What Are Cats Allergic To? 15 Best Known Allergies
Cats are wonderful pets for humans and they are known for their calmness and docile attitude. One of the biggest challengers cat owners face is allergies in cats. Cats can get allergies due to several reasons and identifying the particular allergy in your cat is important to treat it. A veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist can identify and treat allergies in cats but you can too identify them if you know the triggers. Some of the signs that show a cat is allergic is,
This article does not replace the real treatment of a veterinarian who can determine an allergy by doing a blood or skin test. Below are 15 of the best known allergies in cats.
1. Dairy products
Dairy products are a cat's favourite and milks and yogurt are on the top list but cats sometimes get allergic to milk or any other dairy product due to the immune system getting affected from the protein which is known as casein. Cow's milk has around 3% casein and this could cause an allergic reaction to the cat. Sometimes this is also due to lactose intolerance and if so, a cat will have diarrhea and vomiting and if you notice any of these signs in a cat, please get the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
2.Beef
Beef is a good source of protein for the cat but sometimes beef can come in the way and cause protein intolerance resulting in the cat showing following symptoms,
If you see the above symptoms and if you suspect that it could be caused due to your cat consuming beef, please get advice from your veterinarian who would be able to treat the cat.
3. Fish
Cats love fish and they are always associated with fish bones or fish. Cats commonly eat fish and the probability of catching a fish allergy is high. Sea foods contain many impurities swallowed by the fish and this impurity can cause the cat to get sick. Some of the common signs of a fish allergy is,
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Snoring
- Paws which are sensitive
- Unnecessary licking and grooming
- Frequent scratching
- Dry, itchy and reddish skin
- Vomiting
- Loose stools
This article does not replace the real treatment of a veterinarian who can determine an allergy by doing a blood or skin test. Below are 15 of the best known allergies in cats.
1. Dairy products
Dairy products are a cat's favourite and milks and yogurt are on the top list but cats sometimes get allergic to milk or any other dairy product due to the immune system getting affected from the protein which is known as casein. Cow's milk has around 3% casein and this could cause an allergic reaction to the cat. Sometimes this is also due to lactose intolerance and if so, a cat will have diarrhea and vomiting and if you notice any of these signs in a cat, please get the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
2.Beef
Beef is a good source of protein for the cat but sometimes beef can come in the way and cause protein intolerance resulting in the cat showing following symptoms,
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- the coat of the cat turning dull in color
- Weight loss
- Having no appetite
- infection in the ears
If you see the above symptoms and if you suspect that it could be caused due to your cat consuming beef, please get advice from your veterinarian who would be able to treat the cat.
3. Fish
Cats love fish and they are always associated with fish bones or fish. Cats commonly eat fish and the probability of catching a fish allergy is high. Sea foods contain many impurities swallowed by the fish and this impurity can cause the cat to get sick. Some of the common signs of a fish allergy is,
- Hair loss
- Itchy skin
- Lesions in the skin
4.Preservatives
Foods especially cat foods contain preservatives such as sulphite and this could make the cat sick. E211 is another preservative that is found in some cat foods and canned products and this could cause allergies in cats.
5. Corn based foods
Generally, cats tend to get less allergic to corn based food products and a study published by BMC veterinary research found that corn starch is less allergic to cats and dogs than corn flour. The research still says that corn allergens in cats are limited. (Research link- https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-018-1538-5)
6. Dust mites
Dust mite allergies can appear quickly through dust particles and it could cause allergies in both humans and cats as well as other animals. Dust mites are microscopic sized small bugs and can be in mattresses , sofa, cushion, fabrics, carpets etc. Simply vacuum cleaning the house is enough to keep dust mites from settling in.
7. Eggs
Eggs are high protein foods which cats love to eat if scrambled or fried but it should be noted that raw eggs should not be given to cats as they could contain salmonella which could cause diarrhea in cats and weakness in the body.
8.Chicken
Fish is high in protein and 100 grams of chicken contains 27 g of protein.cats love chicken and the smell of fried chicken is enough to lure a cat but cats can get allergic reactions to eating chicken and someof the common signs of a chicken allergies is,
9. Perfumes
Cats are sensitive to the smell of perfume and cat owners should be careful in using them on cats. perfumes can cause respiratory discomfort to cats Chung Sheng-hua, a veterinarian from Taipei, Taiwan and following is an excerpt of what he said,
"Air fresheners, perfumes and colognes, and even some flowers that are particularly fragrant, can cause allergic reactions, vomiting or diarrhea in cats,
Pet owners might not be aware of any problem, as cats often do not display any obvious symptoms when they have been poisoned, unless the situation is severe.
Owners should remain vigilant for changes in a cat’s appetite or behavior, he said.
For example, if a cat appears uncharacteristically restless, angry, apprehensive or dispirited, or if it starts running around more than usual, it might indicate a health problem, he said.
More obvious signs would be if the cat suddenly stops eating, or if they experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Except for in emergency situations, owners should inspect their homes before taking cats to the vet, looking in garbage cans, medicine cabinets and any place the cat went recently so that they can help the vet better understand what might have caused the symptoms,
Many fragrant products, including air fresheners and body products, use organic solvents and oils that help dissipate the fragrance, he said, adding that a cat’s liver cannot metabolize these substances.
In small quantities, the substances would not be poisonous to a cat, but they accumulate in its body over time.
In cats, the effect is worsened by how cats interact with items in the house, he added.
Pet owners should keep cats away from camphor, camellia, sandalwood and other materials that have particularly strong fragrances, as these could cause allergic reactions.
Typical reactions include sneezing, swelling of the eyes and trouble breathing caused by inflammation of the respiratory tract, he said."
Full article published in Taipei times, Aug 27, 2019 (Link-https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/08/27/2003721216)
10. Shampoos
Certain shampoos contain ingredients that could cause allergies in cats The good news is, there are many cat friendly shampoos yoi can buy and you should keep in mind to look out for shampoos containing the following which could be allergic to cats,
11. Shrimp
Shrimp is sea food and like all other fish in the sea, shrimp can swallow dirt, excreta and other filth that can contain pathogens that could cause allergy in cats. It is quite rare for cats to fall sick but look out if the cat shows the following symptoms,
12. Food colorings
Natural food colorings are generally safe but colorings that have artificial ingredients can cause allergies in cats. Some of the safe food colorings are, Red,Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green and purple.
Foods especially cat foods contain preservatives such as sulphite and this could make the cat sick. E211 is another preservative that is found in some cat foods and canned products and this could cause allergies in cats.
5. Corn based foods
Generally, cats tend to get less allergic to corn based food products and a study published by BMC veterinary research found that corn starch is less allergic to cats and dogs than corn flour. The research still says that corn allergens in cats are limited. (Research link- https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-018-1538-5)
6. Dust mites
Dust mite allergies can appear quickly through dust particles and it could cause allergies in both humans and cats as well as other animals. Dust mites are microscopic sized small bugs and can be in mattresses , sofa, cushion, fabrics, carpets etc. Simply vacuum cleaning the house is enough to keep dust mites from settling in.
7. Eggs
Eggs are high protein foods which cats love to eat if scrambled or fried but it should be noted that raw eggs should not be given to cats as they could contain salmonella which could cause diarrhea in cats and weakness in the body.
8.Chicken
Fish is high in protein and 100 grams of chicken contains 27 g of protein.cats love chicken and the smell of fried chicken is enough to lure a cat but cats can get allergic reactions to eating chicken and someof the common signs of a chicken allergies is,
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- loss of fur
- itchy skin
- Refusing to eat
9. Perfumes
Cats are sensitive to the smell of perfume and cat owners should be careful in using them on cats. perfumes can cause respiratory discomfort to cats Chung Sheng-hua, a veterinarian from Taipei, Taiwan and following is an excerpt of what he said,
"Air fresheners, perfumes and colognes, and even some flowers that are particularly fragrant, can cause allergic reactions, vomiting or diarrhea in cats,
Pet owners might not be aware of any problem, as cats often do not display any obvious symptoms when they have been poisoned, unless the situation is severe.
Owners should remain vigilant for changes in a cat’s appetite or behavior, he said.
For example, if a cat appears uncharacteristically restless, angry, apprehensive or dispirited, or if it starts running around more than usual, it might indicate a health problem, he said.
More obvious signs would be if the cat suddenly stops eating, or if they experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Except for in emergency situations, owners should inspect their homes before taking cats to the vet, looking in garbage cans, medicine cabinets and any place the cat went recently so that they can help the vet better understand what might have caused the symptoms,
Many fragrant products, including air fresheners and body products, use organic solvents and oils that help dissipate the fragrance, he said, adding that a cat’s liver cannot metabolize these substances.
In small quantities, the substances would not be poisonous to a cat, but they accumulate in its body over time.
In cats, the effect is worsened by how cats interact with items in the house, he added.
Pet owners should keep cats away from camphor, camellia, sandalwood and other materials that have particularly strong fragrances, as these could cause allergic reactions.
Typical reactions include sneezing, swelling of the eyes and trouble breathing caused by inflammation of the respiratory tract, he said."
Full article published in Taipei times, Aug 27, 2019 (Link-https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/08/27/2003721216)
10. Shampoos
Certain shampoos contain ingredients that could cause allergies in cats The good news is, there are many cat friendly shampoos yoi can buy and you should keep in mind to look out for shampoos containing the following which could be allergic to cats,
- Shampoos containing artificial dyes
- Shampoos containing sulphates
- Shampoos containing propylparaben and isopropylparaben
11. Shrimp
Shrimp is sea food and like all other fish in the sea, shrimp can swallow dirt, excreta and other filth that can contain pathogens that could cause allergy in cats. It is quite rare for cats to fall sick but look out if the cat shows the following symptoms,
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
12. Food colorings
Natural food colorings are generally safe but colorings that have artificial ingredients can cause allergies in cats. Some of the safe food colorings are, Red,Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green and purple.
13. Detergents
Some detergents contain ingredients which could be harmful to cats and make sure to always keep detergents out of reach of your cat.
14. Fabrics
Fabrics are safe for cats but some cats can get allergic to certain fabrics like polyester and carpets. Fabric allergies can be caused by pollen, dust mites, feces and dust. Some of the common symptoms of fabric allergy in cats are,
15. Cigarette smoke
Not only is smoking bad for you, it is also bad for your fur baby because it can cause respiratory problems and other forms of illness. Second hand smoke can affect cats and can cause a lot of distress to the feline. Cat owners should consider quitting smoking or not smoking near cats as the smoke of tobacco can cause serious illness in cats such as cancer, respiratory disease, irritation and many others. The VCA hospitals said the following about smoke inhalation of cats,
"What is smoke inhalation?
Smoke inhalation injuries can occur with exposure to smoke in large or small quantities. Fires produce a variety of damaging substances, each of which can affect a pet’s airways, lungs, and overall well-being.
Factors that play a role in smoke inhalation include:
Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced in fires. When carbon monoxide is inhaled and enters the bloodstream, it interferes with the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.
Hydrogen cyanide. This substance is released when plastic and other synthetic materials burn. Like carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide interferes with the body’s usage of oxygen.
Chemical irritants. Smoke contains a number of chemical irritants. These irritants can trigger airway inflammation and constriction, as well as other lung damage. The irritants found in smoke may vary, depending on the substances that are being burned.
Thermal injury. The heat contained within smoke can lead to burns within the airways and lungs, triggering severe swelling and inflammation.
What are the signs of smoke inhalation?
Signs of smoke inhalation vary, depending on how much smoke was inhaled, how long the cat remained in smoky conditions, what chemicals were present in the smoke, etc. A pet exposed to small amounts of smoke for a brief period of time will have very different clinical signs than a cat confined in an extremely smoky room for a prolonged period of time.
The most common signs of smoke inhalation are respiratory signs. Affected cats may cough, gag, or stand with their neck extended (as if struggling to take in air). Labored breathing, shortness of breath, increased respiratory rate, and wheezing may also occur."
( Catherine Barnette, DVM-VCA hospitals-https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/smoke-inhalation-in-cats)
These are the common allergies that are associated with cats. If you find any signs of allergy in your pet cat, please get immediate help from your veterinary specialist who would be able to properly diagnose the particular allergy using either a blood test or a skin test.
Some detergents contain ingredients which could be harmful to cats and make sure to always keep detergents out of reach of your cat.
14. Fabrics
Fabrics are safe for cats but some cats can get allergic to certain fabrics like polyester and carpets. Fabric allergies can be caused by pollen, dust mites, feces and dust. Some of the common symptoms of fabric allergy in cats are,
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Frequent scratching
- Puffy swelling in the face and body (Hives)
- Biting and chewing paws
- Skin lesions
15. Cigarette smoke
Not only is smoking bad for you, it is also bad for your fur baby because it can cause respiratory problems and other forms of illness. Second hand smoke can affect cats and can cause a lot of distress to the feline. Cat owners should consider quitting smoking or not smoking near cats as the smoke of tobacco can cause serious illness in cats such as cancer, respiratory disease, irritation and many others. The VCA hospitals said the following about smoke inhalation of cats,
"What is smoke inhalation?
Smoke inhalation injuries can occur with exposure to smoke in large or small quantities. Fires produce a variety of damaging substances, each of which can affect a pet’s airways, lungs, and overall well-being.
Factors that play a role in smoke inhalation include:
Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced in fires. When carbon monoxide is inhaled and enters the bloodstream, it interferes with the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.
Hydrogen cyanide. This substance is released when plastic and other synthetic materials burn. Like carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide interferes with the body’s usage of oxygen.
Chemical irritants. Smoke contains a number of chemical irritants. These irritants can trigger airway inflammation and constriction, as well as other lung damage. The irritants found in smoke may vary, depending on the substances that are being burned.
Thermal injury. The heat contained within smoke can lead to burns within the airways and lungs, triggering severe swelling and inflammation.
What are the signs of smoke inhalation?
Signs of smoke inhalation vary, depending on how much smoke was inhaled, how long the cat remained in smoky conditions, what chemicals were present in the smoke, etc. A pet exposed to small amounts of smoke for a brief period of time will have very different clinical signs than a cat confined in an extremely smoky room for a prolonged period of time.
The most common signs of smoke inhalation are respiratory signs. Affected cats may cough, gag, or stand with their neck extended (as if struggling to take in air). Labored breathing, shortness of breath, increased respiratory rate, and wheezing may also occur."
( Catherine Barnette, DVM-VCA hospitals-https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/smoke-inhalation-in-cats)
These are the common allergies that are associated with cats. If you find any signs of allergy in your pet cat, please get immediate help from your veterinary specialist who would be able to properly diagnose the particular allergy using either a blood test or a skin test.