Symptoms of Skin Allergies in Cats
Skin allergies are one of the most common reasons cat owners bring their pets to the veterinarian. Skin allergies can be caused by contact with an irritating substance, inhalation of an allergen, food sensitivities or an insect bite. Depending upon the cause, treatment may include avoidance of the substance, topical or oral prescription medications or supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids.
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Lesions
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Lesions typically appear on areas of little hair, like the nose, ears and paws. These areas are less protected and react more easily to contact with an irritant. Lesions that appear on the face may be a sign of an allergic reaction to plastic. Provide a glass or ceramic bowl for water and food.
Hives
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Hives generally appear as red, itchy welts on your cat's skin. Often, they appear solid and without a center lesion. Hives can be a reaction to an insect bite or environmental allergen. Reactions differ in different cats. There may be facial swelling. Hives usually resolve on their own, but in severe cases, medical attention may be required.
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Hair Loss
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Flea bite dermatitis can cause severe itching and subsequent hair loss. Allergic cats can react to a single flea bite. Maintain a regular flea control program for all cats.
Itching
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Itchy skin can be caused by a food allergy, poor diet or inhalation allergies. Groom your cat regularly and look for skin parasites such as fleas. Keep your cat's living area clean and wash bedding with hypoallergenic detergent. Choose a low-allergen diet that contains a high proportion of meat.
Swelling
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Swelling on any part of your cat's body should be closely watched. In addition to a contact allergic reaction, a tick bite, animal bite, bee sting or other injury can cause swelling. A brief allergic reaction to in an injection can cause localized swelling in many cats.
Ear Infections
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Chronic ear infections are usually caused by a food allergy. Usually accompanied by head shaking and face rubbing, food allergies can be controlled with a hypoallergenic diet. Reduce or eliminate wheat and corn in your cat's food and choose foods that contained named meats ("chicken" rather than "meat") and few byproducts. Avoid chemical preservatives like ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT. Opt for vitamin E as a preservative.
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