Cats With Fish Allergies
Cats can develop allergies as well as humans. They can develop allergies to certain foods, even if they have eaten the foods for a long period of time with no allergy symptoms. Fish is an ingredient that is in many types of cat foods, and is a common cause of allergic reactions in cats. If your cat has symptoms of a food allergy, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.
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Identification
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The most common cause of allergies in cats and dogs is flea bite allergies, with inhalant allergies coming in second. Food allergies are the third most common type of allergies seen in dogs and cats, accounting for about 10 percent of allergy symptoms. Food allergies affect male and female cats alike, with no particular breed being more likely to suffer from it. Most food allergy symptoms present themselves between the ages of 2 and 6 years of age; however, they can affect cats at any time in their lives.
Causes
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The most common causes of allergies in cats are beef, lamb, corn, soy, dairy and wheat gluten. These are all common additives in common commercial cat foods. Another common food that cats may have an allergic reaction to is fish. Fish is incorporated into many types of cat food and in some dog foods.
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Symptoms
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The symptoms of a fish allergy may include itching, scratching, vomiting and diarrhea. Itching that is associated with food allergies may be focused on front half of the body such as the head, ears, face and neck. Cats that have fish allergies may eventually develop miliary dermatitis and may eventually lose hair due to excessive scratching and grooming.
Diagnosis
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In diagnosing a fish allergy in cats, the veterinarian may prescribe a special diet. This diet usually lasts for 8 to 12 weeks. This involves removing fish from the diet and then observing the cat's symptoms. If the cat's symptoms disappear and then reappear when the fish is reintroduced into the diet, then the diagnosis of a fish allergy is confirmed.
Treatment
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The best way to treat a fish allergy in cats is to avoid feeding your cat any foods that contain fish. A veterinarian may prescribe a homemade diet that is rich in the nutrients your cat needs to be healthy. Food allergies can change over the course of time, so it may be necessary to reevaluate your cat's diet if this occurs.
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References
- Photo Credit cat image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
