Cat Allergies - Causes and Treatments
Itching is the most common sign of allergies in cats and
dogs. Allergic dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that
occurs after it has been exposed to something to which
it is allergic, known as an allergen. The number-one sign
of allergies in pets is itching. Cats lick, bite, chew
and scratch themselves to the point of self-mutilation.
The result is red, raw areas of skin with oozing sores
and hair loss.
Allergies are caused by an "allergen", which
is a substance that causes a hypersensitive reaction, which
is usually itching. Almost 20 percent of all cats suffer
from one or more allergies. Fleas, airborne particles,
and foods are the top three causes. Plants with oily leaves,
like rubber plants, and certain medications, including
Tetracycline and Neomycin, can cause skin eruptions. Various
types of kitty litter also cause allergic reactions.
TYPES OF ALLERGIES
* Flea allergies are responsible for up to 90 percent
of itching in cats. Cats groom themselves constantly, which
often quickly removes all evidence of fleas. Consider fleas
first in any itching cat, regardless of whether or not
fleas can be found.
* Inhalant allergies are the second most common type of
allergy in cats. Atopy, Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis, and
Atopic Dermatitis are terms that are used synonymously
with Inhalant Allergies. Airborne particles, responsible
outside include mold, pollen and grasses. Indoors, tobacco
smoke, carpet cleaners and perfumes are common causes.
Unlike people with inhalant allergies that sneeze and get
a runny nose, the primary sign of these allergies in cats
is itching. Occasionally cats wheeze and develop breathing
problems. Signs of Atopy often begin with a seasonal pattern
that that too coincides with the so-called "hay fever" season
for people, but eventually inhalant allergies become a
year-round condition. Most cases are inherited and can
be controlled but not cured.
* Food allergies are the third most common reason cats
itch. Eighty percent of cats with a food allergy have been
eating the "adverse" food for over two years
before a reaction occurs. Beef, dairy products and fish
cause 90 percent of the problems. Itching is the number
one sign of a food allergy, with the exception of a "milk
intolerance", which results in diarrhea. Up to one
third of cats with food allergies have concurrent flea
allergies and/or Inhalant Allergies.
SYMPTOMS
* Itching
* Licking
* Biting
* Excessive grooming behavior
* Small scabs on head, neck and ears or all over body
* Hair loss with or without scabs
* Skin crusts and plaques on head, neck and back
WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
Determine underlying cause of itching and treat accordingly.
1. Eliminate fleas in Flea Allergies.
2. Certified veterinary skin specialists offer blood and
skin testing, which can confirm certain hard to diagnose
inhalant allergies.
3. Allergy free dietary trials are often effective for
food allergies.
Itching usually resolves when the underlying problem is
cured. Unfortunately, many allergies can not be cured but
most can be controlled.
Itching may be controlled or relieved with a variety of
products.
1. Antihistamines may be effective to relieve itching
a. Benadryl b. Tavist c. Atarax d. Chlortrimaton
2. Vitamin C with Bioflavinoids in high doses has an antihistamine
effect and often helps relieve itching. 250 mg of powder
2 to 3 times daily in food.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplementation a. Fish Oil b. Flaxseed
c. Evening Primrose Oil d. 1/8 teaspoon Salmon oil added
to meals.
4. Oatmeal Based Shampoos - Oatmeal may relieve itching
and skin irritation up to 72 hours.
5. Witch Hazel is soothing and comes as a spray or lotion;
the spray works best in cats.
6. Aloe Vera Gel is available at health food stores. It
contains enzymes that reduce skin irritation.
7. Corticosteroids like, prednisone may be the only effective
medication to relieve itching in certain cases. Alternative
therapies generally reduce the effective dose of corticosteroids
needed on a long-term basis. In cats, unlike dogs and people,
steroids are tolerated quite well and side effects are
minimal.
COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HOMEOPATHIC
Graphites 6x - a form of carbon. One pellet on tongue
every 4 hours until signs are gone for up to 5 days. Discontinue
if no improvement in first 24-hours. Withhold food 10 minutes
before and after treatment.
HERBAL
Topical Herbs to reduce itching and skin irritation include:
* Calendula - an herb that can be used topically.
* Comfrey - this herb can be used topically as a rinse
to reduce itching. Comfrey contains "allantoin" which
promotes healing.
* Chamomile - this herb reduces skin irritation and has
antioxidant properties. Can be used topically.
