How to Treat a Cat Grain Allergy
Cats are carnivores. They were not meant to consume grains. This causes many different health problems in cats, including allergy symptoms. Grain allergy symptoms include itching skin and other skin problems. Food intolerance symptoms in cats cause diarrhea and vomiting. Many cat foods contain grains, even the meaty-looking moist foods in cans. The good news is that grain allergies in cats can be treated by feeding cats only foods that are free of grains. Many high-quality, grain-free cat foods are available for purchase online.
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Instructions
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Identify the specific food that is causing the allergy in the cat. Wheat and corn are the most common grains found in cat food. Check the ingredients label of each food the cat eats. This includes moist foods that appear to consist of meat ingredients. Most mainstream dry foods contain grain ingredients. Many canned foods contain wheat and corn as well.
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Change the cat's food to a grain-free brand. Use this food for at least 12 weeks. During this time, don't allow the cat to have any other foods, such as table scraps, kitty treats or other foods. Maintain a strict diet of grain-free cat food and water. Keep the cat inside or on a leash when outdoors to prevent the cat from finding food in other places.
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Observe the cat to see if symptoms disappear. If symptoms are still present, a grain allergy is probably not to blame. This doesn't mean the cat is not suffering from a food allergy. Other ingredients known to cause allergies in cats include dairy, soy, seafood, beef, chicken and lamb. If symptoms are gone after placing the cat on a grain-free diet, the culprit may be grains.
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Remove cat foods containing grains from the cat's diet on a permanent basis. Most cats will not overcome grain allergies over time. Grain-free cat foods are available at pet stores, through local veterinarians and online. While these foods may be a little more expensive, a high-quality cat food is essential for a cat that suffers from allergies. Make sure to purchase cat treats that are also grain-free.
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Prepare grain-free cat food recipes for special treats. While cats love homemade food, be sure that any recipe that is fed to the cat is nutritionally balanced. Find recipes intended for cats, and check with the cat's veterinarian to ensure the recipe is healthy for cats.
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Tips & Warnings
A cat that appears to be itchy, scratching raw spots on the skin without the presence of fleas, may be suffering from a food allergy. Since ringworm or fleas could cause the same symptoms, have cats checked by a veterinarian to determine the cause of itching skin.
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