Cat Food Allergy Symptoms

Food allergies are the third most common cause of hypersensitivity in cats. Symptoms--which may include skin irritation, vomiting and diarrhea--are similar to flea bite sensitivity and atopic (inhaled) allergies found in cats. Recognizing feline allergy symptoms and then identifying and eliminating their causes can put your cat back on the track to a happier and healthier life.

Symptoms

Food allergy symptoms can present themselves at any time during a cat's life, but occur most often between two and six years. Your cat may develop sensitivity to a food ingredient that it's been tolerating well for all its life. Itching is the primary symptom in almost all cases. Constant scratching, licking, hair loss, and miliary dermatitis---small red or crusty bumps or lesions---are signs to watch for. Vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory troubles occur less often but can also be indicators.

Diagnosis

Because food allergy symptoms are similar to those of other feline ailments, only your veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. The veterinarian will check for signs of flea bites, skin diseases, gastrointestinal infections and intestinal parasites to eliminate other possible causes. Blood and intradermal skin tests may be necessary to rule out atopic and contact allergies.

Food Trial Test

If the examination indicates food allergies, the animal will be put on a special hypoallergenic diet in a food trial test. Your cat will remain exclusively on these rations and water for eight to twelve weeks. If the symptoms disappear, the diagnosis is confirmed. The cat can remain on the special diet or you may choose to try a challenge diet, a trial-and-error method to determine which foods it can eat without triggering the allergy symptoms.

Challenge Diet

Dairy products, beef, fish, and cereal grains (wheat, barley, rye, corn) are the most common causes of cat food allergies. The hypoallergenic food trial excludes these, and the challenge diet narrows the field by reintroducing them one at a time. If your cat's allergy symptoms don't recur within about two weeks of adding an ingredient to its rations the ingredient is considered safe. Don't feed the animal table scraps or treats during this period and don't introduce more than one new food at a time. Avoid foods with additives and preservatives.

Homemade Cat Food

Cats are choosy and prescription or store-bought hypoallergenic cat foods can be expensive. You may decide to try your own recipes, but be sure they're well-balanced. Chicken, duck, turkey, goose, venison, pork and eggs are usually well-tolerated by cats. Rice, potatoes, peas and carrots are good carbohydrate and vegetable choices and can serve as filler. Add these ingredients one at a time, as in the challenge diet, and discontinue them if your cat's allergy symptoms come back.