As pet parents, we notice if our furry family members don’t seem to be acting like themselves. If you catch your kitty itching or sneezing, you may wonder, “Do cats have allergies too?” Yes! Just like humans, cats may have allergies too!
Table of Contents
1. What are Cats Allergic To?
Your cat could be allergic to many things, just like us. They might have allergies to certain foods, like fish or dairy. Cats may be allergic to things in the air like pollen from flowers or trees. Those allergies are usually seasonal, so they are much worse at certain times of the year.
They can also react to dust or mold in the house. We know smoking is bad for human health, but it is also harmful to cats. Also, having cleaners, air fresheners, candles, essential oils in their airspace may cause a reaction. Some of these allergies will cause itchy skin and sores, other allergens will make them cough and sneeze, and it is also likely that allergies will cause all of those symptoms.
It’s important to watch for signs of allergies so that if your cat is not feeling their best, you are quick to take care of them and help them on the way to being symptom free.
Some of the symptoms of allergies in cats are:
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Snoring, heavy breathing
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Sores on skin
- Chewing on paws
- Overgrooming or hair loss
- Head Shaking
- Grumpiness or tiredness
2. Can Cats have Seasonal Allergies?
Cats absolutely can have seasonal allergies! You may wonder, “what are cats allergic to seasonally”? Cats again, are very similar to us in that they may suffer from allergies more at certain time of the year when pollen counts are higher or when winds are blowing more.
Cats might be allergic to pollens from different plants such as trees, bushes, or weeds. Cats are different than humans in that seasonal allergies in cats usually not only makes them have a runny nose, cough, and sneeze, but usually also causes skin symptoms. If your cat is having seasonal allergies, you will likely notice a runny nose and sneezing, along with scratching, excess licking, and biting at their fur.
For respiratory symptoms from seasonal allergies, our BestLife4Pets Breathe Easy Cat Cold & Respiratory Infection Remedy is a safe and natural solution for coughing, sneezing, sniffles, runny nose, or wheezing,
3. What Else Might Make My Cat Sneeze?
Some allergies are year round, as the allergens themselves never fully go away. The most common things that will make your cat sneeze are dust or mold in the air, inside or out. If you live in an area that is especially windy at times, or has bad air quality at times, be sure to keep windows and doors shut to not let kitty out until the the bad air clears up.
Many people love to scent their home with candles, essential oils, or air fresheners. Unfortunately, most of these are actually harmful to cats, so as pet parents we need to be very careful. Do the work to be sure anything in your cat’s home airspace is safe for them. Artificial scents are especially bad for cats (and us!) and are found in everything from human perfumes and skin products to cleaners to even trash bags.
4. Why is My Cat Itchy?
There are different causes of itchiness for cats, such as parasites, fleas, mites, or allergies, and no matter what the cause, your kitty needs relief!
As allergies are a common cause, these are symptoms of Dermatitis:
- Scratching
- Obsessive licking, overgrooming
- Itchiness on the belly, back and base of tail
- Hair loss on back and tail
- Rash on neck or face Itchy ears, ear infections
- Biting paws and tail
- Sore, swollen paws from biting
- Raw, inflamed skin
Our BestLife4Pets Healthy Skin for Cats - Cat Miliary Dermatitis, Skin Allergy & Cat Scabs Remedy is a natural way to help your cat gain some relief. This remedy is formulated both for relief of itchy, irritated skin and to aid in the healing of sores and wounds associated with skin allergies.
If cats walk on floors with cleaner residue or lay on a carpet or bed that may have dust mites., this can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. It’s important not only to have the airspace clean, but also the surfaces free of possible allergens. For help with skin allergies, try our Cat Itchy Skin Relief & Hair Loss Treatment.
5. Do Cats Have Food Allergies?
Although many cats do just fine with whatever kibble or wet food you bring home,others cats will show a reaction to the food right away or develop food intolerances or allergies over time. Food allergies are the third most common type of feline allergy.
The most common food allergy or intolerance (symptoms are very similar) is to animal based proteins, with beef, chicken, and fish being the most likely. Dairy is another common allergen for cats, and most are lactose intolerant.
Food allergies and intolerances usually develop over time as their body mounts a defense to the allergen it sees as a danger or threat. They don’t digest these foods correctly and it can lead to not having enough nutrients, along with some or all of these symptoms:
- Scratching, especially head and neck
- Hair loss or not grooming well
- Small lumps or sores on skin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Gas
Dr. Kristi Frankavilla of LiveWellDog is a doctor of Chiropractic, Functional Medicine, and certified animal naturopath and nutritionist, and provides pet (cat parents too!) parents with test kits to know WHAT their cats are reacting to so they can remove those foods from their diet to heal.
6. How Do You Get Rid of Cat Allergies?
We have a mission here at BestLife4Pets - to formulate products to help your kitty heal from the inside out and keep their immune system from behaving badly and treating foods like foes. With identifying and eliminating foods and other allergens, along with our enhanced rebranded BestLife4Pets Cat Allergy Relief & Immune Support, your cat will be on their way back to feeling itch and allergy free. Our improved formula now includes histaminum to provide relief from seasonal allergies, helping to relieve sneezing, coughing and watery eyes in addition to supporting your cat's immune system for overall well-being.
For allergies causing skin issues in need of extra love and attention, we also enhanced the formula for our Healthy Skin & Coat for Cats to not only soothe itchy skin, but also promote healthy hair regrowth.
BestLife4Pets Breathe Easy Cat Cold & Respiratory Infection Remedy is designed to help with cat colds, upper respiratory tract infections, FVR, FCV, asthma, and persistent congestion. It provides effective relief for sneezing, wheezing, coughing, fever, and runny noses, so your cats can breathe easier.
While it is best to try to isolate the cause and and select the best remedy for your cat's symptoms, many times allergies affect kitties with skin and respiratory issues, and our remedies are safe to use together, and work well together.
Our furry family members deserve nothing but the best, and when we learn more on how to care for and love them, we all benefit!
