Food Allergies in Cats
While it is important to stress the differences between cats and their owners, it is important to remember cats can have similar health problems. Allergies are a common issue in human society, and we have plenty of medicines to cope with these problems, but how do you spot a cats’ food allergy? Here at Animal Friends, we might just have the answers you need
What should I watch out for?
Food allergies can occur at any stage in your cat’s life, therefore it is best to monitor your cats health and watch out for any changes in temperament or other signs to show a change in behaviour. The most common foods which provoke allergies in cats are (in order): Fish, Dairy products, Beef and Chicken. We all know the foods we like the most are often the worst for us, and it’s the same in cats too!
There are many symptoms of food allergies, many of which can also be symptoms of other illness or disease; therefore it is prudent you monitor your cat closely around mealtimes. These symptoms are commonly: Itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, scratching, hair loss, hot spots, skin abrasions, vomiting and diarrhoea. Any or all of these symptoms may be experienced, as each cat is different and can react in any number of ways.
Can I prevent allergies?
Allergies can be tested for at an early age, and this can help you identify those the cat is born with or has already developed. Obviously this cannot help you identify those allergies a cat may develop in later life, but may give you a head start on understanding allergies and how to cope with them. Ideally you should use trial feeding periods, cycling food out of your cats’ diet in order to spot any returning symptoms when your cat returns to the original food. Keep in mind that while the foods listed above are the most common, it can be a large variety of foods that cause reactions and therefore it is useful to cycle to a food that contains very few items that are similar to the original.
It is easier to cycle in one type of the original food source in to spot individual allergies, as this will enable you to see if a cat has multiple allergies much faster. This will also stop any confusion when you put a cat back onto similar food, which is missing the part you believed it was allergic to, only for the cats’ symptoms to return and to leave you as confused as before.
If you feel that your cat may have a food allergy, consult your vet so that you can receive proper medical guidance. Most importantly, ensure your vet has approved you testing the cats’ food in this way, and make sure your cat will still be receiving all the nutrients it needs from the food source.
Prolonged testing may include hefty vet’s bills over time; ensure you have comprehensive cat insurance to protect yourself and your wallet. Phone us on 0844 55 70 300 and ask us how we can help you today.
