{"id":3261,"date":"2023-03-29T13:17:16","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T13:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/?p=3261"},"modified":"2025-10-01T20:42:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T20:42:42","slug":"can-cats-have-allergies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/pet-health\/cat-conditions\/can-cats-have-allergies\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cats Have Allergies? Signs And Causes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If your cat develops some unusual symptoms, you might wonder if allergies are to blame. Can cats have allergies<\/strong>, and what are they allergic to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Cats Have Allergies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cats can have allergies, and these can be triggered by a range of different substances. The signs of allergies in cats can be very subtle, and it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what’s causing the problem. Treatment can also be a daunting prospect, as it may not always be possible to remove the underlying cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Allergies In Cats?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen. Three main groups of allergens can cause allergies in cats, all of which can cause similar symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Dietary Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Food allergies in cats are most commonly triggered by sources of animal protein, such as chicken or beef. Some cats may also develop an intolerance to other food sources such as milk, wheat, eggs, or soy. Cats with food allergies may develop symptoms within many body systems, including the digestive tract and the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Environmental & Contact Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some cats develop an allergic reaction to many things which are present in the environment. These include airborne particles, such as pollen, dust, perfumes, or molds, or things your cat comes into direct contact with, including fabric fibers, plants, and grasses, or chemicals such as shampoo or cleaning products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some environmental allergens may be seasonal, such as pollen; others are present all year round.  Cats with these types of allergies most commonly develop respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, itching, sneezing, and coughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cEvery time Umi is hospitalized, it\u2019s for like four days and it costs over $5,000\u2026 Maven has helped me not only save money<\/strong> but also save his life<\/strong><\/em>\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jessica Ortiz
Umi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Track your cat’s health!<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Insect Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is very common for cats to develop an allergy to flea saliva, leading to a condition called flea allergic dermatitis<\/a> (FAD).  When this condition occurs the cat will develop irritated skin after just one flea bite, leading to hair loss, skin inflammation, and incessant itching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Symptoms Of Allergies In Cats?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The signs of allergies in cats will vary according to the type of allergy. Most allergies cause some type of skin rash or reaction, but cats with food allergies tend to develop digestive problems too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most common symptoms seen in allergies in cats include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Skin rash, with generalized or localized itching<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Red and itchy eyes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sneezing and nasal discharge<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Coughing and wheezing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Soft feces or diarrhea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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