Some cats can be allergic to all kinds of things, including certain foods, which can cause them to vomit or have diarrhea. however, what foods a particular cat is allergic to depends entirely on the individual animal. one response to resolve the allergic reaction is to change his diet, probably with the help of a veterinarian. another is to try them with hypoallergenic cat food, which is cat food that is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
what is the best hypoallergenic cat food?
To be truly hypoallergenic, cat food must be broken down so there are no large proteins that could cause an allergic response. These foods, known as hydrolyzed diets, contain smaller proteins, so they are less likely to trigger an immune response.
what ingredients in cat food cause allergies?
With all allergies, cats are often allergic to things they are frequently exposed to. beef, poultry, shellfish, eggs, dairy, and gluten are common triggers. It is also common to be allergic to more than one type of protein, and often the exact ingredient that triggers the allergy is unknown.
There are no precise dataon the frequency of food allergies in cats, because the underlying cause of the allergic response can be difficult to diagnose; there is often more than one allergy trigger for an individual cat. based on various studies, food allergy is thought to affect 1-11% of cats with skin conditions.
how do I know if my cat is allergic to its food?
Cats with a food allergy may show intestinal signs, such as diarrhea and vomiting. They may also have itchy skin and develop hair loss and scabs. the only way to prove that the food is the cause is to feed exclusively a new source of protein and carbohydrate, or a hydrolyzed diet, for 12 weeks. if the symptoms disappear, it is probable a food allergy.
what protein are cats most allergic to?
beef, chicken, shellfish, egg, dairy, and gluten are common food allergens in cats.
what is the best food for cats with allergies?
A hydrolyzed diet should be the least allergenic for your cat. but they are expensive to produce and are not usually the tastiest foods and some cats will not eat these diets. The best diet for your cat may be one with a novel protein source, that does not trigger allergies, such as duck or venison. it’s a case of trial and error to find a diet your cat likes to eat, that doesn’t trigger allergies.
how do I know what my cat is allergic to?
The only way to test for a food allergy is to feed him a new or hydrolyzed diet until the allergy symptoms have completely disappeared. then reintroducing a protein, such as chicken, on its own and seeing if this causes the symptoms to return, will show if it really is an allergic trigger. This “challenge” step of the diet is often skipped, as when a cat is established on a diet, few people want to feed a diet to see if the allergy returns.
Allergens that are not eaten but are inhaled, such as grass pollen and house dust mites, can be diagnosed with an intradermal skin test with a veterinary dermatologist, if they cause itchy skin. blood tests can also be used to check antibody levels against certain allergy triggers, but these are not always reliable as antibody levels can vary.
can a cat be allergic to kitty litter?
cat litter can cause adverse reactions even if they are not truly allergic. Some cat litters contain chemicals, bentonite, silica dust, clay, and fragrances that can irritate the respiratory tract or skin due to contact allergy. this can lead to avoiding the litter box. If your cat has asthma, dust particles in the litter can make it difficulty to breathe. using litter with a low-dust content can reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
Can clumping cat litter make cats sick?
clumping cat litter absorbs liquid to clump together. Theoretically, cats that ingest large amounts could suffer a intestinal blockage if the litter clumps internally. in fact, most cats can ingest small amounts by cleaning litter from their paws and fur, but it is highly unlikely that they will eat enough to cause a problem clinical. kittens may ingest more out of curiosity, so it’s best to avoid piling litter until they’re older (and wiser). perfumes, anti-odour chemicals, and dust in clumping litter can cause allergic or irritating reactions.
what are the symptoms of a cat with allergies?
Cats with allergies often show skin signs, such as itchy skin, excessive grooming, and hair loss; or intestinal signs including vomiting and diarrhea. they may also show signs of breathing, as cats can suffer from asthma.
what is the best litter for cats with allergies?
A low-dust cat litter with minimum chemical scents is best for cats with sensitivities. pellets made from rolled recycled newspaper or compacted wood are good choices.
When should I see a vet?
It is important to go to the vet if your cat has diarrhea or itchy skin that has been persistent for a few days.
what should I ask a vet about the best feeding plan for a cat with allergies?
If you think your cat has an allergy, it’s important to tell the vet what you’re feeding your cat, including all treats and treats. Knowing when the allergy started and what makes it worse can also guide what the most likely cause is. the vet may want to rule out common causes of allergies before starting a test diet, for example, flea allergy, if your cat has itchy skin. They may also want to take and check a fecal sample for parasites and intestinal infections if your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea.
