Allergies in pets can cause all sorts of problems. From uncomfortable itching to respiratory issues, allergies can make pets very uncomfortable. Sometimes they can even cause deadly reactions.
Cats can be allergic to ingredients in their food, insect stings, pollen, fragrances, and other airborne substances. If your cat has allergies, they’re going to need some extra care. Here’s what you can do to keep your pet safe and healthy.
Three Types of Allergies in Cats
1: Environmental Allergies
Cats have fairly sensitive respiratory systems, and environmental allergies or sensitivities are quite common. Airborne allergens like dust and fragrances can cause symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, runny nose and eyes, or trouble breathing.
Giving your home an extensive deep clean can help remove allergens like dust and pollen. Switching to a different kind of kitty litter could help as well.
- Wash items like sofa covers and throw pillows that your cat likes to lounge on
- Deep clean the cat tree
- Sweep or vacuum once a day to remove allergens from the floor
- Clean or replace your HVAC filters to remove allergens from the vents
- Avoid air fresheners and diffusers, and always use pet-friendly cleaners in your home
2: Food Allergies
Cats can be allergic to many types of ingredients, including fish, eggs, and beef. Any cat can have food allergies, but they are most common in Siamese breeds and crossbreeds. Food allergies often cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes.
If your cat has a known allergy, then avoiding that ingredient will be easy. However, pinning down exactly what they’re allergic to is not that easy. You might have to put your cat on a special diet that eliminates one type of food at a time until you figure out what the trigger is.
3: Allergies to insects, spiders, and scorpions
Cats like to play, especially with creepy-crawlies like centipedes and spiders. But if they get bit by a black widow or stung by a scorpion, it could be life-threatening. Keeping your house clean and keeping your cat out of crawl spaces, attics, and basements should help protect them. However, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a serious allergic reaction in cats, just in case.
Know the signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Mild reactions like rashes, sneezing, and redness around the eyes will usually resolve on their own. However, there are some symptoms that definitely warrant a call to the vet.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your cat has symptoms like:
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat
- Pale gums
- Panting, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Sudden collapse
Veterinary Care for Cats with Allergies
If your cat has allergies, then you are going to need a good veterinarian. Developing a long-term care plan is an important part of making sure your cat stays healthy.
Our veterinarians will help you:
- Ensure your cat’s allergies do not get any worse
- Monitor their skin for hidden infections
- Prescribe allergy medications or suggest other types of remedies, like an elimination diet
- Teach you what to do if your cat is exposed to their trigger allergen
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital in Gilbert, we believe that every pet we treat deserves the highest level of care. That is why our appointments have built-in time to discuss even the smallest concerns, and why we give you all the facts you need to decide on the best treatments for your pet.
Not sure if your cat has an allergy? Want to make sure they are healthy? Need to get them up to date on their vaccinations? Make an appointment today!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/20/26). Photo by fr0ggy5 on Unsplash.