When people think of cat allergies they often think of people being allergic to the cat dander and the mild to severe reactions a person can have. It is important to realize that just as people have allergies cats can have allergies too. A cat can not tell a person when something is bothering them and they have to rely on their owners being alert enough to notice a problem.
It is important for cat owners to know and understand about cat allergies so that they can be aware of a problem their cat might develop and be ready to treat the problem correctly.
Common Cat Allergies
It is estimated that at least fifteen percent of all cats suffer with some type of allergy and if a cat has one allergy they most likely have several. Cats suffer with the same types of allergies as humans. A cat can be allergic to dust and pollen, foods, and plants they come in contact with and medications.
Most of the time a cat allergy will present itself as a skin irritation or may be seen as digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Since these conditions may be caused by several things it will be important to have the cat examined by a veterinarian.
If a person suspects their cat is allergic to some substance they should do their best to remove the substance from the cat or the cat from the substance. In the case of food allergies there are many different types of foods available from pet stores and online that use different ingredients such as rice and lamb.
These foods may help if the cat has allergies to corn meal or to common cat foods such as chicken and fish. If there are plants in the home or yard that cause the cats allergies the owner may want to get rid of them or at least move them to areas the cat does not go. For dust and pollen a cat will appreciate the use of an air filtration system in the home and the owner will benefit from this as well.
It is strange to think of a cat having allergies but it is important that cat owner recognize the potential for the problem and be prepared to care for the pet. Cats are wonderful pets and do deserve the time and effort of people to provide good allergy care. If a pet owner suspects their cat is suffering from cat allergies they should make an appointment to see the veterinarian as soon as possible.
