just sayin 2
ha
prefer dogs to cats btw
reiterating
rbkwp
keeping himself occupied with animal stress relief while volcanoes are exploding in this scary olde world of ours ... 2020 huh
How to treat cats with allergies
If your cat has allergies, here are expert tips to help them survive the itching and scratching.
MORIEKA JOHNSON
October 15, 2015, 8:48 a.m.
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If your kitty suffers from allergies, playing in the pollen-filled outdoors isn't a great idea. (Photo: Tiplyashina Evgeniya/Shutterstock)
While most of us reach for the medicine cabinet when the
pollen count begins to rise, it’s a little hard to relieve allergy symptoms when you lack opposable thumbs.
So what's an itchy cat to do?
If your cat has allergies, our experts have tips to help them survive allergy season without a scratch, sneeze or sniffle.
Monitor the pollen count
Dr. Drew Weigner, a board-certified feline veterinary specialist and owner of
The Cat Doctor in Atlanta, notices more clients seeking relief for their feline friends when the high pollen count rises. But he adds that few cats actually suffer from seasonal allergies; they simply sneeze more due to physical irritation from pollen. If you notice excessive sneezing, monitor the
allergy forecast in your area and keep cats inside when pollen piles up outside.
To reduce the amount of pollen tracked into your home, remove shoes at the door or invest in a thick welcome mat.
Watch for allergy symptoms
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Itching and scratching are the most obvious signs of a kitty allergy. (Photo: iamreal-kobzeva/Shutterstock)
If your cat does suffer from allergies, it won’t be much of a secret. Dr. Weigner said that itchy cats typically get skin conditions due to the release of an immunoglobulin called IgE. It’s found in certain cells that are more common in cats’ skin.
As a result, Dr. William Carlson of
Intown Animal Hospital in Atlanta said cats with allergies typically show signs of hair loss, as well as scabs or open sores. Discharge in the ears or excessive scratching also are common symptoms.
Don’t raid the medicine cabinet: Resist the urge to sneak a few Benadryl capsules into your cat’s kibble. While certain
antihistamines may be used to treat cats with allergic skin disease, Carlson warned that pet owners should
never give a cat medication without consulting a veterinarian first.
"Each patient is different and medications are determined on an individual basis based on a physical exam," Weigner said. If your cat has serious allergy symptoms, call the vet. You’re better off safe than sorry.
Topical solutions provide limited relief
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A bath can be a great way to wash off pollen...if you can get your cat into the tub. (Photo:
Devin Prewitt/flickr)
Carlson said soap-free allergy shampoo and cool water can relieve symptoms by reducing pollen and mold spore counts on the cat’s skin. But that means
getting a cat into a tub, which may be the hardest task of all.
Cat allergy treatment can be costly
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Your veterinarian can perform allergy testing and prescribe steroid injections or medication. (Photo: Lubava/Shutterstock)
Regular steroid injections safely and effectively relieve symptoms for cats with allergies, said Weigner. But he noted that potentially serious side effects make this option the least desirable form of treatment.
How to treat cats with allergies
