Symptoms of Feline Food Allergies

Cats can suffer from food allergies, just as people do. The allergic reaction is triggered when the immune system overreacts to the presence of a food that it decides is a harmful "intruder." Common feline food allergies include fish and dairy products, such as milk and eggs. Other common allergens include beef, chicken, yeast, wheat, soy, rice and corn.

Itching

Cats typically react to food allergies with non-seasonal itching, scratching, chewing, biting and licking at their fur, especially around the neck, head, face and ears. Feline food allergies can often cause skin rashes and hair loss.

Stomach Symptoms

Gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, gas and vomiting, are other symptoms of feline food allergies.

Ear Infections

Some cats with allergies experience chronic ear infections.

Diagnosis

A veterinarian will diagnose feline food allergies through expensive serum allergy tests or with an elimination diet. The elimination diet typically consists of a prescribed commercial hypoallergenic cat food or homemade cat food.

Treatment

Feline food allergies are typically treated with a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and that avoids all known allergens. Vets occasionally prescribe allergy shots, corticosteroids or antihistamines.