Pet Care
Cat Skin Allergies
How do I know if my cat has a skin allergy?
Your feline friend’s skin should be soft and smooth to the touch. If your cat is suffering from a skin allergy or other skin condition you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Skin that is too oily
- Skin feels too dry, flaky or scaly
- Bald patches, hair loss
- Red patches
- Spots or pimples
- Skin odor
If your cat is showing any of the symptoms above, it’s time to head to the vet to investigate the cause of your cat’s unhealthy skin condition.
What can cause skin allergies in cats?
Skin problems in cats are common. Many of the uncomfortable skin problems we see in our feline friends are actually due to factors such as parasites (fleas, lice or mites), hormonal imbalances, or bacterial infections rather than allergies.
When cats do suffer from skin allergies they can be caused by a reaction to almost anything but common allergens include flea bites, specific cat food ingredients or environmental factors like dust, pollen or mold.
How are skin allergies diagnosed?
The first thing that your vet will do is look for other causes of your kitty’s skin condition, including parasites or a fungal infection such as ringworm. Once your vet has ruled out other conditions they will begin the process of determining the allergin that is affecting your cat’s health.
Fleas
Cat skin allergies are often caused by flea bites. Your vet will examine your kitty’s coat and skin to look for signs of fleas which are typically easy to spot with the naked eye. If fleas aren’t the cause of your cat’s allergies your vet will begin asking about your cat’s diet.
Food Allergies
Dietary allergies in cats can be tricky to diagnose and require a process of elimination and reintroduction of foods.
Your vet will prescribe a diet for your cat that has been formulated without many of the foods that cats can be allergic to. You will also need to refrain from feeding your kitty any treats that they normally enjoy. During the elimination period it is essential to follow your vet’s instructions precisely.
After a number of weeks on the elimination diet, if your cat’s skin has cleared up, your vet may ask you to begin feeding your cat their original diet once again to see if the symptoms return. If your cat’s symptoms reappear then your cat is clearly sensitive or allergic to an ingredient in their original food.
Other Environmental Factors
If the elimination diet is unsuccessful at clearing up your kitty’s skin then another environmental factor is likely to be the cause and further investigation into your cat’s lifestyle will be required.
How can I treat my cat’s skin allergies?
Skin allergies in cats that are caused by fleas, other parasites will be treated with appropriate medications which could include shampoos or topical treatments.
If your cat’s skin allergy is due to a food sensitivity your vet will prescribe an allergen-free food for your cat or make other dietary recommendations. It is essential to continue feeding your kitty a diet that meets all of their nutritional needs while addressing their allergies.
Many foods formulated specifically for cats with allergies have specially selected protein and carbohydrates that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. These foods may also contain ingredients to help soothe your cat’s skin such as omega 3 long-chain fatty acids to help fight inflammation, and biotin, niacin and pantothenic acids to prevent dryness and protect against external irritants.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
If you cat’s skin is scaly, dry or itchy contact us right away to book a dermatological appointment with our experienced Clemmons vets. We provide dermatological care and allergy testing for cats and dogs in Clemmons and greater Winston-Salem.
Looking for a vet in
Clemmons?
We’re always accepting new patients, so contact our veterinary hospital today to book your pet’s first appointment.
Related Articles View All
How to Tell if Your Cat Has a Broken Leg
Regardless of whether your cat is a curious outdoor explorer or a chilled-out homebody, accidents can happen. Today, our Clemmons vets share signs that may indicate that your cat has a broken leg, and what you should do.
Cat Coughing, Sneezing & Wheezing
Is your cat coughing, sneezing and wheezing instead of contentedly purring? Cat coughs are a sign that something is irritating your feline friend’s lungs, airway or throat. Today, our Clemmons vets share some common causes of cat coughs and what to do.
Signs of Pain in Cats & How to Help
To provide your cat with all the care they need to live a long and healthy life, it’s important to be able to spot the signs of pain early and know what to do. Below, our Clemmons vets offer some advice on how to tell if your cat is in pain, and what you can do to help.
My Cat is Sleeping Constantly: Is this Cause for Worry?
Cats, without a doubt, enjoy sleeping. Concerned cat owners frequently ask our Clemmons veterinarians if they should be concerned that their cat sleeps so much. When does a cat nap signal the possibility of a medical emergency?
A Pet Parent’s Guide to Cat Dental Care
Cats are as likely as people to suffer from painful dental health issues caused by injury or poor oral hygiene. Unfortunately, many cat owners don’t know what dental care for cats involves or how to care for their feline friend’s oral health. In today’s blog, our Clemmons vets explain how to clean your cat’s teeth and care for their oral health.
