What To Give Cats for Allergies [Remedies for Common Issues]

Cats are, without a doubt, among the most popular and adorable pets in the world. Sometimes they can be prone to allergies just like us. If you have a cat at home, you are probably aware of the misery and trouble that the symptoms of allergies can cause them. Fortunately, by knowing exactly what to give your cats for allergies, you can help them gain relief fast.

Symptoms of Feline Allergies

For you to act on feline allergies in a timely manner, here is a list of the common signs, symptoms, behaviors, and conditions that your cat may exhibit if they are allergic to something:

• Wheezing, coughing, and sneezing
• Ear infections
• Snoring
• Breathing difficulties
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Runny and itchy eyes
• Sensitive and swollen paws
• Scratching
• Dry, red, flaky, or itchy skin
• Excessive licking
• Constant chewing at the tail or paws
• Hair loss

Watch out for these symptoms so you will be able to give your cat the treatment that they need as soon as possible to help with their allergies.

Possible Causes

Your cat may be allergic to many things – some of which are those that exist in and around your home. It is important to get to know more about these possible causes, so you will have an idea of what to eliminate once your cat begins to show symptoms of allergies.

• Food Allergies: Your cat may develop allergies to many kinds of foods, but the usual culprits are animal proteins added to cat foods, like chicken, beef, eggs, and fish. Some dairy products are also among the most common allergens. Corn products can also be a source for allergies in cats.
• Environment: Your cat may develop environmental allergies if they don't respond well to the objects and substances that they are exposed to. Some environmental substances that may trigger cats are pollens (seasonal allergies), cleaning products, specie plants, dust, perfumes and scents, molds, and litter.
• Medication: Cats may also have a pathological reaction to a medication that has been recently given to them. They may have allergic reactions to tick and flea remedies in collar, tablets, or drop forms, as well as anti-fungal agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics. Also, note that the negative reaction to the medication may only occur if it is repeatedly administered to your cat.
• Shampoos: The cat shampoo you are using may also trigger a negative reaction, resulting in skin allergies. There could be something in the shampoo that is causing their allergies. It could be the artificial additives in it, like perfumes, colors, and harsh chemicals. As much as possible, stay away from products that contain the usual ingredients present in human shampoo, like sodium lauryl sulfate, as they may only cause the skin of your pet to become dry and itchy and trigger other negative reactions.
• Insects: Another common allergy in cats is one caused by insects, like flea allergies. Flea bites may cause cats to exhibit irritating and uncomfortable allergic reactions, like itching, redness, and hair loss. Your cat may also be allergic to worms, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Remedies

Once you are one hundred percent sure that your cat is indeed dealing with an allergy, it is time to do something about it. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat the problem, but you have to pick a solution that targets the specific cause.

• Food and Treats: Make sure to change your cat's diet right away if you see some allergy symptoms. If you notice that they are allergic to dry foods, scrutinize the overall quality of the product. It is also highly recommended to change their food and treats and focus more on giving those that contain natural ingredients. This can help prevent negative reactions brought on by additives and other harsh ingredients.
• Over The Counter: Vets often prescribe cat allergy medicine in the form of allergy shots, but you can also solve the problem with the help of over-the-counter treatments, like Benadryl for cats. But can cats have Benadryl? It would be best to consult your vet so you can gain additional instructions and advice on proper use and doses. That way, you can reduce or completely eliminate the symptoms of allergy that your cat is dealing with without putting him in danger.
• Topicals: You may also want to use topical allergy medicine for cats, like creams and sprays that can soothe irritated skin. These products can reduce itching from atopic dermatitis and speed up the healing process. Some topical products contain hydrocortisone, a steroid that can lessen swelling.
• Environment: Making some adjustments to your cat's environment can help when their allergies are triggered by environmental factors. For instance, you have to make sure that your cat is not exposed to an environment filled with dust and dirt. Find out if there are things in there that may harm your pet and cause allergies, including plants, flowers, poison ivy, and other environmental allergens.
• CBD Products: Did you know that CBD can be helpful if you're learning how to get rid of cat allergies naturally? Since CBD interacts with your cat's endocannabinoid receptors, it also supports your cat's ECS. This is the system that helps maintain many of your furry friend's main bodily systems. This system encompasses the nervous and immune systems, along with many others.

Final Thoughts

You should keep your home clean, use unscented and dust-free cat litter, avoid the excessive use of deodorizers or perfumes, and do other measures to prevent your cat from developing allergic reactions. Also, know exactly what to give your cats for allergies if they show symptoms. To guarantee their safety, contact your veterinarian right away and ask for advice.