Much like people, cats too can suffer from a wide range of allergies, which occurs because of the body reacting towards the foreign objects or substances within it. It is the natural immune response of the cat that works extra hard at such times. The symptoms of allergy include itchy skin that causes rubbing or scratching, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and vomiting. Cats can suffer from one or all of these symptoms.
Treatment for Allergies
Cats could suffer from flea, food or environmental allergies. Allergies from the environment are either contact or airborne. Treatment for allergies include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and shampoos. Your vet could suggest an oral or cream-based antibiotic to reduce itchiness of the skin. Anti-inflammatory medicines or shampoos are also aimed at lowering infections of their skin.
Bath your cat frequently with a mild shampoo to remove allergens, dust and pollen from the skin and coat. Sometimes, the litter tray or box could be causing an allergy, you could replace it with a dust free substitute. Using tick and flea prevention medications on a regular basis can help hugely as well.
Prevention is better than a cure
Feed your cat natural cat food and add appropriate supplements to their diet to help with any immune deficiencies. You should clean bowls and feeding utensils thoroughly, brush the coat often, and regularly apply cream-based medication where the skin is rugged. Even the bedding your cat uses needs to be cleaned from time to time.
Another allergic reaction your cat may experience is asthma. The vet may need to prescribe medication that opens up the airway, in such cases. Over an extended period of time, your doctor will suggest corticosteroids to manage the asthma. Smoke from cigarettes is not good for your cat. if you are a smoker please be careful that your cat does not breath in second hand smoke.
It greatly helps to understand what allergens can cause trouble to your pet so you can act on it. They include pollen, plants, mildew, mold, food, perfume, some detergents, flea and products that control them. In some cases even certain fabrics, dust, rubber and plastic can cause allergies in cats. Make sure your home is free of dust; rugs, carpet, upholstery should be vacuumed regularly and so should all the regular places where your cat tends to sleep and hang out.
Managing your cat’s allergies by way of treatment and prevention is important not only for the well-being of your cat, but also that of your family.
