Introduction

Cats, like people, can suffer from allergies, but the signs in cats normally do not involve watery eyes and sneezing. Instead, most allergies in cats affect their skin. The symptoms can become so severe that the cat becomes extremely agitated and uncomfortable.

Symptoms of Allergies in Cats

Allergies in cats may be mild or may cause extreme discomfort, agitation, depression and a predisposition to secondary bacterial infections. Itching, scratching and licking are among the first signs of feline allergies. The itchiness may be all over the body, or it may be focused on areas around the ears, neck and groin. Hair loss around the ears, neck, groin and base of the tail may occur. In severe cases, cats may develop thick, inflamed, red and/or crusty lesions in affected areas, which are prone to developing secondary bacterial infections. These allergic symptoms are usually caused by hypersensitivity reactions to insect bites, external parasites or inhalation of or contact with environmental allergens. Many of these symptoms are seasonal, and cat owners may notice that the signs worsen during the Spring and Summer.

If food allergies are the culprit, the clinical signs may be a bit different. Instead of primarily skin signs, the cat may display gastrointestinal symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. In many cases, the food allergy may remain undiagnosed for years; owners often think that their cat simply has a “sensitive stomach.”

Thankfully, there are a number of treatments available that can help your cat to lead a more comfortable, allergy free, life.