Cat Allergy
Allergy in cats is a rather common cat health problem, according to statistic studies, up to 15% suffer of some form of allergy. They way allergies present in cats is different than the way they present among us, in cats allergies are known for affecting the skin, causing terrible itching.
What Are the Causes of Cat Allergy?
The most common causes of cat allergy are airborne allergens, food, medications and insects.
Among the common insects causing allergies we find fleas (flea allergy dermatitis). This is caused in turn by the saliva in the fleas’ mouth. If your cat has this problem, he will be itching eve days after the flea attack is gone. In the case of airborne allergens, we can mention the pollen, grass and mold.
Symptoms of Cat Allergy
The symptoms of feline allergy appear in some cases after immediate exposure to the allergen, but in other cases they appear minutes or hours after the incident.
If you notice that your cat is licking his paws at all times, this could be a starting sign of cat allergy. Other feline allergy symptoms include:
- Ear infections
- Belly licking
- Face-rubbing
- Sneezing and coughing
- Trouble breathing normally
- Nasal discharge
- Feline hives
Feline hives is a common symptom in the case of an immediate reaction to allergens. Hives appear on the skin with a circular shape, “bumpiness” and itch; if you notice hives on your cat’s skin don’t be too worried about them as they go away usually within 24 hours.
Treatment of Cat Hives in Cases of Allergy
In order to let hives disappear, you need to cut contact between your cat and the allergens. If you don’t know what is triggering this allergic reaction, try to recall if your cat has eaten new food, or if he has been exposed to new materials and liquids.
If you find that the hives are triggered by some food, you can use Milk of Magnesia to help clean-up the stomach of our cat. For a proper dosage info you should consult your veterinarian. If the cause is external (such exposure to liquids and substances) a bath is the working option to say goodbye to hives.
Don’t try any medication without first talking to your doctor, she/he might also help you determining the cause of the allergy if you still don’t have a clue.