The answer to this question could fill some books! That much extensive is the list of items to which cats are allergic. However, in this discussion, we will talk about the key items to which your cats might be allergic. It might is a bit of an understatement, 90 percent of the time; cats are allergic to one of these items anyways. An anaphylactic state can turn anyone panicky; you should know about the possible irritants which might disturb your cat’s sensory and visual processes. If you have no clue about this side of feline care, don’t worry. In this discussion, we have got you all covered as far as feline allergy is concerned. We point out the key items to which your cat might be allergic and give you a hint or two about adequate measures that must be taken in such a situation.
So, without further ado, let us begin.
Symptoms
Before we talk about the items to which your cat might be allergic in detail, we thought it prudent to mention the symptoms of an anaphylactic shock. Figuring it out in humans is quite easy, but cats are different. Therefore, you will need to look out for the following symptoms before you know for sure that the pet is suffering from an allergic shock:
1- Excessive sneezing and wheezing.
2- Redness around and in the eyes.
3- Rash-like patches all over the body or on the face.
4- Excessive watery discharge.
What are cats allergic to?
We have talked about the symptoms. Now, let us talk about the possible irritants or allergens, which can lead to these symptoms.
Fragrance
We are not sure what makes people think that cats are ok with perfumes and scents? It is ridiculous that even those who claim to be the biggest pet lovers spray fragrance mercilessly around their cats. You ask for an example as if you haven’t committed the same crime by yourself? Yes, throwing a lot of perfume in your cat’s adobe after cleaning kitten litter isn’t exactly the wisest thing to do! Commercial, mass-produced perfumes and scents don’t come without irritating substances. Please do keep that in mind the next time you soak yourself and your cat in the imported perfume yours.
Plastic
Please relax; we aren’t going to blame you for this one. We know you don’t purposely feed your pet plastic. However, it would help if you kept an eye on your furball since it doesn’t understand how toxic plastic can be for feline health. Reasons, why cats chew plastic, are numerous. Stress, nutritional deficiency, and an underlying health condition are major reasons for plastic cravings in cats. Figuring it out is your job, as well as finding ways to keep your cat from chewing and biting toxic plastic all the time.
Food
Food allergies are perhaps, the most common type of feline allergy. We are not going to mention the long list of food items to which your cat might be allergic. However, you must know that there may be at least one food item in your diet to which your cat might be allergic. One of the easiest ways of figuring out if your cat is allergic to something specific or not is to offer the same food twice to your cat. If the symptoms are shown by the animal again, it means that your cat is indeed allergic to that food item! Researching your cat’s diet thoroughly before devising a proper diet schedule is also a good idea to consider.
Pollen
Pollen allergy is quite common among humans. However, it is a matter of surprise for many that cats can suffer from pollen allergy. Pollens from grass and flowers can make breathing tough for your pet. Usually, this type of pollen allergy leads to asthmatic conditions in humans. The same can happen in the case of cats as well. However, there might appear some rashes or scratches on your pets’ bodies, which are also reflective of a classic case of pollen allergy. The best way to figure out the nature of allergy is to conduct blood tests to be on the safer side.
Medicines
Often, our furballs and tabbies suffer from different health problems. Without consultation with the vet, we use medicines and drugs to mess up the feline digestive system. In some cases, the consequences are even worse as the cat suffers from an anaphylactic shock. We are not sure what possesses people to take such drastic measures without the consultation of a vet. However, we implore you not to repeat the mistakes made by others. Don’t give your pet a drug or a pill that you have no idea about!
What to do if your cat suffers from an allergy?
Things can go south pretty early when it comes to anaphylactic shocks. Feline allergies must not be taken lightly. So, what are the steps that you need to take to ensure that your cat doesn’t suffer from an allergic attack, again? Well, the immediate step would be to take the sick cat to the vet. Oh, and please don’t play the vet. Let the professional tackle the problems of your cat. For a long-term and permanent solution, you will have to figure out what caused that allergic reaction in the first place. Without discarding that irritant from your cat’s life, you cannot hope to get rid of allergies forever!
Conclusion
Well, that will be all for now. We hope that your knowledge about feline allergy has increased considerably after today’s discussion. There might come a time when your cat will suffer from an anaphylactic shock. In such an event, the first thing to do is not to panic. Otherwise, how do you expect to help your already writhing in pain pet? Once you get the pet to the vet, things become quite simple. All that you have to do is follow what the professional tells you. No home remedies, please!