How To Treat Cat Allergies At Home

Home Remedies For Cat Scabs

Scab treatment depends on the cause of the condition. Before you jump in and apply every home remedy on Google, you must discover why your cat has scabs in the first place.

Using home remedies for cat scabs might not always do the trick. Take your cat to the vet if you notice that the problem worsens or stays persistent overtime.

Although, if you have determined why your cat has developed scabs, then treating the problem becomes easier. Since we already discussed the most common reasons cats get scabs, here are some quick and easy home remedies that you can try.

Allergy Symptoms In Pets

The most common symptoms of allergies in cats and dogs are:

• Skin itching, indicated by redness of the skin, paw licking, scratching, or head shaking
• Respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or sneezing
• Digestive problems such as vomiting or diarrhea

Dr. Sypniewski says pet owners may also notice symptoms such as a pets hair loss or skin color changes and crusting. In rare cases, severe allergy can trigger anaphylaxis. If your pet has trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. This can be life-threatening.

What Are Cats Allergic To

Pollens, molds, chemicals, dust or eggstheyre not just potential irritants to people with allergies, theyre some of the things that can sometimes causecat allergiesto flare up. Even if none of the humans in your house are sensitive to these things, keep in mind that your cat could be feeling sick or grumpy due to these common catalysts forfeline allergies:

• Environmental irritantsIf your cat seems wheezy when they come inside after a frolic, they could havea cat pollen allergy. Grasses, trees, flowers and weeds can all be allergy triggers for cats, as can mold and mildew.

• FleasNo cat likes fleas, but cats with flea allergies like them even less. Those irritating bumps are extra miserable for flea-allergic felines.

• FoodA cat showing signs of tummy troublelike vomiting, bloating or diarrheacould have a sensitivity to something in their diet.

• Household irritantsFromdust to detergent, any number of factors inside your home could be causing discomfort for your cat. Other possible household allergens include chemicals, cleaners, perfumes, cat litter and even surfaces made of certain types of plastic or rubber.

• MedicinesYour cats immune system could be responding to a medication theyre receiving, such as a flea medication or a medicated shampoo.

• SmokeCigarette allergies arent just for peopleyour cat might be suffering allergies from cigarette smoke in the house.

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How To Treat Skin Allergies In Cats

There are two aspects to treating a cat with allergies, both of which are equally important. The first is treating the symptoms the second is working out what is causing the allergies and how to avoid them!

Treating the symptoms of a skin allergy involves relieving the pain and itchiness, as well as treating any bacterial infection that is making things worse. It is not uncommon for cats to need steroids or antihistamines to help suppress the inflammation and allergic response and antibiotic or antifungal medication for the infection. Your vet may also recommend a protective collar for your cat so that they cant bite or lick their skin and make the wounds worse.

It is really important to stick to the medication routine that your vet has prescribed, finish the course of medications you are given, and go back for check-ups on time. Otherwise, there is a risk of your cats infection becoming resistant to antibiotics, which will make it much harder to clear up.

The second step working out what is causing itchy skin can be a complicated process, but its worth persevering to give your cat the best chance of avoiding their allergies for good. As fleas are the most common cause of itchiness, the first step in getting a diagnosis is often instigating a rigid flea treatment routine to make sure an unknown flea infestation is not to blame.

Cat Flea Allergy: Treatments And Home Remedies

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Fleas are tiny, troublesome parasites that feed on their hosts blood, namely our pets. These fleas carry diseases, and their saliva can lead to the development of flea allergy. Flea saliva can be found in the flea bites, which can then cause severe itching or an allergic reaction.

Even humans can get bitten by these fleas however, the bites will show up and affect animals differently. Flea allergy dermatitis, simply known as FAD, is the most common skin problem amongst pets in the world. Cases involving cats were reported to have increased to about 67 per cent over the past ten years. Whether you are living in a rural area or in a high apartment, you can still have fleas in your home, which makes your cat vulnerable to flea allergy dermatitis.

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Testing For Cat Food Allergies

If your cat is still itchy after treating their infection and using a monthly flea preventive, the next step is to test for a food allergy. Unlike people, there is no blood test for food allergies in cats. To figure out if your cat has an allergy to food, your veterinarian will prescribe either a novel protein diet or a hypoallergenic diet.

• A novel protein diet is one with a protein source that your cat has never had before. Venison, rabbit, and duck are common novel protein sources.

• A hypoallergenic diet is a food in which the protein source is broken down into small molecular pieces so that the body can no longer recognize it as a protein. Think of a puzzle that has an image of a pirate ship. When you take the puzzle apart, you can no longer see the pirate ship.

To diagnose a food allergy, your cat will need to be on the prescribed diet for a minimum of two months without eating anything but that diet. If the diet trial is effective, the next step is to add a new protein source to the food for one to two weeks.

If there is no reaction, we can assume that protein is not causing the allergy if there is a reaction, we know that your cat is allergic to that protein and it must be avoided. Occasionally, some cats must stay on the prescription diet for life to manage their food allergy.

Treatment And Prevention Of Allergies In Cats

In order to comfort an allergy-ridden cat, it is essential to first identify the source of its distress. Thus, if you suspect that your kitty seems unusually itchy or seems off in any way that points towards an allergy, get it properly assessed and evaluated by a veterinarian.

Once you have zeroed in on the potential allergen, the next step is to remove it from your cats vicinity. Your cats allergic reaction is bound to persist as long as it remains exposed to the offending substance.

• If your cat is allergic to environmental irritants that lodge into your pets furry skin, such as pollen, fungus, mold, and dust, it may not be possible to eliminate the allergen for good. The vet may prescribe medications, such as steroids or cortisone, antihistamines, or a fatty acid supplement, to alleviate the itch.
• Similarly, veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives are likely to do the trick if a flea-induced allergy is at play. In the absence of a strict flea control, corticosteroid injections are warranted to quell the allergic reaction.

Moreover, if the cat develops a secondary bacterial infection at the affected skin site, the vet will prescribe the needful antibiotics to stop it from spreading.

• Some cats are allergic to their litter box or sandbox. This problem can easily be addressed by replacing your normal litter pan with a dust-free alternative, such as one made of clay.

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Is It A Flea Allergy

While FAD is fairly common in cats, food or other environmental allergies can cause similar symptoms. According to The Merck Veterinary Manual, most FAD cases occur in late summer, which is the peak season for fleas. It is also rare for a cat to develop FAD before 1 year of age. If you do have evidence of fleas, either on your cat or in your home, and have ruled out other possible causes, the cat most likely has FAD. Remember, if your cat is excessively licking his fur, you might not find actual evidence of fleas on his coat because hes licked them all off!

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My Cat Has Flea Allergy Dermatitis Symptoms So Why Cant I Find Fleas On Them

Because cats are so meticulous, it can be difficult to find fleas or flea dirt on them. And because animals with FAD may experience a severe reaction after only a few flea bites, it can be even more difficult to find the source of the problem. Look for fleas or flea dirt around your cats face and neck, where they cant groom as thoroughly. Or bring your cat to the vet for a closer inspection to determine if FAD is the cause of your cats discomfort.

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Allergy Skin Prick Test

This test is performed in your doctors office so they can observe any reactions.

Using a clean needle, your doctor will prick your skins surface , and deposit a tiny amount of the allergen. Youll likely be tested for several allergens at the same time. Youll also be skin pricked with a control solution that has no allergens. Your doctor may number each prick to identify the allergen.

In about 15 to 20 minutes, the skin prick site may become red or swollen. This reaction confirms an allergy to that substance. A positive cat allergy will usually cause a red, itchy bump to the cat allergen. These unpleasant effects generally go away 30 minutes after the test.

What Is The Best Treatment For Pet Allergy

The best treatment is to avoid contact with cats or dogs or the areas where they live. Keep pets out of your home. If possible, try to avoid visiting homes with pets that you are allergic to. Avoiding cats and dogs may give you enough relief that you will not need medicine.

Keeping the pet outdoors will help, but will not rid the house of pet allergens. Another option is to choose pets that do not have fur or feathers. Fish, snakes or turtles are some choices.

Pet allergy can be a social problem making it difficult to visit friends and relatives who have cats and dogs . This may be especially troublesome for children who cannot participate in activities at the home of friends. Talk to your doctor about possible use of medication before these social exposures and specific measures to take after the exposure.

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Dog Allergy Management And Treatment

Avoidance is the best way to manage a dog allergy. If you have a dog and are allergic to dogs, consider removing the dog from the home.

If you have a dog but dont want to find it a new home, or if your family wants a dog even though someone in the household is allergic, here are some strategies that may help keep symptoms at bay:

• Keep the dog out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms. Be advised that keeping the dog in only one room will not limit the allergens to that room.
• Dont pet, hug or kiss the dog if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.
• High-efficiency particulate air cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
• Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can reduce allergen levels.
• Giving your dog a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne dog allergen.

Treatments for dog allergy vary, depending on the symptoms.

Your allergist can help determine what treatment would be best to treat your dog allergy. Nasal symptoms are often treated with steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines or other oral medications. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Respiratory or asthma symptoms can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.

Allergy shots are an effective treatment of allergies by building tolerance over time through gradually injecting increasing doses of an allergen.

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Vacuum And Dust Regularly

Vacuuming and dusting will help keep cat dander in your living space to a minimum and they dont have to be time-consuming chores! Try dusting methods that trap particles and use a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner and replace it appropriately. Otherwise, cleaning can kick up cat dander into the air and make your allergies worse.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis In Dogs And Cats: Symptoms Treatment And Prevention

Flea bites expose pets to flea saliva which some pets become allergic to over time. This allergic reaction is known as flea allergy dermatitis, or FAD.

FAD is an allergic skin condition that mostly affects pets aged over one year and commonly occurs in dogs and cats with underlying skin diseases like atopic dermatitis.1, 2 Pets with FAD can damage their skin by constantly scratching, biting or licking, and this damage can lead to secondary infection.

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Does Opening Windows Help With Cat Allergies

Open some windows, run a fan, or turn on the air conditioner to create an exit for the allergens. For guests with mild allergies, this one tip may do the trick. Because opening the windows can let dust and pollen in, first make sure your guests arent affected by those allergens in addition to their pet allergies.

Keep Your Cat Out Of Your Bedroom

You might be accustomed to snuggling with your kitty in bed, but sleeping with your cat when youre allergic will definitely cause problems. Keeping your cat out of your bedroom wont eliminate allergens from the room, but it will cut down on them drastically and should allow you to breathe comfortably.

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Monitor The Pollen Count

Treehugger / Lesly Junieth

Dr. Drew Weigner, a board-certified feline veterinary specialist and owner of The Cat Doctor in Atlanta, notices more clients seeking relief for their feline friends when the high pollen count rises. But he adds that few cats actually suffer from seasonal allergies they simply sneeze more due to physical irritation from pollen. If you notice excessive sneezing, monitor the allergy forecast in your area and keep cats inside when pollen piles up outside.

To reduce the amount of pollen tracked into your home, remove shoes at the door or invest in a thick welcome mat.

How Does A Doctor Diagnose A Pet Allergy

Your doctor will diagnose a pet allergy based on your symptoms, physical examination, medical history and test results. Your doctor can use either a blood test or skin test to aid in the diagnosis. Allergy testing will show if there is allergic sensitization to the animal.

Some people find it hard to believe that they could be allergic to their pets. The doctor may tell you to stay out of the home where the pet lives to see if your symptoms go away. It does not help to remove the dog or cat, because the allergen will remain. Pet allergens still in the home can cause symptoms months after the animal is gone.

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Consider Medications For You

Talk to your doctor or allergist about medications to help relieve your allergy symptoms. Make sure to confirm with your doctor the nature of your allergy if you react to saliva more than dander, for example, this knowledge can help you mitigate the problem! If youve only recently developed symptoms, it may be worth making an appointment just to confirm youre reacting to your cat and not to something else entirely. Having or developing allergies can be challenging and uncomfortable, especially when its your cat causing the reaction. Trying these tactics will help you figure out how to care for you, your cat and your home so you can have many happy years together.

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Home Remedies For Pet Allergies

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If youre one of the unfortunate dog or cat lovers who sneezes or wheezes whenever they get near one, you have our sympathy! We know how challenging allergies can be for an animal lover, so let us help. Weve rounded up a few home remedies and some promising new research in pet allergies.

But first things first

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Step : Foster A Cat In Need

If youre not sure youre ready to adopt, fostering with GEARS is the best alternative.

GEARS foster parents are either temporary or long-term. Temporary fosters care for the animal for a few days or weeks, while our long-term fosters care for the animal until its adopted.

If your allergies are too strong to own a cat full-time, being a temporary foster can be a great way to experience life with a furry friend without sacrificing your health.

A temporary foster cares for our foster animals when our long-term fosters need a babysitter or vacation. GEARS covers all costs and supplies, and only places you with animals that are best for you and your living situation.