptoms affecting their skin, digestive system, or respiratory system, these could be signs of allergies.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we discuss the most common allergies in cats, their symptoms, and treatment options for each.
Overview:
- The most common allergies in cats can be classified into three main categories: food allergies, insect allergies, and seasonal (or environmental) allergies.
- Symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy your cat has. However, itchy skin is a universal symptom associated with most kinds of allergies.
- Only a licensed veterinarian can accurately diagnose allergies in cats.
What Is The Most Common Allergy In Cats?
Though food and seasonal allergies in cats are fairly common, the type of allergy most commonly brought to the veterinarian is flea allergy dermatitis. This is because one bite can lead to intense allergic reactions. Even indoor cats can be exposed to fleas, since these parasites can cling to clothing, shoes, and other pets.
A. Insect Allergies in Cats
Insect-related allergies in cats can produce a variety of symptoms, depending on the insect triggering the reaction. However, itching and inflammation are common symptoms of tick, flea, bee, and wasp allergies.
1. Tick and Flea Allergy in Cats
Tick and flea allergies in cats occur when a cat has an immune reaction to the saliva of ticks and/or fleas. The symptoms for these two kinds of allergies are fairly similar. These include:
- Itching and inflammation – This is caused by the immune system’s overreaction.
- Hair loss or thinning – This is due to overgrooming
- Scabs and sores – These are often caused by repeated scratching; flea and tick allergies are known to be intensely itchy compared to other allergies.
- Miliary dermatitis (scabby cat disease) – These are small, crusty lesions triggered by an allergy.
- Anaphylaxis – A severe allergic reaction producing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, & difficulty breathing. This rarely occurs in tick or flea allergies, but it’s still possible.
How Do You Treat A Cat With A Tick or Flea Allergy?
If you suspect your cat has a tick or flea allergy, bring them to an urgent care vet. The veterinarian will diagnose the allergy, mostly based on clinical signs or symptoms, and provide medications like antihistamines, steroids, or other allergy medications.
Additionally, the vet will prescribe flea and tick treatments and preventatives to get rid of the parasites and to protect your cat moving forward.
Note: In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend visiting a veterinary dermatologist and discussing intradermal skin testing to rule out environmental allergies.
2. Bee or Wasp Sting Allergy in Cats
To some cats, the venom of bees and/or wasps can trigger an allergic reaction. Among the different kinds of insect allergies in cats, wasp and bee allergies tend to produce more severe symptoms, such as:
- Itching and inflammation – This is caused by the immune system’s overreaction.
- Swelling and pain at the sting site – Happens as an immune response to the venom
- Hives or urticaria – Red, raised bumps on the skin due to an allergic reaction
- Facial swelling – This typically occurs around the muzzle due to an allergic reaction
- Anaphylaxis – A severe allergic reaction characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, & difficulty breathing; this requires prompt emergency care.
How Do You Treat A Cat With A Bee or Wasp Allergy?
If your cat develops an allergic reaction after being stung by a bee or wasp, bring them to an urgent care veterinarian. If your cat’s breathing is affected, it’s best to go to an emergency vet. Bee or wasp allergies in cats present distinct symptoms; therefore, lab tests for these allergies are rarely prescribed. However, some routine lab tests may be requested to assess your cat’s health.
Treatment involves stabilizing any severe symptoms, accompanied by anti-allergy medications. In less severe cases (i.e., not anaphylactic), the veterinarian may prescribe medications to manage the allergy, inflammation, and pain before discharging your cat that same day. However, if the cat is suffering from anaphylaxis, hospitalization may be recommended for continued monitoring.
B. Food Allergies in Cats
Food allergies in cats are adverse reactions to certain ingredients. The most common food allergies in cats involve proteins found in meat and dairy.
Although cats can be allergic to various foods, the symptoms of food allergy in cats are generally similar for all. These include the following:
- Itching – This is caused by the immune system’s overreaction.
- Hair loss or thinning – This is due to overgrooming and scratching
- Gastrointestinal upset – This can include vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Ear infections – Food allergies in cats can cause increased sebum production, leading to earwax buildup. This increases the chances of cat ear infections.
- Atopic dermatitis –skin inflammation and increased itchiness. This is a rare but possible symptom of food allergies in cats.
Note: Food allergies in cats differ from food intolerance. Unlike food intolerance, food allergies are triggered by the immune system. In addition, while both can cause gastrointestinal upset, only food allergies can lead to itchy skin, hair loss, and ear infections.
1. Chicken Allergy in Cats
Chicken allergy in cats is a common type of food allergy. This food allergy is also likely to manifest since chicken is a common ingredient in cat food.
Note: Though far less common than allergy to chicken, some cats are also allergic to eggs. However, having an allergy to chicken does NOT automatically mean that the cat is also allergic to eggs.
2. Turkey Allergy in Cats
Turkey allergy in cats is another common type of food allergy in cats. This allergy occurs when the cat’s immune system mistakenly identifies turkey proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic reaction. While it’s possible to be allergic to both chicken and turkey (due to relatively similar protein structures), some cats are only allergic to one of the two meats.
3. Seafood & Fish Allergy in Cats
Though nearly all cats are drawn to seafood and fish, some cats are actually allergic to either or both of these foods.
Fish allergy in cats can be triggered by specific types of fish or by all fish. This is one of the most common food allergies in cats, particularly since fish is a common ingredient in many cat foods.
While having a fish allergy does NOT automatically mean a cat has seafood allergies (and vice versa), having one allergy increases the likelihood of the other.
4. Dairy Allergy in Cats
Dairy allergy is yet another counterintuitive (but common) kind of food allergy in cats. This can coincide with lactose intolerance, which is highly common in most cats.
While both can cause gastrointestinal issues, a dairy allergy in cats involves the immune system, resulting in symptoms related to an allergic reaction, such as itchy skin and constant scratching.
5. Beef Allergy in Cats
Beef allergy is another common kind of food allergy in cats. However, it may manifest less frequently since cat foods are less likely to contain beef than chicken or fish. Therefore, although this type of food allergy in cats exists, the likelihood of exposure to this allergen is lower.
6. Uncommon Food Allergies in Cats: Pork, Novel Proteins, & Grain
It is uncommon for cats to be allergic to pork, novel proteins (e.g., duck, venison, rabbit), and grains. Grain allergies(wheat, corn, or rice) are the rarest, since most adverse food allergies in cats are related to proteins.
Because allergies to pork, novel proteins, and grain are less common in cats, these ingredients can be used in limited-ingredient or specialty diets for cats with allergies.
How To Cure Food Allergies In Cats?
Food allergies in cats cannot be “cured,” but they can be effectively managed by identifying the allergenic ingredient in the cat’s diet. This is done through a strict elimination diet trial or food trial, where the cat is fed a novel protein (e.g., duck or rabbit) or a hydrolyzed protein diet for 8–12 weeks.
If symptoms improve, the original diet is reintroduced to confirm the allergy. The veterinarian will then provide recommendations for cat food based on the findings.
C. Environmental & Seasonal Allergies in Cats
Environmental and seasonal allergies in cats occur when a cat’s immune system overreacts to substances in their surroundings. Common triggers include pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, which can cause a range of symptoms, such as the following:
- Itching – This is caused by the immune system’s overreaction.
- Hair loss or thinning – This is due to overgrooming and scratching
- Cat ear infections – Environmental and seasonal allergies in cats can cause an increase in sebum production, leading to earwax buildup and an increased risk of cat ear infections.
- Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing – These respiratory symptoms are unique to environmental or seasonal allergies
- Atopic dermatitis –skin inflammation and increased itchiness. This is most commonly associated with environmental or seasonal allergies.
1. Pollen Allergy in Cats
Pollen allergy in cats is the most common type of seasonal allergy in cats. Cats can be allergic to certain types of pollen or all pollen. However, pollen from trees, grass, and weeds are the most common allergens in cats. These kinds of pollen thrive during certain seasons, leading to a pattern of seasonal allergies, depending on which kind of pollen your cat is sensitive to.
Here are the main types of pollen that trigger allergies in cats and when they’re prevalent:
- Tree pollen – prevalent during spring (March to May)
- Grass pollen – prevalent during late spring to early summer (May to July)
- Weed pollen (especially Ragweed pollen) – prevalent during midsummer to midfall (July to October)
2. Mold Allergy in Cats
Mold allergy in cats is an immune overreaction to mold spores, whether from indoor or outdoor mold. While indoor mold thrives year-round, outdoor mold thrives during spring and fall. This means that mold allergy in cats can have a seasonal impact, depending on the cat’s environment.
It is essential to distinguish between mold allergy in cats, which is primarily triggered by inhalation, and mold poisoning in cats, which can result from the inhalation or ingestion of mold.
Mold poisoning in cats shares overlapping symptoms with mold allergies, accompanied by systemic reactions in some cases (e.g., fever, seizures). In addition, even cats without a mold allergy can experience mold poisoning.
3. Dust Mite Allergy in Cats
Dust mite allergy in cats is an immune sensitivity to dust mite proteins, which are in the feces, urine, and bodies of dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like creatures that thrive in dust, bedding, mattresses, carpets, and HVAC systems.
While dust mites can proliferate year-round, they can thrive more in stagnant seasonal decorations. In addition, dust mite particles can be released during deep cleaning, such as during spring cleaning. These suggest a possible seasonal component to dust mite allergy cases in cats.
What Can You Do For a Cat With Seasonal or Environmental Allergies?
For cats with seasonal or environmental allergies caused by pollen, mold, or dust mites, treatment focuses on managing allergy symptoms using medications like antihistamines and cyclosporine.
Then, the veterinarian will provide recommendations to help minimize allergen exposure or reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Pet parents may be prescribed medications. In some cases, a consultation with a veterinary dermatologist and hyposensitization therapy may also be suggested; this involves the gradual exposure to the allergen to help reduce allergic symptoms.
Final Thoughts on Allergies in Cats
This concludes our guide on allergies in cats. If you have questions about finding out if your cat is suffering from allergies or managing allergic symptoms, reach out to a trusted vet for personalized recommendations!
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