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Can You Be Allergic To Cat Litter

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Most Common Cat Allergens

Can Cats Be Allergic To Cat Litter?

Flea saliva is by far the most common cat allergen.

Cats can also have hypersensitivity reactions to mosquito and other insect bites, but this is less common than flea bite hypersensitivity.

The next most common allergy is environmental allergies.

In dogs, this is generally termed atopy or atopic dermatitis, but in cats its usually called non-food, non-flea hypersensitivity dermatitis.

This is an allergen to things in the environment- pollen, cleaning products, weeds, trees, dust mites, dander, and cigarette smoke are all possible allergens your cat might have a hypersensitivity reaction to.

Food allergies make up about 1-5% of skin disease cases in cats.

Food allergies are built up over time- a cat can have eaten chicken-based food his whole life and still develop an allergy to chicken!

The most common food allergies in cats are beef, chicken and fish- all of which are common in feline diets.

Boxiecat Premium Clumping Hypoallergenic Cat Litter

The Boxiecat Premium Clumping Hypoallergenic Cat Litter is the veterinarians favourite choice and equally loved by cats as it is 99.9% dust free and shows quick and effective clumping action.

The litter also helps in eliminating ammonia odor from urine and forms flat top clumps for ease of cleaning and scooping. The packet only comprises of pure and premium clay with no scents, chemicals or artificial fragrances.

Features

  • Not effective in controlling urine smell and ammonia odor

Your Face Feels Swollen & Slightly Painful

Another sign of allergies that you might overlook is your face feeling kind of swollen, puffy, and sightly painful. This can happen when you’re very congested. Sometimes that congestion doesn’t come out as a sniffly nose instead it just causes head congestion that leaves you feeling swollen, foggy, and kind of odd.

Read Also: What Does It Mean When Your Cat Squints At You

How Cat Allergies Are Diagnosed

There are two ways to test for any allergy, including to cats: skin testing and blood tests. There are two types of skin allergy tests. A skin prick test and an intradermal skin test. Both tests give fast results and tend to cost less than blood tests.

Certain medications can interfere with skin testing, so talk to your doctor about which test is best for you. Skin testing is usually done by an allergist due to the possibility of severe reactions during testing.

Best Hypoallergenic Litters For Cats With Allergies

Is Your Cat Allergic to Its Litter?

Before I go into my in-depth product reviews, here are all the features that the best cat litter for allergies should have. These features will help reduce cat allergies, as well as helping to ensure litter clean-up is as easy as possible.

With all things considered, here are my reviews for the best hypoallergenic litters for cats with allergies.

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Am I Allergic To Cats

According to Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Research, about 10% of people are allergic to domesticated animals. Cat allergies are twice as common as sensitivity to dogs. Symptoms of an allergy to cats include:

  • Uncontrollable sneezing, coughing, and wheezing
  • Itchiness around the eyes
  • Hives and rashes around the face and chest
  • Redness and inflammation on the skin that touched the cat

If you exhibit these symptoms when approached by a cat, an allergy is the most likely explanation. Some cats will spark an immediate reaction, while others will appear to have no reaction whatsoever. In rare cases, you may even experience a delayed response.

If you have a feline allergy, you are allergic to all cats. Unique characteristics found in the specific cat dictate how severe the allergic reaction will be. You may be experiencing a reaction, but its minor enough not to notice. Your body may also be building a resistance to the allergy.

Is Pretty Litter Worth It

Not only does one bag last an entire month, but the silica litter is super-absorbent and lightweight. What really makes Pretty Litter worth it, however, is the fact that it is designed to alert you to changes in the pH of your cats urine as an indication of potential health problems like urinary tract infections.

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Best Cat Litter For Cats With Allergies

Have you noticed that your cat has started sneezing, itching its face, or struggling to breathe? If so, your cat has likely got an allergy, and cat litter is a much more common culprit than you would initially imagine.

My cat was eight years old before she developed a litter allergy, and when she first starting showing symptoms I was stumped! I had no idea that my cat could be allergic to the litter that I had used for her whole life! But, having switched to a hypoallergenic cat litter, her symptoms disappeared, and she became happy and healthy once more.

Hypoallergenic cat litter can play a huge role in your cats overall wellbeing. Your cat will be using their litter box multiple times per day, and if every time they do their business they are left spluttering and struggling for breath, they arent going to be happy for long. Plus, they associate using their litter box with a negative experience, they are more likely to stop using it altogether.

Knowing that finding a great hypoallergenic cat litter is something so many owners are after, I decided to review the best cat litter for cats with allergies out there. This way, our furry friends can be happy and healthy.

Worlds Best Cat Litter

YOU’RE DOING YOUR CAT LITTER WRONG

The best cat litter for cats with allergies is the Worlds Best Cat Litter. This hypoallergenic cat litter is 99.9% free from dust, unscented, 100% biodegradable and flushable, and lasts up to twice as long as regular cat litter. It also has next to no litter tracking, and thanks to its super-fast absorption, scooping your cats litter box has never been easier.

Having tried and tested this litter myself, I can confirm it completely stopped my cats allergies and made her happier and healthier. I also love it in terms of easy cleaning, and I can breathe easily when changing my cats litter too.

You can find the full review for this incredible product further down the article, along with some other great allergy free cat litters.

Also Check: How Many Calories Should Kitten Eat

Understanding What Hypoallergenic Really Means

Most allergies, whether its due to the pollen outside or your pets dander, cant be fully cured. Certain medications may ease the symptoms , but an easy way to keep your allergies at bay is to make changes to your environment.

When something say, cat litter is labeled as hypoallergenic, it means that its less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees, so hypoallergenic products may make a reaction less likely, but they are still possible if you have a severe allergy. Also, manufacturers dont have to prove their hypoallergenic claim, so its hard to know exactly whats effective and whats not.

Feline Pine Original Non

Showing 1-10 of 49 Questions

  • The Feline Pine litter doesn’t require a sifting litter pan for best results. The litter can be changed as needed with adding 1-2 inches, you can dump occasionally to fully clean out the litter box.

    By on Sep 4, 2017

    66You liked it!Something went wrong. Please try again later.

    You absolutely do need a shaking litter box. Your cats will adjust to this immediately and you will never again have tracking litter all over the room. This wood litter does not track and it has a fresh wood smell instead of urine smell

    By MarionA on Nov 23, 2021

    10You liked it!Something went wrong. Please try again later.

    ok use this litter for years. I’ve never had a sifting box. I clean the 2 each time she goes I use a doggy bag. this litter never tracks on my floor.

    By mary on Dec 22, 2021

    8You liked it!Something went wrong. Please try again later.

    For best results.get a sifting box. Arm and hammer is a good one

    By lunab211 on Sep 3, 2021

    8You liked it!Something went wrong. Please try again later.

    I have used this for 15 years. one cat 2 scoops of litter approx 2 inches on the bottom of the box and I dump all litter once a week. no smell and no tracking

    By livelovemeow on Apr 11, 2022

    4

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What Are The Symptoms Of Litter Allergies In Cats

Feline allergic reactions present themselves in a similar way to how allergies present themselves in humans. Therefore, if your cat has an allergy, they may display some of the following symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Watery or bloodshot eyes
  • Feline acne

However, these symptoms indicate your cat has an allergy of some type, but how can you determine whether it is being caused by their litter?

The easiest way to tell is by keeping a close eye on your cat. If their symptoms worsen after they have just used their litter box there is a high chance it is the litter that is causing irritation. Litter particles can also get stuck to your cats fur and trigger and allergic reactions even when they are not close to their litter box.

If your cat does have an allergy to the litter youre using, it will likely get worse over time. Therefore, your cat may stop using their litter box altogether! This can be another tell-tell sign that your cat has a litter allergy, and you need to swap to a hypoallergenic cat litter.

What Are Alternatives To Traditional Cat Litter

Is Your Cat Allergic to Its Litter?

As the best way to reduce a litter allergy is to remove the litter itself, the next question is what type of litter to get. This can feel tricky, especially if youre used to always getting one type of litter. There are a variety of others on the market, whether at the store or online, as well as more organic options such as corn , sand, newspaper shredded up and husks of wheat.

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Fresh Step Lightweight Simply Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter

You get the choice of three sizes and two formulas with Fresh Steps litter. The Light Weight Unscented formula works well with single cat households. And it is also good for people who have multiple cats to help contain the odor.

The formula contains activated charcoal. This agent gives the litter a boost of bacterial protection. And it works to prevent growth on the litter. In turn, this makes the litter safer for you to handle while helping with odor control for up to 10 days. You do have to periodically scoop the litter in those 10 days for the best results.

The ultra-tight clumping action locks in both urine and feces on contact that prevents crumbles from being left when you scoop it. The formula helps keep your air cleaner by reducing the dust it gives off when you clean the litter box and refill it.

There is no scent with this litter. This means you wont have a floral scent lingering around your cats area. Instead, you shouldnt smell anything. Its free of dyes. There are plant extracts in this litter that assist in neutralizing the odor while giving the litter a healthier formula.

Pros

  • Comes with two formula options
  • Locks odors away for up to 10 days
  • Eliminates the perfume and dye from the litter

Cons

What Cat Breeds Are Good For Asthmatics

There is no specific breed of cat that is good for asthmatics. Most cats, regardless of breed, have fur, and all cats have dander and shed skin and saliva into their environment. For people with asthma, exposure to cat fur and dander may trigger an asthma attack. So, if you are an asthma sufferer and are considering getting a cat, it is important to do your research and find a breed that is low-shedding or non-shedding and lower on dander production.

There are a few cat breeds considered to be non-shedding cats. This means that they do not produce a lot of hair or fur, and therefore do not require a lot of grooming. Some of the most common non-shedding breeds include the Sphynx, the Devon Rex, and the Cornish Rex. All of these breeds have no hair to short, curly hair that does not shed or mat very easily.

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If The Pee Makes The Pellets Turn Into Sawdust How Do You Remove It From The Box Thanks

Sawdust byproduct from lumber mills is collected and compressed into tiny pellets. These pellets act like tiny sponges that absorb urine and break apart into sawdust. Scoop the solid waste daily, and gently shake the box so the good pellets float to the top and the sawdust drops to the bottom. Leave…more the sawdust in the box as it will still work to absorb moisture and odor. When the box is about 90% sawdust it is time to dispose of it and start with new litter.

By on Mar 3, 2020

Use a sifting litter box . i glued ~2″ PVC pipes in each corner of the top box to keep some room between the two levels. A few times a day you just stir the litter around and the sawdust will fall through to the bottom box. check out ‘victoria gardens cattery’ on youtube . I use litter liner bags instead of pee pads though.

By Nick on Oct 30, 2021

Leaving used urine-soaked litter in the box in any capacity for any length of time beyond one day is absolutely disgusting and unsanitary. Cats who “dig deep” into the litter will scrape into urine-soaked litter. That will not smell good being tracked through the house, nor will the cats appreciate …morethese kind of unsanitary boxes. Either scoop all the litter saw dust out or better yet choose a cleaner kind of litter like the Chewy unscented clumping clay.

By Cleanboxesdaily on Sep 27, 2021

By Fatcatz on Dec 20, 2021

I use a soup ladle from the dollar store and scoop out the powder, leaving as many pellets as I can.

By subtle on Mar 16, 2022

Time To Visit A Veterinarian

Cat & Kitten Care : Health Effects of Cat Litter Box

If you have tried every cat litter on the market and Fluffy is still reacting, then it may be time to visit your veterinarian. Here he or she can do tests to figure out exactly what your fur baby is allergic to. With this information, your vet can then prescribe an antihistamine to help alleviate the symptoms or perhaps even prednisone if the allergy is severe enough.

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Causes Of Feline Allergies To Litter

The feline allergies to litter are developed to the different ingredients used in the litter that may be inhaled by the cat.

The litter may contain bentonite, silica dust or clay, but there may also be certain fragrances or chemicals. Most typically, the cat develops allergies to the silica dust, the fragrances and the chemicals used.

The allergies are a response of the cat’s immune system, so kittens or senior cats are more likely to develop litter allergies. Cats that are allergic to other irritants are more prone to have allergies to litter as well.

Bolux Flushable Clumping Tofu Cat Litter

If your cat has dust allergies, the best allergy free cat litter is the Bolux Flushable Clumping Tofu Cat Litter.

The pellets are large, rod-shaped, and packaged in a vacuum, making this cat litter truly 100% dust-free. This will completely alleviate any allergies caused by dust, but is also a great option for any cat as using dust-free litter will minimize the risk of your feline developing or exacerbating any underlying respiratory conditions.

As well as being great for your cat, your home will also be free from litter particles. Thanks to this litter having no dust, there will be no litter tracking around your home! However, the litter particles are extremely lightweight which means you may find a little more mess around your cats litter box after use.

That being said, cleaning the litter box itself is extremely easy. All liquids will be absorbed quickly to form clumps for easy scooping, and being both flushable and 100% biodegradable, it is also easy to dispose of any waste. In fact, this cat litter is made from tofu, which is a unique approach for cat litter but works wonders, especially for environmentally-conscious owners.

You also dont need to worry about nasty odors escaping around your home when using this litter, as despite being free from artificial fragrances, it uses activated carbon absorption to help combat odors. This is an effective way to keep bad smells at bay without triggering an allergic reaction in your cat.

Pros

Cons

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Are You Or Your Cat Allergic To Cat Litter

Most people are familiar with allergies to cat dander. But did you know that a growing segment of people is allergic to popular clay-based cat litters too? Not only that, but there is an abundance of evidence showing that our cats are allergic to it too. Read on to learn if you might need to swap out your fragranced, clay-based brand for a hypoallergenic cat litter.

We adopted our cat before I discovered my wife was pregnant. Because of the risk of toxoplasmosis spreading to my wife and unborn child, I always cleaned the litter box. I was also diligent about wearing gloves and a mask.

When I didnt, I would cough and have trouble breathing. This was when I was using a popular clay-based litter that was loaded with artificial fragrance. I bought it because it was inexpensive, and I thought it helped keep odors down. Little did I know that it was making both me and my cat ill.

The cat sneezed whenever he used the litter box, and his face was puffy. Then he stopped using the litter box altogether. Hed never had issues using the litter box before, and I cleaned it every single day. So I took him to the veterinarian, who immediately guessed what was wrong. The cat didnt want to use the litter box because it was making him sick.

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