CAT ALLERGIES: SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

Why do cats sneeze? Like humans, allergy in cats is common as well. Allergies in cats results from an immune response against allergens or allergy-triggering substances that enter their immediate environment. 

Cat food allergies or when cat has a cold are frequently caused by cats and allergies agents that are accidentally ingested by your feline, as well as when they breathe or touch allergy-inducing substances that are causes of cats sneezing. 

Cat allergies in cats can often result in harmless, yet annoying cat allergy symptoms such as cat sneezes, runny eyes and nose, excessive scratching, diarrhoea and vomiting, causing cat parents to worry why do cats sneeze during cats and allergies?

WHAT ARE ALLERGIES IN CATS?

Wondering why do cats sneeze? When an allergen enters the cat’s system, it triggers the immune system, causing an allergic reaction. For instance, when the cat has a cold, itchy skin, cat sneezes, or runny nose accompanied by watery eyes. Although most allergies and causes of cats sneezing do not call for professional intervention, but cats and allergies can be annoying for your feline friend, causing them to continuously lick, chew and bite their fur, which might result in hair loss and further discomfort. 

As cat parents, it might be upsetting to see your adorable fur baby in discomfort from the causes of cats sneezing or cat food allergies. But allergies are common in cats and they do not impose any lasting or mortal risk to their overall health. Having said that, allergies, including cat food allergies are a life-long condition that cannot be permanently treated or prevented. So, it is wiser to consult a veterinarian if your furry munchkin is suffering, making you question why do cats sneeze?

TYPE OF ALLERGIES IN CATS

Veterinarians recognise these six major types of allergies in cats

• Food allergy - Cat food allergies are common occurrences in cats and allergies, resulted from ingesting certain ingredients present in the food that are perceived as a threat by the cat’s immune system.
• Flea allergy - Flea and tick bites can also led to flea dermatitis, an cats and allergies reaction that may result in itchy skin and also cause cat sneezes and runny nose.
• Atopic allergy - atopic allergy in cats is frequently caused when cats come in contact with any allergen present in their immediate environment, including pollens, dirt, weeds, and molds.
• Allergic bronchitis, or feline asthma - Allergenic bronchitis or feline asthma can be triggered when your cat inhales an allergen they are sensitive to, including mold, dust, and pollen.

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES IN CATS

• FOOD ALLERGY

  Food allergies are known to cause cat allergy symptoms such as diarhoea, vomiting, flatulence, and hypersalivation. Severe cases of cat food allergies may also result in itchiness around face, neck, and head.

• ATOPIC DERMATITIS

  Atopic dermatitis in cats can result in food allergy-like symptoms, in addition to cat sneezes and even conjunctivitis.

• FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS

  Flea allergy in cats is known to affect the skin, causing intense itching around the head and neck, as well as in the abdomen and inner thighs. This can result in cats excessively scratching, chewing, or rubbing the affected area to relieve the itch.

• ALLERGIC BRONCHITIS

  Allergic bronchitis is characterized by cat sneezes, runny nose, and ocular discharge. Severe cases of allergy in cats bronchitis may not just be limited to cat sneezes, but can also cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing.

HOW ARE ALLERGIES IN CATS TREATED?

Cat allergies in cats can be prevented by controlling the allergens from entering your cat’s environment in the first place, by:

• Using veterinarian-approved flea and tick control
• Using dust-free cat litter
• Bathing your cat to relieve itching
• Keeping your home clean of dirt and dust
• Providing your cat with a healthy diet
• Washing your cat’s bedding regularly

CONCLUSION

As cat parents, watching our fur babies suffering from cat allergies can be worrisome, causing us to wonder why do cats sneeze? However, before you rush to the veterinarian every time your kitty has cat allergies, it is important to note that allergy in cats are common, and there are no failsafe ways to cure cat sneezes and cat allergies in cats. 

Allergy in cats are annoying but they do not pose any mortal risk to your adorable furry munchkin and cat allergies usually subside within days without any medical intervention. However, as a responsible cat parent, time and commitment to your fur baby’s well-being and monitoring their reactions can help them get over their allergy.