Vet 101: The Skinny on Feline Allergies

Spring came early this year to many parts of the U.S. which means, early allergy season. This week’s vet 101 Q & A with Dr. Rich Goldstein answers two readers questions together. Have a question about cat or kittens? Email it (with Vet 101 in the subject line) to [email protected]

Q: Do cats get hay fever like humans? Is diarrhea a sign of allergy when given a new food (same flavor but different brand, both good quality canned).

A:Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat. Yup, it’s allergy season (as my itchy, runny eyes and scratchy throat can tell you every time my neighbor’s Cherry Blossom tree blooms…ugh!). But it’s not only humans that can suffer from allergies at this time of year. Cats can suffer too.

Allergies, or allergic reactions, are triggered by substances that the body considers to be “foreign”. These foreign substances can include pollens, different food ingredients, or even viruses. When the body perceives an “invader”, various cells in the body secrete chemicals to call the immune system into action to get rid of it. Sometimes that reaction gets a little out of control, and leads to the signs we typically associate with “allergies”. The most common chemical that the body secretes in an allergic reaction is called histamine, which is why we typically take antihistamines to counteract the symptoms.

Allergic reactions can manifest in many different ways, depending on the body part that is affected. For example, if pollens get into the nose, they can trigger inflammation in the nose, leading to rhinitis (runny nose and sneezing). Irritants or viruses that affect the eyes can cause conjunctivitis. Certain proteins or ingredients in food can trigger intestinal inflammation, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. (Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, very often has a food allergy as its underlying cause, which can often be managed nutritionally with limited ingredient diets).

Controlling the symptoms of an allergy is very important. Uncontrolled allergic inflammation can lead to many secondary problems, including infections, which become very serious. Identifying and avoiding the trigger (like that dreaded Cherry Blossom tree, or certain food items) can be very important. Anti-inflammatory drugs like antihistamines or steroids are sometimes necessary. Special diets can help control food allergies. Some homeopathic remedies can also be beneficial.

Alleviating the symptoms of upper respiratory congestion in a cat is particularly important, since a cat’s nose is essential to their existence. Cats are “obligate nasal breathers” – they need to breathe through their nose. They also need to smell their food in order to be enticed to eat. Many cats respond well to using a cool mist nebulizer to keep the airways clear and moist. It’s important to speak with your vet if you suspect your cat has allergies, and discuss all of the options available (ranging from homeopathic remedies to medications) to keep her symptom-free during allergy season.

Editor’s note: Some cats are very sensitive to any changes in cat food, either flavor or brand. If your cat has diarrhea that lasts more than a day or two, be sure to see your veterinarian to determine the cause. There could be other causes. When switching brands, I like to gradually mix a little of the new brand to the old brand over a few days for a smoother transition.