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Cat Allergies

Diagnosing and Treating Cat Allergies

We often hear about people being allergic to cats, but what many pet owners never realized is that cats, themselves, can experience allergies. If you suspect your cat may be suffering from allergies, you likely turned to the internet for answers. We’re glad you found us! Here at GeniusVets, we firmly believe that petcare information should come directly from veterinarians, who are far too often sidelined in online conversations these days. That’s why we decided to send some of the most FAQs about cat allergies to veterinarians and compiled their responses to provide you with helpful information you can trust.

 

Though we sourced the cat allergies information below from leading veterinarians, we encourage you to speak with your veterinarian. If you don’t currently have a veterinarian, use the GeniusVets Directory to find a trusted vet near you.

What are some common cat allergies?

The most common cat allergy is a flea allergy. Even though your cat may be indoor-only, they can still have contact with fleas on clothes that you’ve worn outside, especially if you have a dog that goes outside. There are also food allergies, and then there are environmental allergies from exposure to dust mites, pollens, and other things like that.

How do allergies impact the health and wellbeing of my cat?

Allergies play a large part in the overall well-being of your cat. Your cat may have asthma, so they may not even be able to breathe well if they come into contact with these allergies. They can have some skin issues, so they'll be uncomfortable. They'll be scratching and irritated, which affects their quality of life. They may even have some GI issues, including diarrhea or vomiting. Allergies play a significant role in the problems we see in our cats.

What are some signs and symptoms that my cat may have allergies?

Cat allergy symptoms can vary from pet to pet, but there are some general signs that your cat may be suffering.

Some symptoms of cat allergies are:

  • Scratching
  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss
  • Ear infections

Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing allergies in my cat?

It's imperative not to self-diagnose allergies in your cat because many other issues can mimic the signs of allergies. So your cat could even have an underlying endocrine disorder or even something else. We want to make sure it is, indeed, allergies first before treating and going that route.

How will a veterinarian diagnose my cat's allergies?

We'll do some skin tests, possibly a skin cytology, and we may get a skin scraping to get an idea of what's going on with your cat’s skin. We may also take a look in the cat’s ears to figure out what allergies your cat is experiencing.

What types of treatments can be used to relieve the symptoms of a cat that is suffering from allergies?

There are many different treatments, including injectable antibiotics, steroids, and oral medications. It all depends on what type of allergies your veterinarian identifies as to what the treatment will be. That’s why it's important to avoid self-diagnosing and bring your cat in so we can figure exactly which treatment route we should take.

How effective are treatments for cats suffering from allergies?

Cat allergy treatments are thankfully very effective. Once we identify the allergy, the treatment path that we choose will be effective towards that allergy. It’s essential to bring your cat to the vet to figure out which type of allergy it is and do that treatment according to whatever it is.

Cat Allergy Relief Products

Cats can experience skin allergies due to environmental triggers, food sensitivities, or flea bites. Common signs include itching, redness, excessive grooming, hair loss, or skin infections. These veterinarian-recommended products can help reduce discomfort, soothe irritated skin, and remove allergens. Always talk to your veterinarian before starting any new treatment.

Product Overviews

Comparison Chart

Product Form Highlights
Allerpet Dander Removing Spray Spray Reduces allergens on cat fur and dander; non-toxic and safe for regular use
Skin and Itch Supplement Supplement (Chews/Tablets) Supports skin health and immune response to allergens
Cat Dander Wipes Wipes Quickly removes allergens from your cat’s coat; ideal for sensitive cats or allergy-prone households
Veterinary Formula Hypoallergenic Shampoo Shampoo Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser for sensitive or allergic skin
Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo Shampoo Contains Ophytrium to soothe irritated or allergic skin
Douxo S3 Seb Mousse Mousse Controls oily, flaky skin and helps manage seborrhea
Virbac Allergroom Shampoo Shampoo Soap-free, protein-rich shampoo for allergy-prone cats
CeraSoothe Pramoxine Mousse Mousse Soothes itchy skin with pramoxine for non-stinging relief
CeraSoothe Pramoxine HC Spray Spray Anti-itch spray with hydrocortisone for fast localized relief
Dechra TrizULTRA+Keto Flush Flush/Liquid Cleanser Antiseptic flush for ears or skin; antifungal and antibacterial
Dechra MiconaHex + Triz Shampoo Shampoo Antifungal and antibacterial formula for severe skin irritation

Top Picks for Cat Allergy Relief

Try Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo

Try Allerpet Dander Spray

The Pet Health Network also offers a comprehensive guide on the symptoms of and treatments for cat allergies. If you have further questions about cat allergies or would like to set an appointment to ease your faithful feline’s suffering, please reach out to your vet. If you don’t already have one, we can help you find a trusted local veterinarian.

The Following Veterinarians

Contributed To The Cat Allergies Information On This Page