Signs of Cat Allergies

If you think your cat may have allergies, you are not alone. With two cats of my own, having one come up with signs of allergies is enough. The problem is that the chance of a cat having an allergy is more than half, which means that any of the signs below can be signs of cat allergies. And depending on the type of allergy, of which there are four, the symptoms can show within days or even hours. Here's a look at the four common allergic reactions and what their symptoms are.

Contact Allergies

The first type of allergy is the contact allergy. This is also the most common type of cat allergies. Signs of contact allergies in cats can include dermatitis, pigment changes in the skin to a darker color and skin eruptions. Most often these symptoms are noticed around the ears, chin, under the tail and the abdomen. A veterinarian can help determine what your cat is allergic to. This can include clothing, bedding, other pets and people.

Fleas and Ticks

Along with contact allergies, flea and tick allergies in cats is a common type of cat allergy. While fleas and ticks can be annoying to any pet, the cat who suffers this type of allergy usually shows signs such as small reddish raised bumps where they were bitten. Hot spots and severe itching are the most noticeable signs. A good flea medication given monthly will help calm the problem but the allergy will remain.

Medical Allergies

Most medical allergies in cats can be traced back to vaccines; the three most common medical allergens being penicillin, tetracycline and neomycin. Signs of allergies in cats in this category include eruptions of the skin and swelling at the injection site. While these allergies cannot be avoided, they do not last more than a day.

Food Allergies

Animals, like people, have food allergies. Cats are no exception. Food allergies in cats can stem from being lactose intolerant or allergic to many other items such as beef, peanut oil, corn, or spices. Usually a food allergy in cats is found by accident when feeding them something new. Signs of food allergies in cats include swelling around the mouth, intense scratching, hot spots and vomiting. If you notice a coated tongue and bad breath this is a mild allergic outbreak. If your cat breaks out after trying new food, your vet can help you re-work your pets diet.

While cat allergies are common, dealing with them is not as difficult as it seems. Most times it takes a simple change in routine. Once you are aware of the symptoms of your cats allergies, it is much easier to maintain a healthy environment for them.