Like humans and dogs, cats can experience seasonal allergies. If your cat’s quirky antics seem to be driven by discomfort during certain times of the year, she may need you to step in and provide some relief.
Read on to learn more about the causes of cat seasonal allergies, how to recognize your cat’s allergies, and how to address the issue.
Causes of Cat Allergies
Feline allergies can generally be broken down into a few different categories: food allergies; flea allergies. seasonal allergies; and environmental allergies.
If your kitty has food allergies, it means she has a negative reaction to certain ingredients in her food. Flea allergies can occur if your feline has an allergic reaction to flea bites.
Common culprits of seasonal allergies include mold, pollen, grass, fungi, and dust. Environmental allergies are similar, though they can occur year-round if your kitty is allergic to certain medications or substances such as cleaning products and certain fabrics.
Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Cats
Some cats experience seasonal allergies throughout the entire season, while other cat seasonal allergies only last for a short time. It all depends on the specific allergen affecting your cat—for example, if your cat is allergic to particular pollen that only sticks around for a short amount of time, the allergies will disappear with that allergen.
Common signs of seasonal allergies in cats include:
- Itchy skin
- Itchy or tender paws
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Respiratory issues such as wheezing and snoring
- Digestive issues
- Gunk in ears, often accompanied by head shaking and tilting
- Hair loss
- Skin issues such as infections, sores, and redness
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Excessive scratching (often as an emotional outlet for the feelings of anxiety that come with allergy discomfort)
Addressing Your Cat’s Seasonal Allergies
Cat allergies can range from minor to severe, some requiring more intervention than others. For some, the solution may be as simple as waiting it out and coping with minor discomfort. Other cats may need prescription medications, topical solutions, or specific anti-itch shampoos to provide relief.
The first step is to try to identify the culprit causing your cat’s discomfort, and remove them if possible. If you are able to identify the source of your cat’s allergies, such as specific cleaning products, perfumes, or fabrics, try to switch them out with something more agreeable.
In some cases, removing the offending allergen altogether isn’t an option—dust and pollen, for example. In those cases, you should focus on helping your kitty cope with her allergy symptoms.
Some solutions that can help to minimize your kitty’s discomfort include:
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Talk to your vet to figure out the exact cause of your cat’s allergies, and come up with an individualized plan to keep your furry friend feeling happy and healthy year-round.
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Baths. Soothing cat-friendly shampoos can help to alleviate your cat’s skin issues. Don’t bathe your kitty too frequently, though, or her skin may become dry and agitated. After all, cats don’t typically need baths since they naturally clean themselves through grooming.
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If your cat is opposed to baths or you’re worried about irritating her skin, try gently wiping her fur with a warm washcloth to remove allergens and irritants. She may enjoy the feeling of getting pampered!
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Keep allergens out of your home by closing your windows to keep pollen and dust outside.
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If your cat likes to venture outside, try to keep her in the house during times of the day when allergens are at their peak. Additionally, be sure to wipe her paws and fur as much as possible to avoid bringing those allergy culprits into the house.
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It’s practically inevitable that outdoor elements make their way inside. To be safe, regularly vacuum and clean your home to remove outside allergens and irritants.
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Wash your cat’s bedding and toys on a regular basis.
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Feed your cat a healthy, well-balanced diet to boost her immune system. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need to eat a diet filled with meat in order to be healthy.
- Strengthen your cat’s immune system with dietary supplements—such as Omega-3s, coconut oil, and fish oils can do wonders for your cat’s skin and coat.
PetHonesty’s Lysine-Immune Health+ for Cats is a delicious addition to your cat’s diet. This meal-topping powder promotes immune and respiratory health along with providing relief from seasonal allergies.
Additionally, boost your cat’s immune system, joint health, digestion, and skin and coat with our Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil (good for both dogs and cats!).
Sources:
https://raleighncvet.com/allergies-dermatology/fall-allergies-in-dogs-cats/
https://weareallaboutcats.com/seasonal-allergies-in-cats-symptoms-and-prevention/
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/cat-allergy-symptoms-triggers
https://www.petbasics.com/health-and-care/seasonal-allergies-in-cats/
