Is your cat itching, coughing, and scratching more frequently than usual? These symptoms should not be ignored as it can be a clear case of allergies. Cats with allergy symptoms do not behave like perfectly normal cats. Vomiting, swollen paws, diarrhea, snoring, excessive licking, ear infections, and dry skin are other symptoms of allergies. Some pet owners are confused, they often wonder “What can I give my cat for allergies?” 

Cats can also be sensitive about something in their environment just like humans. Some pet owners take these allergies lightly and often ignore them but if these allergies are ignored for a long time, then they can cause some serious long-term damage. Cats can face trouble breathing, their skin color may feel a little reddish, and there can be serious consequences for their dermatological, respiratory, or gastrointestinal health. 

The first step to know for sure whether your cat is actually suffering from allergies or not is to get them diagnosed medically. If they are diagnosed with allergies then you can further proceed with the treatment.

What are the Types of Allergies in Cats? 

Allergies in cats are categorized into several types, let’s take a look thoroughly:

Atopic Dermatitis 

Are you seeing symptoms like hair loss, skin sores, or redness on the skin of your furry pal? Then your cat may have developed this condition known as atopic dermatitis. This is one of the most common skin conditions that may occur to your cat because of allergies. 

Environmental Allergies 

This may come as a shock to some people who are cat owners but not for a very long period, but your cat may be allergic to some of the household products like perfume, cigarettes, and particular cleaning products. Bad news for chain smokers, but they might need to consider quitting smoking for the health of their pets (also other loved ones). Grass, mold, dust, and fungi are other common factors that contribute to environmental allergies in pets.

Flea Allergies 

Long-time cat owners know for a fact that they need to take care of their furry pal out in the woods otherwise cats may expose themselves to fleas, ticks, bees, wasps, and a variety of insects. The external parasite known as the flea is very likely to sting your cat when it is busy playing in the grass. The sting may not just affect a certain portion of the cat’s body, but the entire body. Saliva from a flea bite is very dangerous. You should immediately consult a vet if you are aware that your cat has flea allergies so that the damage can be controlled. 

Food Allergies 

There is no doubt about the cats’ love for meat. As much as your furry friend likes to have meat, certain meat types should be out of its reach, like pork, chicken and beef. The most common sources of protein like dairy or eggs can also react adversely with a cat’s body. If your cat is allergic to certain foods then it is not very tough to diagnose. Signs like hair loss, redness on the skin, rashes or excessive dandruff are evident enough. 

How to Treat a Cat With Allergies 

Now that we have discussed various types of allergies, let's learn more about how to treat a cat with allergies.

OTC (Over the Counter) Medicines for Cat Allergies

There are some medicines for cat allergies for which you don't need a prescription, such medicines are known as OTC medicines. Antihistamines are among one of the most common OTC medicines, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, and clemastine are some of the most common examples of antihistamines. If you ever wonder “What can I give my cat for skin allergies?” but do not have time for a medical prescription, you know what you need to do now. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Some people are confused about “What can I give my cat for skin allergies?”Omega-3 supplements are your answer! Fish oil supplements help to reduce skin allergies in cats. Appropriate dosage of Omega-3 fatty acids can also protect against common skin allergies. EPA and DHA are the most common types of Omega-3 fatty acids for cats but you still should ask the vet for what type of fatty acids you should provide to your cat, and in what dosage. 

Prescription Medicines 

If your cat is severely affected by allergies then you shouldn’t waste your time with OTC medicines. Just make an appointment with a vet near you for prescription topical treatments, prescription oral treatments, or allergy shots, whatever suits your pet the best. The combination of corticosteroid, an antibiotic, and antifungal, generally known as Animax Ointment is prescribed by vets for itchy or infected skin. 

When it comes to prescription oral treatments, Apotica and Apoquel are some of the most known medicines but they can not be provided without a prescription. How much dosage should be given, and at what time, should be discussed with a veterinarian? In case your cat can not tolerate oral medications, and you are worried about “What can I give my cat for allergies”, you can talk to your veterinarian about giving them allergy shots.

How to Get Rid of Cat Allergies Naturally?

Apart from prescribed or OTC medicines, there are some ways to treat your cats for allergies in the home. You must be wondering how to get rid of cat allergies naturally so let’s get right to the point. Providing a soothing bath can actually do wonders if your cat is infected by fleas or ticks. Taking care of your cat might not be enough, you also need to take care of your surroundings and make your home as hypoallergenic as possible by installing a decent air cleaner with a good HEPA filter and cleaning fabric surfaces regularly. 

Adding fish oil and probiotics to the diet of your cat can also provide great results if you are looking for how to help cat allergies naturally. Provide your cat with some kind of clothing to cover their itchy areas. The clothing will act as a physical blocker in this case. You can find pet clothes and other Pet Supplies if you are confused about “what can I give my cat for allergies” on PetYupp's website.