Ringworm (dermatophytosis) may need to be ruled out by culturing skin and fur samples. implementing thorough flea control) are often needed to completely rule out skin parasites. Some primary veterinarians my prefer to refer you to a vet with a particular interest in dermatology (a veterinary dermatologist) for some or all of this work up to be done. If the food allergy is manifesting as itchy skin, your veterinarian may suggest a number of skin tests to investigate the problem. If gastrointestinal disease is the issue, then a thorough all over examination is important. Affected areas may include the armpits (axillae), groin (inguinal area), under the tail (perianal), around the eyes (periocular), around the mouth (perioral) as well as the ears and head. Reddened areas (erythema), nettle-sting-like rashes (papules and wheals) and excoriations (areas of self-damage by scratching) may be seen. If itchy skin is the manifestation of the food allergy, particular attention will be paid to examining the skin, noting the precise nature and pattern of the lesions in the skin, including itchy areas and areas of hair loss. Your veterinarian will check your cat over carefully. If the food allergy is causing gastrointestinal signs, the same principles apply: a thorough dietary history is essential. A good dietary history is essential, with close scrutiny of the cat’s diet, including details of all current and previous pet foods, the precise type of food, snacks, treats, medications, and toys. Itchiness caused by food allergy tends to happen all year round, while other types of allergic skin disease (eg atopy, or environmental allergies) may be seasonal (eg related to pollens). There are other causes of the same types of signs as food allergies, and this history will help to differentiate the various possible causes. sneezing, coughing, other signs of illness) to gain a full picture of the cat’s health. Your vet will discuss every aspect of your cat’s health and lifestyle. Your vet can help you to identify and resolve the underlying cause of your cat’s cough. Eosinophilic granuloma (raised areas of pink, sore-looking skin also known as eosinophilic plaques)Ī cat coughing doesn’t always necessitate a trip to the vet, but in some cases, a vet visit may be essential.Miliary dermatitis (roughened patches of scabby skin).Recurrent skin lesions and skin infections (pyoderma).Pruritus (itchiness, scratching all over, licking the feet, etc.). Symptoms Of Food Allergies In CatsĬlinical signs associated with food allergies include: Still, in most cases, there are no known specific causes, and food allergies are not more common in some breeds than others. How Do Cats Get Food Allergies?Īffected cats may have a genetic predisposition to develop this allergy-based condition. They are also a common cause of inflammatory bowel disease in cats, causing signs of gastrointestinal disturbance, such as vomiting and diarrhea. How Common Are Food Allergies?Ĭat food allergies are a common problem, causing 12 – 21% of cases of cats with itchy skin. Food allergies (also known as food sensitivity) are seen in dogs and cats, with dog food and cat food equally prone to provoking an allergic reaction. What Are Food Allergies?įood allergies in pets are allergic reactions to proteins in the food, with inflammation of various body parts following an allergic reaction to those proteins (allergens). This article aims to explain the details of cat food allergies and provide a simple, clear explanation of this common type of allergic disease for pet owners.
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