7 signs of a cat allergic reaction: all that a pet parent should know

Just as humans, cats may experience an allergic reaction known as a type I -hypersensitivity reaction.

This happens when your cat's immune system identifies a foreign substance as a threat and responds by release inflammatory chemicals, such as prostaglandin, cytokines, heparin and histamine, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling or itching.

Allergic reactions usually occur within seconds to minutes after exposure to the allergen, which may include insect stitching or pieces, food ingredients, chemicals, pollen, dust and more.

Depending on the severity of the reaction, the symptoms can be located to a specific body region, such as skin or gastrointestinal (GI) channel, or the entire body can be affected, with potentially significant and life -threatening implications.

Although the cause of a CAT allergic reaction may often be unknown, the treatment will always be focused on symptomatic care.

CAT -allergic reactions are not so common.

However, since they can pose a significant risk, you should seek immediate medical care if you think your cat is suffering from an allergic reaction.

7 signs of cat -allergic reactions

Let's look at the seven most common signs of an allergic reaction.

1. Itching skin and scratches

Also called atopia or atopic dermatitis, itchy skin and scratches can occur when cats are sensitive to environmental allergies.

Affected cats can scrape excessively, leading to hair loss and bald spots, red or crispy skin and secondary skin infections. This reaction can take time to develop.

2. Sneeches and eyes/nose emissions

Sneezing and eye or nasal discharge – or allergic rhinitis – is seen less common allergy symptoms in cats. Allergic rhinitis is usually seasonal, so the symptoms come and go depending on the seasons.

3. Vomiting and diarrhea

Often associated with a food allergy, vomiting and diarrhea can occur with blood or without blood and are often accompanied by nausea and slicing.

The most common food allergens in cats are beef and chicken. Food allergies can occur year -round; However, vomiting and diarrhea can also be symptoms of an allergic reaction throughout the body.

4. Behavioral changes

Cats suffering from allergies can show signs such as reduced responsiveness or restlessness.

5. Face swelling and hives

If you notice that your cat fur stands up in different areas of the body, they may suffer from hives as a result of an allergic reaction.

H fever can also be located on the face, especially around the eyes, which can be serious enough to affect vision. Facial swelling and beehives often take longer to develop.

6. Difficulty difficulties

The first signs of a severe allergic reaction in cats include:

These symptoms develop because a cat's airway is limited.

If your cat shows any signs of breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical treatment.

7. Collapse

Possibly changes in blood pressure, collapse or seizures may occur in a cat suffering from a severe allergic reaction.

These symptoms guarantee immediate medical care.

What to do if your cat has an allergic reaction

In general, you should seek veterinary attention if you think your cat is suffering from an allergic reaction.

While some symptoms – such as scratches or mild hives – do not require emergency care, others – such as breathing problems and collapse – do.

Since allergy symptoms are often unclear and can quickly develop to become life -threatening, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention.

How veterinarians treat cat allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are often diagnosed based on the cat's signs and symptoms and treated supportive.

Blood pressure and blood work are often evaluated to guide treatment decisions.

Since not all cases are obvious, it is important that you notify the veterinary team about your cat drugs, as well as any changes in diet or environment.

Depending on the severity of your cat's reaction, your veterinarian can provide a variety of medications – usually through an IV – to treat the symptoms. The medications most commonly used include:

• Steroids. Prednisolone, Depo-Medrol and other anti-inflammatory medicines help with the long-term effects of swelling and inflammation.

• Antihistamines. Difenhydramine and Famotidine act against histamine, an inflammatory mediator, and are often used to reduce some of the GI and skin symptoms associated with allergic reactions.

Additional therapies include:

In rare cases, your cat may require a respiratory tube to keep the airway open and facilitate simpler and effective breathing.

Cats that have an allergic reaction are often recommended to stay in hospitals for one or two days as symptoms can recur or worsen.

How to prevent cat allergic reactions

Unfortunately, CAT -allergic reactions are difficult to prevent, especially if you do not know what your cat is allergic to. The cats' naturally curious behavior can make it even more difficult.

However, you can mitigate your cat's risk through:

• Inspects your cat frequently. Sometimes you can find evidence, such as a small bolt, insect stories or puncture wounds when brushing or combing your cat and can seek a doctor right away.