Scratching the Surface of Allergies in Cats
Humans aren’t alone in suffering from allergies. Cats get allergies too, and their allergies can cause a variety of symptoms. In humans, allergies typically cause signs such as coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Cats usually react to allergies by suffering from excessive itching, leading to scratching, licking, rubbing, or biting themselves, resulting in hair loss, and damaged irritated skin.
Even though skin problems are most commonly seen, the problem is more than skin deep. Allergies can also cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal tract, causing vomiting and or diarrhea, and can damage the lungs, in some cats, leading to asthma.
Our immune system is constantly being bombarded by, and protects us from, challenges present in our environment. An allergic reaction occurs when a normally harmless substance, called an allergen, causes an abnormal and excessive immune response which leads to inflammation. Allergens can be anything from A to Z in the world including pollens from trees, grass or weeds, molds, dust and dust mites, saliva from flea and other insect bites, foods, wool, etc. Finding out what your cat may be allergic to can be problematic, and often impossible.
For those cats suffering from skin allergy, this inflammatory reaction can cause itching, which then causes scratching which causes more itching, and so on. This itch-scratch cycle can cause incredible discomfort, decreased quality of life for your cat, and keep you up at night with the sounds of scratching, and licking.
If you suspect that your cat has allergies, consult your veterinarian. Some cats have seasonal allergies, while other exhibits symptoms of their allergy year round. Other causes of skin problems need to be ruled out, and can be dependent on where you live. These can include ringworm, skin mites, internal diseases, and cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment can be difficult because of the complex interactions of the cat’s immune system with the environment. Removal of different substances from their surroundings can be tried, or observing the response to prescribed medications can be undertaken. Some of these medications are safer than others, and will vary from case to case. In some cases, allergy testing can be performed to try to determine what specific allergens are at fault.
Unfortunately, even though there are different treatment options available to make your cat more comfortable, please know that allergic diseases are managed and not cured. When left untreated, allergies can have negative effects on your cat’s comfort and quality of life, and can become more difficult to treat as time passes. The lesson here is simple – treat early and don’t let itching and scratching get under your and your cat’s skin. >^..^<
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Marcus Brown Dvm
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