Feline Allergies

Keywords:
Cat, feline, sneeze, spring, allergies, allergic, medication, contact, inhaled, food induced, itchy skin, runny eyes, nose, vomiting, diarrhea, coat, fur, seasonal, fleas, mites, mosquito, intestine, rash, pollen, irritants

Feline Allergies

Feline Allergies

One of the most ungracious ways in which to be awakened is by a cat is by having it sneeze in your face. My cat divot does it to me every spring. She, like many of her feline relatives suffers from allergies. Her problem thankfully is easily controlled with medication. I just have to remember to give it to her

Allergies in cats are categorized as either contact, inhaled, or food induced. The symptoms can be itchy skin, runny eyes or nose, vomiting, diarrhea or a poor hair coat. Your cat may be only seasonally affected, like divot, or it may suffer year round.

One of the most common causes of itchy skin in cats is the allergic reaction caused by the bite of external parasites. These include fleas, mites and mosquitoes. Fleas can plague your kitty even if it never sets a paw outside. Fleas can jump through a screen door or sneak a ride into your home on your clothing. Though an adult flea will spend the majority of its life on your cat, the egg, larvae and cocoon can survive off your cat and in your home for months. Safe, effective and convenient external parasite control is available at your veterinarian's office. Don't be tempted to use products that you purchase at pet stores or on line. Most of these products are perfectly safe to use on a dog but some may be contraindicated for use on or near cats.

Even if your pet has been eating the same things for years or if you routinely alternate between different brands or flavors of cat food, allergies can develop to them. Why? Because the diets often share common ingredients. You might expect to see an intestinal upset due to a food sensitivity but the most characteristics can be hair loss on the face and neck along with a rash.

Indoor as well as outdoor cats can be affected by inhaled allergens. High pollen counts, scented candles, irritants from air conditioning or heating, second hand cigarette smoke even a new perfume or after-shave can induce a multitude of allergic symptoms.

Does your cat have allergies or could it be afflicted with some other malady? Obtaining the answer may be a diagnostic challenge; one that will require patience and perseverance. If your cat truly has allergies, don't expect your veterinarian to cure this condition; instead control of the symptoms is the goal.

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